BERLIN: Genesis has unveiled its long-awaited GV60 electric crossover, which has an intriguing gear shifter called the the “Crystal Sphere.”
The glowing orb looks like a paperweight and it flips over to reveal a polished metal surface when the driver is ready to drive.
Once the car is turned on, the shifter spins around, revealing a dial that can be twisted to the right to enable forward or reverse motion.
It’s a cool feature not offered by any other manufacturer and a highlight of the upmarket Genesis with its supple leather seats and array of shiny silver buttons and switches in the cockpit.
The family heritage shows through too since this car uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced E-GMP platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
It adds up to a flat floor SUV coupé with 800V electrics and 350kW ultra-quick charging. The question is: Can this car match the sophisticated German competition?
The sleek coupé SUV is set to enter showrooms in Europe around June at prices starting from about 56,000 euros. It will square up against the likes of the the Audi Q4, the BMW iX3 or the Mercedes GLC.
The Asian newcomer is keen to attract attention, especially with its high-tech specification.
A fingerprint sensor and digital exterior wing mirrors that transmit their camera image to monitors on the door sill are fitted and the cockpit is dominated by a wide, free-standing screen that spans half the width of the dashboard.
More impressive than such high-tech gubbins is the charging performance, thanks to the advanced E-GMP platform.
It provides 800 volts, which is unrivalled in this class, and allows the 77.4 kWh battery to replenish itself from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at best.
A fast charging car like this has no need to be frugal with performance, even if the standard range is only 470km.
Even the basic GV60 version has a 160 kW/218hp electric motor in the rear and a second motor with 74 kW/102hp in the front.
The range-topping model costs €71,000 (RM328,000) for which you get two powerful motors in addition to an equipment upgrade. With 320 kW/435hp on tap, it outperforms most of the competition.
What’s more, at the push of a button, the Korean car unleashes an additional 20 kW/27hp for an up to 10-second burst of torque for overtaking.
They call this e-boost and very useful it is, too. Such features are normally the preserve of sports cars from Porsche. The extra urge enables the two-tonne vehicle to dash from 0 to 100kph in a blistering 4 seconds. Top speed is 235kph.
The minimalistic styling makes the GV60 look very modern, but also rather unobtrusive.
At the front, the four luminous LED slots and the low-set front grille determine the taut look along with recessed door handles. The most striking feature the rear aspect, which makes a decidedly sporty impression with its narrow tail lights and spoiler under the rear window.
Rear-view visibility inevitably suffers from this sharp styling and a little boot space must be forfeited as a result. To compensate, there are efficient rear-view cameras and room for 435 litres of luggage behind the tailgate.
Unlike rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes competitors, the Genesis also has 20-litre trunk in the front.
The GV60 feels spacious inside since the batteries are in the floor and the motors on the axles. The wheelbase is generous and with it the legroom, especially for the rear-seat passengers, even if the flat roof makes the ceiling height feel a little too low.
Genesis cars are uncommon on European roads but the GV60 could change that.
With its smart design, modern equipment and advanced drive concept, the electric SUV is likely to arouse a lot of interest.
Keyword: Genesis reinvents itself with plush GV60 electric crossover