Genesis may be a manufacturer you aren’t entirely familiar with, mainly because they’ve previously been confined to Asia only. However, the luxury brand is actually a partner of the Hyundai-Kia group and is BIG on electric. In fact, the Genesis GV60 will be joining the European market from the latter end of 2022.
When we look at manufacturers that are doing well in the EV industry, like Kia, Hyundai and MG, they’re also the ones betting big on electric. Genesis is no different. They’ve already committed to producing only electric models from 2025, and ICE vehicles will be scrapped.
In fact, the Genesis GV60 will be hitting the UK market along with five other pure electric Genesis models. The GV60 is currently the entry point in Genesis’ line up, with the GV70 and GV80 covering the SUV category.
Some manufacturers, like BMW, Audi and Toyota, seems to be holding off on fully electric vehicles, instead prioritising hybrid vehicles. Meanwhile, it seems Genesis have found a gap in the European market.
As a sister vehicle to the sporty EV6 and comfy Ioniq 5, the Genesis GV60 is aiming to tick the boxes of sporty, comfy and luxurious. While pricing hasn’t been confirmed for the Genesis GV60, we imagine it would be slightly higher than the Ioniq 5 and EV6, but we shall see.
Models and specs
European drivers will be able to choose from all three powertrain variants, along with an extensive list of standard equipment. Plus, all models are built on the same brilliant E-GMP as the EV6 and Ioniq 5.
Starting with the Premium model (which is the standard edition model), it’s 77.4kWh battery should offer drivers with roughly 280 miles of range. Next up is the Sport model, which has a range of 248 miles and 228 miles in the Sport Plus. While further specs are yet to be announced, we imagine the Sport and Sport Plus models will have better acceleration features to compensate for the smaller range.
Drift mode…?!
The GV60 is also fitted with two features that are unseen on E-GMP vehicles from sister brands Hyundai or Kia. While these are only available on the Sports Plus model, we’re excited to see how they feature in an electric model.
The first is called Boost Mode, which should give the vehicles an extra 54bhp and 95Nm of torque. In turn, improving the performance. This is activated by a button on the steering wheel. The next is something we certainly haven’t seen on any other electric vehicle.
A Drift Mode. Yep, Genesis have built a pure electric vehicle that has a Drift Mode. Unfortunately, the brand hasn’t gone into too much detail about how this works However, we know it alters the torque split of the all-wheel drive system to send more power to the rear motor. We cannot wait to get in the driving seat of this model.
A huge benefit to drivers will be the capability for maximum rapid-charging. Using a 350kW charger the GV60 can reach 80% in just 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the car’s maximum AC charging performance has been increased from 7.2kW to 11kW.
Similarly to other E-GMP vehicles, the GV60 also supports Vehicle-to-Load, which means drivers can charge other electronic devices at a faster rate or run outdoors equipment.
Design and interior
This compact SUV is actually slightly shorter than the Kia EV6, however you wouldn’t think so by the room inside! The E-GMP allows for much more cabin space, even in the rear. The vehicle itself looks extremely sporty and cool.
At the front, you’ll find the very on-brand rounded grille as well as two stripe headlights. The bodywork is identical on all models of the GV60, and very in line with Genesis’ other electric models.
Meanwhile, the inside looks much more premium than in the EV6 or Ioniq 5. The floating centre console makes the interior feel light, while there are practical buttons too, this doesn’t look cluttered.
Even the standard models of the Genesis GV60 come with a decent amount of technology, including a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless pl side mirrors. These will replace traditional mirrors with cameras which can be seen while driving.
The GV60 can also receive wireless upgrades for a number of systems, including suspension, brakes and the steering wheel. One very snazzy feature that isn’t coming to the European models, at least not yet, is face recognition on the driver’s door.
Elsewhere in the world you can simply walk up to your vehicle and it will unlock, similar to how your smartphone would. We are slightly gutted that this feature is staying abroad for now!There is wireless phone charging, plenty of advanced driver assistance systems and a safety kit. Upgrading on a Genesis GV60 will see technology such as a Bang and Olufsen sound system included.
Final thoughts
We’re very excited to see how Genesis enters the UK market, and to see how the GV60 performs! Is this a model you’d like to see added to our EVision fleet? As a more premium car from the Kia-Hyundai group, it will be interesting to see how the brand markets the EV.
How will the brand distinguish this premium vehicle from the EV6 and Ioniq5? As already extremely popular EVs, how will the GV60 do in Europe considering it will probably have a heavier price tag?
* All information correct as of 02/03/2022.
