For a comparatively new model to our shores, Genesis dropping a compact electrical SUV at nicely over $100,000 on the highway is a assured flex.
Comparable in dimension to a BMW X1, this GV60 Lux unquestionably bubbles over with fancy options and status finishes, and affords a degree of exclusivity so absent with the now ubiquitous (however far cheaper) Tesla Mannequin Y.
Within the metallic the GV60’s a quite low slung, compact looker. Definitely not as imposing or visually arresting as the vast majority of Genesis choices the place large grilles, large proportions and large blingy rims are the norm.
Based mostly on Hyundai’s E-GMP EV structure, it’s a twin motor all-wheel-drive providing 234kW and 605Nm. Vary is 470km (WLTP) because of its 77.4kW battery.
This setup is shared with twin motor variations of the (less expensive) Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6.
However the Genesis GV60 distances itself from its mainstream model cousins with an over-indulgence of luxurious and speaking factors…
It’s brimming with unbelievable options
Good grief the cabin of this factor is mind-bending.
The centre console hosts a ‘Crystal Sphere’ drive selector. On coming into the automotive, this orb glows like an intricately weaved electrical hob (in the event you select orange/purple as your ambient gentle). Flip the automotive on and this entertaining sphere rolls round to disclose your drive-by-wire gear selector.
Okay GV60, you have got my consideration.
Ambient colors additionally illuminate the door innards like a metropolis gentle set up, whereas looming massive in every A-pillar on the dashboard sides are digital screens to exchange door mirrors. Extra on them later.
Seats are attractive Nappa leather-based appointed with a quilted sample, there’s suede on the pillars and headlining, whereas the sprint, door trim and console are additionally slathered in leather-based.
Our take a look at automotive actually feels unashamedly Center East spec, with Monstera inexperienced color for the sprint and door tops, and Glacier white for every thing else. Serving to the vibe are aluminium trim garnishes, copper stitching and copper accented air vents.
The entire expertise oozes indulgent luxurious, but when our color scheme’s too chintzy, an Obsidian black cabin’s your extra introvert choose.
Eighteen (!) method energy reminiscence seats are ridiculously snug, heated and ventilated (massaging for driver), and you end up caressing the Nappa and suede because it all feels so very plush.
Even the sunshade overlaying the fastened glass roof reveals off by opening like theatre curtains.
Much less great is the sense of area. In comparison with the Tardis-like Hyundai Ioniq 5, the GV60 feels extra intimate sales space than lounge-out boudoir.
The rear seats are deliciously cozy with big recline and can warmth your again and bum, however the GV60’s rear leg and head room show cosy for adults. Not what we’ve come to count on from devoted EV-platform vehicles.
There’s next-level expertise
There’s ample theatre with automated flush door handles coming out when unlocking. The cost port door additionally electrically rises with a mild faucet, whereas the GV60 can self-park utilizing the smartkey. All neat tips to indicate off to family and friends.
A brace of 12.3-inch screens cowl your infotainment and built-in digital cockpit with an in-cluster navigation view; there’s an enormous head-up show with augmented actuality navigation and 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio (it’s belting).
You can begin the automotive by touching your (pre-authorised) fingerprint on a small pad within the centre console. And whereas our older GV60 didn’t but have the function, from Might this 12 months it launched Face Join for “true keyless comfort.”
Principally, a digital camera within the driver’s facet door trim recognises your mug, unlocks the automotive and prompts personalised seat, steering wheel, mirrors and infotainment settings.
I’m an enormous fan of the GV60’s V2L (Automobile to Load) functionality, the place it supplies AC energy. There’s a family socket beneath the rear seats (I plugged the Nespresso machine in right here), and one other on the cost cable, superb for issues like an electrical bike. Or beer fridge.
Its superior 800V electrical system additionally makes it one of many quickest charging EVs out there.
Cost at as much as 240kW when utilizing a 350kW/800V chargerand 10-80 % cost arrives in as little as 18 minutes, this including greater than 300km of vary.
Digital mirrors usually are not the reply
I’ve given them an opportunity on the Audi e-tron and the Hyundai Ioniq 6, but it surely’s time to confess digital mirrors are a expertise too far.
The Genesis effort is healthier than Audi’s because the screens are massive, huge and within the appropriate place to your eyes to naturally look for rear views.
However an electrical Genesis needs to be about relaxed driving, absolutely? On the freeway, at 110km/h, your peripheral imaginative and prescient is completely distracted by the flashing by of different vehicles, highway indicators and highway markings in these rattling screens.
You possibly can by no means swap off, and it turns into bothersome. Lately, actual luxurious needs to be about escaping screens.
And what if one malfunctions, or will get knocked off? Not solely will it’s bloody costly to restore, however will the automotive go into limp mode because it deems it unlawful to drive with no rear view?
It’s good however not nice to drive
For extra sports-orientated EVs, I see the temptation to go the GV60 Efficiency mannequin and indulge in additional energy and sooner acceleration.
However the GV60 and all its palatialness feels higher suited to quiet, swift progress quite than something as vulgar as a visitors gentle Grand Prix.
With its twin motors, all-wheel-drive and 0-100km/h dash time of 5.5 seconds, there’s actually no want for extra. The GV60’s speedy off the mark withan immediate torque hit, steering’s gentle and simple, whereas general cabin serenity on the town and at pace is marvellous.
However journey high quality at instances simply doesn’t fairly befit its luxurious leanings. I used to be anticipating the last word in refinement, however on poorer stretches of highway it might really feel jittery quite than effortlessly smoothing out the tough stuff.
The pricier Efficiency grade options adaptive Digital Management Suspension the place it scans the highway forward to arm itself for the required damping. Maybe this needs to be a separate value choice?
Dealing with and steadiness are spectacular with out the GV60 ever feeling correctly enjoyable, and it doesn’t take a lot for this heavy (2160kg) SUV to get its tyres tweeting. Preserve issues easy and wise and this Genesis is at its greatest, and progress can nonetheless be speedy.
After over 1000km of testing the vitality use was 18.1kWh/100km – under the official determine. As soon as once more, Genesis and Hyundai show they’re most likely probably the most dependable on the subject of precisely sticking by their vary declare.
There’s the fee difficulty…
Our Genesis GV60 Efficiency evaluate could be discovered right here, however this GV60 Lux is the $7000 cheaper choose for many who don’t want their luxurious small SUV to hit 100km/h in 4 seconds flat.
The GV60 Efficiency has a mighty 360kW/700Nm on faucet, however you’re taking a look at round $123,000 drive-away. That appears foolish when a combustion luxe-dripping range-topping Genesis GV80 massive SUV prices much less.
Not that our GV60 Lux is reasonable. At round $116,000 on the highway it’s pricier than a bigger BMW iX3 Electrical.
Then there’s the Tesla Mannequin Y phenom. Additionally bigger, a similar-performance Lengthy Vary is about $83,000 on the highway, and a speedy Efficiency about $92,000. An enormous worth distinction versus a GV60.
The Genesis could trump the above for luxurious inclusions, however its worth is difficult.
Not least when a high-spec dual-motor Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq AWD – which shares the GV60’s E-GMP EV structure – is a few $20,000 cheaper.
However there’s worth to be discovered…
Credit score the place it’s due, in an period of dull-as-hell color palette decisions (see each Tesla), the GV60 has a quite dazzling paintbox to select from, all for no additional value.
Ours is fresh-looking Hanauma Mint, whereas there’s a burgundy, cooper, darkish blue, and shiny purple to go along with the standard monochrome choice.
You possibly can select between 5 years of complimentary Chargefox public charging, or a free AC wallbox residence charger with complimentary set up topic to circumstances.
The GV60 comes with a 5 12 months/limitless kilometre guarantee, 5 years complimentary servicing, an eight-year high-voltage battery guarantee and 10 years of road-side help and map updates.
The underside line is…
Any small SUV at this worth will stay a distinct segment providing, however the GV60 revels in such exclusivity.
A spectacular luxurious cabin and outrageous high-tech package mix with a confirmed platform to ship an EV that’s a pleasure to stay with.
It’s an excessive amount of cash, however what a splendidly flippant method to spend.
Genesis GV60 Luxurious specs
Worth: $106,370 plus on-road prices
Fundamentals: EV, 5 seats, 5 doorways, SUV, AWD
Vary: 470km (WLTP)
Battery capability: 77.4kWh (74kWh usable), WLTP
Battery guarantee: Eight years
Vitality consumption: 18.8kWh/100km
Motors: 1 entrance, 1 rear, 234kW/605Nm
AC charging: 10.5kW, Sort 2 plug
DC charging: 240kW, CCS combo plug