Launched in 2016, Genesis is still a child among luxury brands, but it is already starting to play in the big leagues, as evidenced by the list of accolades it has won across the continent. The arrival on the market of the GV70 compact SUV in 2021 has helped it more than triple its Canadian sales. Growth was 26% last year and Genesis anticipates another 22% increase in 2023, boosted by the impending addition of the GV70 Electrified.
The latter represents the most important launch in the brand’s young history and will eventually become its best seller, said Genesis Motors Canada director Eric Marshall. Remember that the entire range will be electric by 2030.
On the sidelines of the 2023 Montreal Auto Show, The Car Guide was part of a small group of journalists invited to connect the capital and the metropolis behind the wheel of the first two electric vehicles from Genesis, still fresh and hot: the GV60 crossover and the G80 Electrified mid-size sedan.
Photo: Genesis Motors Canada
GV60: the new utility vehicle of the year
One year after the GV70, it is the turn of the GV60 to receive this title from our team. And it is well deserved, be sure. Coupe style, it is intended to be shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 with which it shares its E-GMP platform, but its wheelbase is identical to that of the second (2,900 mm) and the volume of the trunk is almost equal (680 liters against 690 liters). Certain compromises are necessary, however it is not dramatic.
Inspired by the Genesis Mint concept, the GV60 is aimed above all at a young clientele who appreciates a particular design and state-of-the-art technologies. Think here of facial recognition to access the passenger compartment, the fingerprint reader to start the vehicle (with the corresponding driver profile) and the sphere that turns around to discover the gear selector. The mix of digital displays and physical controls makes sense aesthetically and ergonomically. However, the many metallic-looking keys create a contrast of styles and eras that will displease some, including yours truly.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Sitting in the driver’s seat, which combines comfort and support, we enjoy generous space for the legs and the head (less when we sit behind, of course). If the lateral visibility is correct, each glance in the mirror is hindered by the spoiler which intersects the rear window. You have to get used to it. In addition, the reduced-size steering wheel creates a sporty car feel. And among the large buttons on it, the most interesting are the two circles at the base.
The one on the left allows you to easily switch between the various driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport), while the fluorescent green on the right side activates the Boost function, exclusive to the Performance version tested. Just press it and slam on the throttle to boost power from 429 to 483 horsepower and torque from 446 to 516 lb-ft in 10 seconds. It’s great and a lot of fun for a quick overtake or even to embark on the highway, but honestly, the Sport mode already does more than the job. And we like the firmer steering that accompanies it.
Photo: Genesis Motors Canada
Regarding energy efficiency, the trip from Quebec to Trois-Rivières (shared between Highway 40 and Route 138) was much too short to give the exact time, especially since we did not bother to exploit the fiery electric motorization. With mercury around the freezing point, our average was slightly above 25 kWh/100 km, while the official rating of the GV60 Performance is 23 kWh/100 km (for a range of 378 km). By driving more in town, it would have been possible to increase the use of regenerative braking, adjustable according to four levels of intensity, the most aggressive of which allows one-pedal driving.
Recharging the battery from 10 to 80% via a 50 kW fast terminal takes about an hour and a quarter. If you find one of 350 kW, the same operation can be done in 18 minutes – in optimal conditions, we agree – which is excellent.
Photo: Genesis Motors Canada
G80 Electrified: the electric sedan that doesn’t look like it
The second part of the journey took place at the wheel of an Electrified G80. Unlike the GV60, this derives from a petrol model, in this case the G80, and its design is almost identical, except for the closed grille which incorporates the charging port (a practical location but which gets dirty more quickly in winter on the road). Its trunk is also more limited, the volume dropping from 371 to 306 liters.
This Genesis is intended to be the antithesis of the Tesla Model S, in that it emphasizes style, comfort and refinement before technology and performance. It’s first and foremost a luxury sedan, but one that houses electric motors. Not everyone wants a Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS/EQE or Audi e-tron GT. Inside, it’s mainly the display of the digital dashboard and some menus on the 14.5-inch central screen that change.
Photo: Genesis Motors Canada
Like its combustion counterpart, the G80 Electrified prefers to take it easy. Its power is close to that of the V6 (365 horsepower versus 375), except that the torque is much higher (516 lb-ft versus 391) and immediate. Too bad, the weight increased to 2,325 kg cancels out this gain in the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and greatly reduces the heat in the turns. As for the ride, it’s pretty nice overall. On the other hand, when we arrived in Montreal, a passage on some damaged arteries revealed the limits of the suspension. The Comfort mode is essential, but we have already seen better.
Let’s mention in closing that our Electrified G80 consumed 23.4 kWh/100 km. A reasonable score under the circumstances although above the official average of 21.7 kWh / 100 km (range: 454 km). It too offers four-stage regenerative braking and single-pedal steering.
Photo: Genesis Motors Canada
Conclusion
Our trip from Quebec to Montreal aboard the first two electric models of Genesis showed the seriousness of the Korean luxury brand. It does well in terms of quality and the technical data is competitive.
By the way, we haven’t talked about the prices yet: $71,150 for the base GV60 Advanced (or $79,150 for the Performance version) and $105,000 for the G80 Electrified. This includes not only freight and PDI, but also regular maintenance and in-home valet service for five years or 100,000 km, such as warranty and roadside assistance. It can make a big difference in the balance.
If you have a family or need more cargo space, the GV70 Electrified will be ideal. Genesis Canada will open its booking book towards the end of winter. The Car Guide will of course have a test drive of this model in the coming months, so keep in touch.