Electric Genesis GV60 SUV: prices, specs and prototype drive

• Based on the same platform as the Kia EV6
• Available with a choice of three powertrains and range of up to 321 miles
• Pre-orders are open now with prices starting from £47,005

The Genesis GV60 is the Korean luxury brand's first-ever EV and is available to pre-order now from £47,005. The coupé-style SUV has a range of up to 321 miles and is expected to arrive in showrooms before the end of 2022.

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Buyers can specify their new GV60 in one of three trim levels: Premium, Sport and Sport Plus. Pre-orders can be placed via the Genesis website for a fully refundable £1,000 deposit. The new car is set to rival the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron, plus it sits on the same ‘E-GMP’ underpinnings as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5; the Ioniq 5 has already scored 4.5 stars in our full review.

2022 Genesis GV60: prices, performance and range

The GV60 will be available with both rear and all-wheel drive at launch. Every version gets a 77.4kWh battery.

The range starts with the rear-wheel drive Premium model, which is powered by a single electric motor producing 222bhp with a range of up to 321 miles. As previously mentioned, this starts from £47,005.

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Above this the Sport variant starts from £53,605, and gains an additional electric motor on the front axle for four-wheel drive, which boosts power to 310bhp. In spite of the increased power, this model can officially return up to 292 miles on a charge.

At the top of the GV60 lineup, the Sport Plus variant starts from £65,405, and is capable of up to 289 miles. It boasts the same dual-motor powertrain, but with power increased to 423bhp. Genesis has also added a special Boost mode that increases power to 476bhp for a 10 second period, allowing for a 0-62mph time of four seconds, along with a Drift mode that gives the GV60 the more playful feel of a rear-wheel drive model. To help maximise range, both four-wheel drive models can automatically disengage the front motor to improve efficiency.

The GV60 also has a 800V electrical system, which allows for 350kW rapid charging. This means that, when connected to a DC rapid charger, a 10 to 80% recharge should take 18 minutes. The car can also be charged via a home or office wallbox at 11kW.

Design

In terms of appearance, the GV60 is a similar shape to the EV6 and uses the same split-level headlamps and large grille found on the brand’s G70 Shooting Brake. To help improve aerodynamic efficiency, the GV60 is equipped with pop-out door handles. Traditional door mirrors have also been replaced by rear-view cameras that are linked to two small screens mounted on the door cards, much like those found in the Honda e.

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The GV60 is the first Genesis to feature a clamshell bonnet, a single panel that combines the bonnet and bumpers. A chrome line flows from the windscreen a Daylight Opening (DLO) window, which extends the C-pillars. At the rear there is a fixed-wing spoiler and split-level taillights.

You will be able to choose between 14 different exterior colours, including the usual gloss and metallic, but also a variety of matte finishes. An outdoor pack will be available as an optional extra, allowing for external electrical devices to be powered from the car’s battery pack.

Interior and technology

Inside, the cabin is designed around the brand’s design ethos of “Beauty of White Space”, featuring a simple, spacious layout. The centre console appears to float between the driver’s and front passenger seat but the digital dial cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen look very similar to those found in the GV80 SUV. Full specifications will be confirmed later this year, but the brand has already said that standard technology will include wireless phone charging and a ‘Crystal Sphere’ gear selector, which can inform the driver of driving modes.

Genesis says the GV60 also benefits from a completely flat floor, increasing passenger and luggage space.

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Other new technology includes Genesis’s Fingerprint Authentication System, which is operated via the brand’s Digital Key 2 smartphone system, replacing the physical key. This means owners can open and start their cars with their fingerprint. Over-the-air (OTA) wireless updates also feature, with Genesis confirming that several of the car’s key systems can receive OTA updates, including the driver assistance suite, steering, suspension and brakes.

The GV60 also features active noise cancelling to help make the interior quieter on the move. To further aid comfort, the suspension is controlled by the ‘Road Preview’ system, which uses a camera and the car’s GPS location to adjust the suspension to maximise comfort.

Options will include upgrades for a variety of interior features, including a Bang & Olufsen audio package with 17-speakers. There will also be separate comfort packagest create a more relaxing cabin space with features such as fully reclining front seats. A panoramic sunroof to further brighten the interior space is also available..

Safety

The brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems safety suite comes as standard and includes smart cruise control, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, high beam assist, forward collision avoidance and emergency autonomous braking.

Genesis GV60 prototype review

A relatively unknown company seeking to charge around £50,000 for a new car is always going to raise a few eyebrows, however Genesis has seen some early success from its first foray into the UK market, with models such as the GV70 SUV being solid first attempts at facing up to pre-established opposition.

Genesis is Hyundai’s premium brand, sitting above the Korean manufacturer as Lexus does with Toyota. Looking to overthrow luxury German rivals such as BMW and Mercedes, Genesis allowed us to get behind the wheel of a prototype of its latest model: the electric GV60 SUV.

An electric SUV is perhaps the safest bet for any manufacturer at the moment because it plays into our crossover obsession while also remaining mindful of the pressing issue of sustainability. At face value, the GV60 seems to tick all of the necessary boxes for this class of car; but with strong big-name rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 e-tron, how does it stack up?

The GV60 shares many of its underpinnings with our favourite electric cars of the moment, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. We got to drive a top-spec Sport Plus model with a 77.4kWh battery, a claimed range of 289 miles and an eye-watering price of £65,404.

The first thing we noticed was the undeniable punch from the two electric motors. Together, these produce 421bhp, with one sitting on each axle to give the GV60 four-wheel drive. There is also an enticing-sounding ’Boost’ button which gives the car an extra 27bhp for around 10 seconds – perfect for overtaking on A-roads. That’s not to say it needs the extra kick, however, because despite its two-tonne bulk, the GV60 can manage 0-62mph in just four seconds.

This weight only becomes apparent if you encounter a bend at speed; the GV60’s body rolls around quite a bit, but the trick suspension set-up and limited-slip differential prevent things from getting out of hand. 

The GV60 makes use of the brand’s ‘Road Preview’ system, which has cameras to scan the road ahead for bumps and prepares the suspension accordingly to avoid too much intrusion in the cabin. This is a necessity because the 21-inch wheels fitted to our prototype vehicle made the ride rather firm. However, it is important to mention that given that this is a pre-production example, this issue may be ironed out by the time customers receive their cars.

To snare buyers away from the equivalent Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and Volvo C40, Genesis has gone a long way to make the interior feel just as special as premium rivals – perhaps even more so. The design is strikingly modern and the quality of the materials feels befitting of a car of this price tag.

Those familiar with the Kia EV6 and the new Sportage will instantly recognise the GV60’s infotainment system; it is just as slick here, with a simple layout and responsive screen.

Despite the GV60’s sloping roofline, there is ample head and legroom in the rear and the 432-litre boot should be enough for most buyers – it’s just a shame this is not bolstered by storage under the bonnet.

Verdict

The Genesis GV60 is proof that luxury family transport should not be left solely to the Germans. While it may not have the same badge bragging-rights as the equivalent BMW, the GV60 impresses with its fantastic electric powertrain and stunning interior. If Genesis is able to make the necessary tweaks to the chassis before launch, this could be among the best premium electric SUVs you can buy.

Not quite ready to go fully-electric? Check out our list of the Top 10 best hybrid SUVs