GV60 is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand Genesis.
Launched here in early 2022 it’s the smallest of the three models in the Genesis SUV range behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80.
Each of the three models get different powertrain choices. Our test vehicle, The GV60 is fully-electric, the GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 but with an EV option added. Our test vehicle, the GV60, is electric only.
Genesis GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. With a starting price of just over $100,000 the Genesis is significantly more expensive than the AWD versions of its two siblings.
Unlike the EV6 and Ioniq 5 which come with the option of single (2WD) or dual (AWD) motors, the GV60 is only AWD.
Two GV60 variants are available, Lux and Performance Lux priced at $103,384 and $113,384 respectively plus on-road costs.
STYLING
Although it’s classed as an SUV, GV60 is very coupe-like in its appearance, streamlined from the bonnet to the chunky rear spoiler and with a short front overhang. A long wheelbase and large haunches make it look larger than its 4.5-metre length.
Unlike most EVs the GV60 comes with a grille. In this case it is a version of the Genesis family Crest Grille and is located in a lower position than in other GV models that have internal combustion engines. This is to make for the different cooling requirements specific to the dedicated high-performance EV platform.
GV60 features a Clamshell Hood that combines the bonnet and fenders for a sleek appearance.
The wide grille-less front is framed by the same double-stacked headlights that are common across the Genesis range.
The GV60 is available with 10 exterior colours, including two in a Matte finish that are only available in the Performance variant.
INTERIOR
Passengers in the rear seat have plenty of legroom although the floor is slightly higher because the battery pack is under the floor. Also, the sloping rear window may make it a little tight for those travelling there.
There are lots of soft touch materials throughout with Nappa leather and suede seats.
To make the GV60 more sustainable, various parts are created with eco-friendly and recycled materials. The seats, door armrests, console armrests, and crash pads are made with plant-based leather.
There are plenty of storage spaces throughout including large bottle holders in all doors and in the floating centre console which can be accessed from both the front and rear.
The seat covers and door centre trims have fabrics made with yarns extracted from recycled PET bottles and fishnets.
Another clever feature is controls that allow the front passenger seat to be adjusted either by the driver or rear passengers.
POWERTRAIN
The GV60 Lux has combined power of 234 kW, 74 kW from the front motor and 160 kW from the rear together with 605 Nm of torque.
The GV60 Performance Lux steps up to 360 kW, 180W at both front and rear and 700 Nm of torque.
Both variants feature a 77.4kWh Lithium-ion battery which provide a driving range of 470km (WLTP) per charge for the base model and 466km (WLTP) per charge for the Performance variant.
Transmission in our GV60 Lux test car is to all four wheels through what you could call a single-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
Standard safety features start with 10 airbags including a rollover-resistant curtain ‘bags, advanced ABS brakes and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.
Other features include Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Automatic Collision Notification, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.
INFOTAINMENT
The GV60 is the first Genesis model to combine the instrument clusters and navigation into a panoramic display where the content is connected throughout in clusters, navigation and head up display.
Both the HD multimedia touch screen display and the digital instrument cluster are 12.3-inch units.
Audio is through a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with a sound control interface to provide a choice of different sound mixes including Relax, Energetic, Bright and Warm.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wired.
DRIVING
Entry into the GV60 is helped by a sensor within the key fob that automatically pops up the door handles when the driver approaches the vehicle.
In addition, the Genesis Face Connect feature allows the driver to lock or unlock the car without a key. Drivers only need to touch the door handle and show their face to the camera on the B-pillar. The feature can register two faces.
Fingerprint Authentication System allows drivers to start and drive the car without a key.
The previous GV60 models didn’t have traditional side mirrors but instead used cameras that transmitted images to small screens inside the doors. We’ve tested this in previous reviews and found it distracting at times because the screen on the driver’s door was too close.
Fortunately, the MY2024 upgrade added the option of including normal side mirrors and these were fitted to our test vehicle. The screens are still there but we basically ignored them throughout our test.
Rear vision is poor with the raked window partially blocked by a large rear spoiler and rear seat headrests.
There are three drive modes to choose from, Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco setting makes the GV60 accelerate relatively gently. The Normal mode is the one we used for most of our driving as we feel that’s what most owners would do.
The Sport mode makes it go like a rocket and provides instant grunt to help you overtake in a short space when you see a chance to get past a slower car during country driving. Or you can simply use it just for the fun it provides.
The i-PEDAL regenerative braking mode enables a single-pedal driving strategy that allows acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the vehicle using only the accelerator
SUMMING UP
At $100k-plus the Genesis GV60 is not cheap, especially from a relatively new brand, however it is a most impressive vehicle that’s stylish inside and out, combining excellent performance with all the latest in technology.
Genesis provides an outstanding ownership program with a five-year unlimited distance warranty, plus in the GV60 an eight-year warranted for eight year/160,000km cover on the battery.
There’s also five years of free roadside assistance as well as free servicing for the same period with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres. The dealership will collect and return the car when it is to be serviced or provide a loan car. Roadside assistance extends to 10 years if the car is always serviced by a Genesis dealer.
EV buyers also get the option of a five-year Chargefox membership or a free homecharger.
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
