Anthony Fongaro
Hyundai Group has been producing some outstanding electric vehicles (EVs) lately. The Kia EV6 and Ioniq 5 are excellent choices in the EV market, offering great styling, performance, and expected range. Genesis, which is the luxury division of Hyundai, entered the electric vehicle arena with the GV60 about a year ago. It uses the same platform as its Kia and Hyundai counterparts but takes it to a more luxurious and powerful level. It’s still a delightful EV crossover, but can it compete with all the other newcomers?
All Hyundai EVs have distinctive styling, and the GV60 stands out from its siblings with its unique design language, featuring dual headlights and tail lights that evoke the Genesis aesthetic. Its SUV coupe-like appearance offers both advantages and drawbacks. At the front, a prominent grille houses numerous safety features, accompanied by signature Genesis-style headlights. The vehicle boasts a fixed panoramic sunroof and sleek pop-out door handles, although the small Shrek-like door mirrors may leave something to be desired. Finished in Hanauma Mint paint, the GV60 Performance model impresses with its black and silver design elements and trim, highlighted by a striking Z design at the rear pillar with a metal strip extending into the rear.
The rear of the GV60 is the only aspect of its exterior that doesn’t resonate with me, primarily due to the sloping shape and the presence of the spoiler, which unfortunately obstructs rear visibility while driving. Like many other vehicles on the market, the Genesis logo is prominently displayed in the center of the hatch alongside the GV60 moniker. Instead of fake exhausts, you’ll find reversing lights integrated into the design. Additionally, the trunk boasts automatic functionality, with the door handle neatly integrated at the bottom.
When I first saw the GV60 a few years ago, it took a little bit to appreciate, but I still prefer the aesthetics of the Kia EV6. Notably, a small black rectangle on the rear door catches attention, indicating the incorporation of biometrics and facial recognition by Genesis. While some owners may find this feature helpful, others may prefer traditional key usage. The vehicle also sports large 21-inch wheels with intricate designs, enhancing its visual appeal. Moreover, the key fob includes a smart park system, allowing the car to move forward and backward autonomously. While it may be seen as a gimmick, it undeniably adds a cool factor and surprises many users.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the luxurious interior with premium materials that exude opulence. Genesis consistently delivers exceptional interiors, and the GV60 is no exception, boasting one of the finest interiors in its class. As you grip the two-spoke steering wheel, you’ll find the familiar buttons for the infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. However, two small buttons labeled Drive Mode and Boost catch the eye, hinting at their significance, which we’ll delve into shortly. Additionally, paddle shifters are present to assist with regenerative braking, offering the option to coast or engage in one-pedal driving, a feature common in most electric vehicles. Furthermore, the car is equipped with a head-up display and a main display, providing comprehensive information on regenerative braking, charging status, power usage, range, speed limits, and drive power distribution.
Adjacent to the steering wheel sits the main infotainment system, boasting a sizable display that offers intuitive navigation and numerous customization options, ranging from EV mode settings to basic configurations. Upfront, wireless charging and two USB-C cables cater to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity. Genesis wisely opted to separate the climate controls from the infotainment system, accompanied by various shortcut buttons, simplifying operation. Being an electric vehicle, the GV60 boasts ample space, featuring a floating center console housing controls for heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. A rotary dial manages the infotainment system, supplemented by additional buttons for convenience.
The standout feature is the shifter, which transforms into a crystal display when the car is off, adding a touch of elegance. Upon starting the car, it switches to a rotary dial for functionality. Front and rear occupants enjoy ample space, with the driver able to adjust the passenger seat using buttons on its side. Notably, Genesis innovatively transformed the glove box into a drawer for easy access and organization. In the rear, legroom is sufficient, although the sloping rear design may limit headspace for taller individuals. Nonetheless, the GV60 boasts a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system, delivering rich bass for an enhanced audio experience.
Now, let’s delve into the core of the GV60, featuring a robust 77.4 kWh battery and dual motors generating 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive capability and this considerable power, the GV60 accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a short 3.7 seconds. The previously mentioned Drive Mode and Boost buttons are key to unlocking the full potential of the GV60. Drive Mode offers three options: Comfort, Sport, and Eco, providing varying degrees of performance and efficiency. Boost, on the other hand, unleashes the car’s full power potential, offering maximum acceleration and thrill. When it comes to charging, the GV60 can charge at a rate of up to 240 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes.
Overall, the GV60 is a fantastic electric vehicle with premium features and luxurious styling. It may not be the most practical EV on the market, but it certainly packs a punch and offers a unique driving experience.
