The GV60 is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Genesis and it will go on sale in Europe with up to 429bhp and, strangely, a “Drift Mode”
Genesis, the Hyundai Group’s premium spin-off brand, has announced that its pure-electric GV60 coupe-SUV will go on sale in Europe later this year. The company hasn’t yet given a timeline of when we’ll see it in the UK, but we expect it’ll be towards the end of 2022. Key rivals include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model Y and Jaguar I-Pace.
The Genesis GV60 is built on the same E-GMP underpinnings as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It’s powered by a 77.4kWh battery pack, which offers a maximum range of 280 miles with the entry-level, single-motor, rear-wheel drive model. However, Genesis hasn’t clarified whether that figure was logged under WLTP conditions.
The electric motor in the cheapest GV60 Premium produces 225bhp and 350Nm of torque, but buyers will have a further two powertrains to choose from, both of which are dual-motor, all-wheel drive systems. Prices for all three models in the SUV’s line-up will be confirmed closer to the car’s European launch date.
Sitting in the middle of the line-up is the Genesis GV60 Sport, which features a 215bhp motor on the rear axle and a 99bhp motor up front, for a combined output of 314bhp and 605Nm of torque. The extra performance cuts the car’s maximum range down to 248 miles, although Genesis has fitted a system that disengages the front motor when it’s not needed, maximising efficiency.
At the top of the GV60 line-up, there’s an even faster Sport Plus variant. It shares the same dual-motor powertrain as the Kia EV6 GT, which means it produces 429bhp and 605Nm of torque. Genesis says this model will sprint from 0–62mph in four seconds flat, although range drops again to 228 miles according to the Korean test cycle.
Genesis has also fitted the GV60 with two features that are as-yet unseen on E-GMP-based vehicles from Hyundai and Kia – both of which are only available on the range-topping Sport Plus model. The first is called Boost Mode. It’s activated by a button on the steering wheel, and gives the EV an extra 54bhp and 95Nm of torque to improve overtaking performance.
The second is called Drift Mode, which sounds a little out of place on an electric SUV. Genesis hasn’t gone into too much detail about how the system works, but we know it alters the torque split of the all-wheel drive system to send more power to the rear motor. It also makes the most of the car’s electronic limited-slip differential.
Active noise cancelling helps improve refinement, along with a system called Road Preview. This uses data from a camera feed and the navigation to adjust the suspension settings on the fly for extra comfort.
With its 800V electronic architecture allowing for a maximum rapid-charge capability of 350kW, the GV60 can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes, while the car’s maximum AC charging performance (for home charging, for example) has been increased from 7.2kW to 11kW, compared to its Hyundai and Kia-badged siblings.
As per other E-GMP products, the GV60 also supports V2L Vehicle-to-Load functionality, which means users can charge other electronic devices at a faster rate or run equipment such as an outdoor projector.
New 2022 Genesis GV60: technology
There’s plenty of other clever tech packed into the GV60, starting with a feature Genesis calls Face Connect. As the name suggests, it’s a facial recognition system that allows users to unlock the car simply by looking at a sensor, similar to the ID systems used on some smartphones. The infra-red camera picks up the user’s face and automatically loads their pre-saved seat and mirror positions, infotainment and head-up display preferences.
In addition to this, Genesis has added a fingerprint authentication system and a digital key that syncs with the owner’s smartphone, meaning drivers can enter and start the car by simply touching the door handle.
The cabin continues the tech-fest, with buyers getting a wireless smartphone charger and a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one to handle the infotainment functions and one to display the gauges. Like most modern cars, the GV60 also features over-the-air updates, but the capability goes far beyond improving the infotainment system.
The GV60 can also wirelessly receive upgrades for systems such as the suspension, brakes, steering wheel, driver assistance technology and the central brain that controls the car’s electric motors and charging system.
Safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance with autonomous braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, high beam assist, smart cruise control and semi-autonomous lane follow assist. There’s also plenty of optional equipment to pick through, such as heated seats, digital side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
New 2022 Genesis GV60: design and interior
The GV60’s family resemblance to other Genesis vehicles is clear. The EV features the same split-level headlamps as the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, for example, although the brand’s trademark radiator grille has been blanked off to improve aerodynamics. The grille is also down the front bumper than the firm’s combustion-engined cars.
You can chase this focus on aerodynamics around the rest of the GV60’s bodywork, with Genesis fitting pop-out door handles and cameras (which are linked to a pair of screens in the cabin) in place of conventional door mirrors. The EV even has a clamshell bonnet, which cuts into the front wings and helps to smooth out the air passing over the front of the car by moving the panel gap away from the most turbulent area of the vehicle.
Inside, Genesis has stuck with its design ethos of “Beauty of White Space.” The cabin has been made to feel as airy as possible, and the buttons on the dashboard have been kept to a minimum to give a clean look.
The instrument cluster and infotainment system is much like that of the GV80 SUV’s, but the centre console has adopted a new “floating” design. Thanks to the E-GMP platform, the GV60 also has a completely flat floor, which Genesis says provides more passenger space inside.
A design feature bespoke to the GV60, called the Crystal Sphere, is also mounted in this floating centre console. When the car is switched off it acts as a piece of design, but when the car’s ignition is powered up, it flips over to reveal the gear selector.
The GV60 will be the company’s second electric model on sale in Europe, closely following the G80 Electrified into showrooms. The car will be Genesis’ smallest offering in the UK market, following the G70 Shooting Brake, G70, G80 saloon, GV70 and GV80 SUV.
Keyword: New 2022 Genesis GV60 confirmed for launch in Europe this year