The Genesis GV60 brings something new to the market for mid-sized EV crossovers. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This the car that should properly establish the Genesis brand, the all-electric GV60. It's yet another mid-sized EV with premium aspirations. But in this case, there's some really clever new technology to back up the hype.

Background

You might by now have some vague recognition for the Genesis brand, the Hyundai Motor Group's premium car maker. But it's probably quite unlikely that you can picture one of its products. The company needs a definitive model; and this is it, the GV60. It's the Genesis brand's sixth European market model and its third EV offering - the others are the slightly larger GV70 electric crossover and the G80 electric large luxury saloon. The GV60 though, is the model that will sell in the numbers Genesis needs for better European recognition. It uses the engineering already seen in the Hyundai IONIQ5 and the Kia EV6 - so e-GMP platform, advanced 800V electrical architecture and 73kWh battery pack. But this GV60 also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve - as we're going to see.

Driving Experience

There are some drive features here we haven't seen before here, but they don't apply to the base 'Premium' and mid-range 'Sport' models that most GV60 customers will choose. All models in the range feature the same 73kWh battery pack, with the entry-level 'Premium' variant using it to drive a 225bhp motor on the rear axle, this confection delivering 280 mile range. Next up is the mid-range 'Sport' version, which has a 215bhp motor on the rear axle and a further 99bhp motor at the front, creating an AWD model with 314bhp of total power output, 605Nm of torque and a 248 mile range. The new stuff is saved for the top 'Sport Plus' variant, which borrows its potent 429bhp Dual Motor AWD powertrain from the uber-rapid Kia EV6 GT. As a result, a GV60 'Sport Plus' will sprint to 62mph in just four seconds, though if you exercise that acceleration frequently, you won't get anywhere near the claimed 228 mile range figure. Stuff we haven't seen before but featuring on this 'Sport Plus' model includes a 'Boost Mode' that you activate via a button on the steering wheel, which gives the car an extra 54bhp and 95Nm of pulling power for easier overtaking. The second unique feature is a 'Drift Mode' - which you might think a little weird on an electric SUV. This alters the torque split of the All-Wheel Drive system to send more power to the rear motor and maximises the impact of the GV60's electronic limited slip differential.

Design and Build

There's certainly the required family resemblance to other Genesis models here - the split-level headlamps are similar to those of the G70. But there's no imposing Bentley-esque radiator grille for the GV60 of the sort that features on the company's other models. Instead, this appendage is blanked off to improve aerodynamics. There's a clamshell bonnet; and door handles pop out, as do cameras which replace conventional door mirrors, these linked to a couple of screens inside. The cabin feels airy and minimalistic; it can be quite up-market too, further up the range. Chevron and lozenge-shaped design themes dominate and the floating centre console is inset with kind of in-lit crystal ball - the 'Crystal Sphere'. Get in and it initially seems like a design feature but power up and this flips over to reveal the gear selector. There are two 12.3-inch screens, one in the middle of the fascia for the infotainment functions and the other for the instrument gauges. The car can also wirelessly receive upgrades, not only for media functions but for things like the suspension, the brakes, drive assistance technology, the steering system and the central 'brain' that controls the car's EV motors and charging set-up. Rear seat passenger space isn't that generous, but a couple of adults would probably be fine for all but the longest journeys. Out back, there's a 432-litre boot and you don't have to clutter it up with charge leads because there's also a 53-litre 'frunk' compartment beneath the bonnet where you can put those (though that reduces to 20-litres in size with the All-Wheel Drive model).

Market and Model

It's a pretty simple pricing structure. From launch, and at the time of this test in Spring 2024, prices started at just over £54,000 for the base rear-driven 'Premium' model, from around £58,500 for mid-range AWD 'Sport'-spec and from around £67,500 for the top AWD 'Sport Plus. All variants use the same 77.4kWh battery. Most customers will probably prefer to acquire the car on some kind of PCP finance or subscription deal. You can sign up for one with Genesis that will cover you for everything in one inclusive payment. Genesis doesn't have a network of UK dealerships. Instead, everything is done via so-called Genesis 'Studios' - which will be shopfronts in upmarket shopping centres. One has already been opened in London and others will follow. But you don't have to go to one of those. You simply connect with Genesis online, then you'll be allocated your own Genesis Personal Assistant who'll take you through the sales process, from test drive to delivery - and they'll deal with after-care as well. This Assistant isn't won't be salaried on commission as an ordinary car salesperson would be, so you won't get any hard sell.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the 77.4kWh battery pack's driving range figures in our 'Driving Experience' section; 280 miles for the rear-driven 'Premium'-spec model, 248 miles for the All-Wheel Drive 'Sport' variant and 228 miles for the top 'Sport Plus' performance derivative. 350kW rapid-charging is possible from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes. Hook up to a conventional 11kW wallbox and you'll need 7 hours and 20 minutes for a 10-80% charge. Genesis is also talking about introducing a wireless charging mat (for the whole car, not your 'phone) during this model's production life that you just drive over to charge it, removing the faff of attaching leads. Like every Genesis, this one is covered by a 5 year Care Plan which includes scheduled servicing for 5 years or 50,000 miles. With each service visit, Genesis will collect and return the car to your door. This also applies to any necessary work required, including warranty work. You simply contact your Genesis Personal Assistant to make it happen. Who can also arrange a courtesy car. The 5 year Care Plan also includes updates to in-car navigational maps. And there's complimentary subscription to Genesis Connected Services, which will allow you to access information services from your 'phone to digitally enhance your ownership experience.

Summary

This, as intended, will surely be the car that establishes Genesis in the European market. Though it shares so much with Kia and Hyundai EVs we've seen before, it also feels very much its own car, different, interesting and innovative. And there's a real opportunity for Genesis here given that EV customers have far more of a clean slate perspective and are far less likely to simply default to the old established brands. Certainly, for those wanting to try something new, the GV60 really does deliver. If you're going to switch to EV, why not make a completely fresh start? This car provides exactly that.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Laminated front side glass

Automatic window defogger

Power front and rear windows with auto down/up

Laminated rear glass

Windshield acoustic film

Rear side and backlite privacy glass

Acoustically insulated rear glazing

Brakes

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

ABS + ESC + HAC + MCB (Multi Collision Brake)

19" front brake ventilated disc

19" rear brake ventilated disc

Unpainted silver colour brake caliper E-type

Smart regenerative braking

TSA (Trailer Stability Assist)

Chassis/Suspension

Electronically controlled suspension

Rear performance damper

Front high performance damper

Communication

E-call

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

Drive mode select

Manual speed limit assist (MSLA)

Lighting backup guidelines

Lane keeping assist (LKA)

SCC smart cruise control with stop and start

Drive mode integrated control

Drift mode

Digital key 2.0

Driver Convenience

Wireless phone charger

Electric rear tailgate opening and height adjustable

Driver Information

12.3" TFT LCD (CLU) integrated display + Rheostat

Driving Mirrors

Outside electrical folding rear mirror

Electrochromic inside rear view mirror

Outside rear mirrors electrical adjustment + heated

Glossy black paint (C-Type) door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Leatherette dashboard

Engine

Battery saver function

Battery heating system

Battery HV extend

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio remote control

Tweeter + external AMP and front centre speaker

Front door speakers

Rear door low speakers

2 USB rear

12.3" Navi LCD display + DAB radio + TMS

GENESIS Touch Controller

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Body coloured outside door handles

Exterior door handle - Flush auto

Rear side wing doors

Rear roof spoiler with high mounted LED stop lamp

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

Auto headlights

LED rear combination lamps

LED rear stop lamp

LED rear fog lamps

Puddle lamps with logo

Auto high beam + dusk sensor

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Front air condition with dual zone adjustment

Premium air filter

PTC heater

Premium charcoal cabin filter

Heat pump system

Particulate matter sensor & air purification system

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Manual rear side blinds

Rear luggage cover

Heated steering wheel

Paddle shifter

Drink holder at centre armrest

Power outlet for trunk

Power outlet for rear (lower centre console)

Finger print reader authentication

Standard pedals

USB charger front console (2 port)

Electric tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory function

Multi folding luggage board

Crystal sphere gear selector

Face connect facial recognition

Virtual gearshift

Electric driver cushion Tilt-up

Aluminium interior garnish - Digital dots

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting in foot area

Enhanced full-spectrum mood lighting system

Packs

Innovation pack - GV60

Trailer pack - GV60

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3x3 point rear seat belts

Driver knee airbag

Front center side airbags

Driver and passenger airbag

ISOFIX rear child anchor with upper and lower

Manual rear side curtain

Forward collision avoidance system (car/pedestrian/bicycle)

Rear seat alert with sensors

Front thorax and pelvis + rear thorax curtain airbags

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

3 rear headrests

Ventilated front seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver seat ergo motion

60:40 split back folding rear seats

Electric lumbar support for driver

2nd row heating floor output

Electric lumbar support for passenger

Driver and passenger electric seat adjustment

Electric driver cushion extension

Driver seat side bolster and back cushion adjuster

Single front passenger seat

Up/down rear headrest adjustment

Up/down and sliding headrest adjustment

Ergo motion seats for driver massage function

Rear seat occupant alert

18-way electrically adjustable premium relaxation driver’s seat with memory function and electrically adjustable premium relaxation seat for passenger

Security

Immobiliser

CAT 1 alarm

Smart key/button start

Central door lock front and rear door lock/unlock

Manual child door lock + Deadlocks

Transmission

AWD

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Domestic cable 230V / 12A / 3.6kW

Type 2 cable 480V / 32A

400V/800V Charging Technology

Public charging cable (AC) Type 2

I Pedal

Wheels

Michelin tyres

Summer tyres pilot sport 4

Wheels - Alloy

20" Multi spoke 3D layered alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Temporary mobility kit (TMK)

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2060

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 440

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 73

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 18

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 350

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 120000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 77.4

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 636

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 470

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 395

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 292

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 350

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 66

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Sport Comfort/Innov

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 5

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 63

NCAP Safety Assist %: 88

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 318

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.5

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 318

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 234

Engine Power - RPM: 4400

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 446

Engine Torque - NM: 605

Engine Torque - MKG: 61.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MULTI SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4515

Width: 1890

Wheelbase: 2900

Width (including mirrors): 2150

Height: 1580

Height (including roof rails): 1590

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2170

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2595

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 425

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 432

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1460

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Matt paint

Metallic paint

Packs

Nappa leather seat pack - GV60

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Hanauma mint

Metallic - Storr green

Metallic - Makalu grey

Metallic - Vik black

Metallic - Savile silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Uyuni white

Pearl - Capri blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alta white

Paint - Special

Matt - Matterhorn white

Matt - Makalu grey

Matt - Storr green

Trim - Leather

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting and piping - Obsidian black with black suede headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting and piping - Dark gray/Glacier white with light gray suede headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting and piping - Monstera green/Camel beige with camel suede headlining

Nappa leather seat pack with quilting and piping - Monstera green/Glacier white with light gray suede headlining

Bio leatherette - Obsidian black

Bio leatherette - Dark grey/Glacier white