Test bench | Genesis GV60: and three

(Austin, Texas) With the GV60, Genesis embellishes the electrical architecture of the recent Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

noble commoner

A rival of BMW, Jaguar and Tesla, without yet being able to claim its aristocratic aura, the Genesis GV60 highlights both South Korean chic and the extreme refinement of its technologies. Undoubtedly in order to best conceal its (technical) plebeian origins.

Before it even puts its wheels on the ground, the Genesis GV60 finds itself challenged from the inside. In fact, the latest Genesis is the third vehicle from the Hyundai group to adopt an identical technical platform (E-GMP), which makes it possible to reduce construction costs enormously.

The GV60 derives from the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. These extrapolations drive a sort of leveling up: the comfort, reliability and finish of all these cars are similar. Only the exterior design and the quality of the interior materials differ. At the wheel, driving sensations and road behavior are essentially the same from one model to another.

Cloning is also required in terms of instrumentation, dashboard and connectivity. Not jealous. But this choice inevitably implies “cannibalization” effects within the range. No offense to the jargon that strikes the South Korean automotive group, this strategy is also paid by a rampant trivialization. For a lower price and on the condition of renouncing the Genesis logo, you can drive with the equivalent of a GV60 stamped Ioniq (Hyundai) or Kia. Worse still, these last two vehicles have greater autonomy than that assumed by Genesis (see our technical data sheet).

File button

So what’s left for the GV60? No doubt a somewhat elitist charm, a certain idea of ​​good automotive taste. Its sensual lines and body parts with impeccable junctions elegantly conceal the extra kilos (the batteries represent nearly 50% of the total weight) that this utility vehicle has granted itself. But still ? Among the main differentiating factors, we note the drive mode (Genesis only offers all-wheel drive) and the offer of a Performance version ($79,000). The latter retains the services of two identical electric motors (160 kW each). The Advanced package ($71,000), meanwhile, drops a 74 kW power unit on its front axle, but retains the 160 kW one at the rear.

As part of this first grip, Genesis limited the testers to the Performance version only. The most pugnacious with its lime button suspended from the steering wheel and which, once pressed, triggers the lightning of its thrusters for 10 seconds, producing the equivalent of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

A maneuver that can be repeated ad nauseam as long as the battery charge is not below the 25% threshold. Activated, this function allows the GV60 to go below 4 s in the traditional 0-100 km/h test.

This power, however impressive it may be, really only operates in a straight line. In the curves, the weight of the GV60 is felt and affects its agility. At the wheel, you can’t turn a blind eye to the sponginess of its body, the weak feel of its steering and the very average grip of its 21-inch tires. In return, the classic advantages of an electric vehicle (silence of operation, velvet acceleration, five modes of regeneration under braking) are present. Just like this diffuse feeling of tranquility which will almost make you forget that the presumed autonomy of this vehicle is below 400 km.

Sphere, footprints and photo

To stand out in its pack, the GV60 relies in particular on staggering advances (some will say “worrying”, because they present a threat to their privacy). Thus, to allow access and start-up, the GV60 uses facial recognition and fingerprint systems. It is possible at any time to erase this data and the user can also opt for the ignition key. This desire to stand out is evident in the accessories section. No options in the catalog, everything is standard, including the Bang & Olufsen audio system (Performance). In addition, the prices indicated include not only transport and preparation costs, but also regular maintenance, for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km.

As mentioned previously, the GV60 uses substantially the same digital panels as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. But it is distinguished by its “crystal sphere” which, once the ignition is on, tumbles to reveal the gear selector (see our video at the beginning of the article).

It is not certain that this subtle charisma combined with a version capable of producing the equivalent of nearly 500 hp will be able to guarantee the success of the GV60. The credibility of the brand has yet to be established.

Travel costs related to this story were paid for by Genesis Canada.

Technical sheet

Engine(s)

• 2 electric motors (Advanced): combined power: 314 hp, maximum torque: 446 lb-ft
• 2 electric motors (Performance): combined power: 429 hp¹maximum torque: 487 lb-ft¹

¹ 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque for a duration of 10 s by activating the Boost function (boost)

Performance

• Weight: 2130 kg (Advanced), 2210 kg (Performance)
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.9s (Performance)
• Towing capacity: 907 kg

Gearbox

• Standard: automatic
• Optional: none
• Drive mode: all-wheel drive

Tires

• 255/45R20 (Advanced)
• 255/40R21 (Performance)

Battery capacity

• Lithium-ion battery, all-wheel drive: 77.4 kWh (useful: nd)

Consumption/charging

• 21.2kWh/100km (Performance)
• Maximum charging power: 350 kW
• Level 2 recharge time: 8 hours

Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 2900mm
• Length: 4515mm
• Height: 1585mm
• Width: 1890 mm (exterior mirrors excluded)

Throw and count

Hyundai and its luxury branch Genesis have entered into a multi-year agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) and its players’ union (AJLNH) on Canadian soil. For these two organizations, this is the first partnership with a prestigious car manufacturer, and Lawrence Hamilton, General Manager of Genesis Canada, is delighted. “This collaboration will allow us to forge new ties with our current and future customers,” believes Mr. Hamilton. As a reminder, Genesis sales in Canada increased by 321% in 2021.

exploration work

Revealed at the New York Auto Show last month, the X Speedium study does not foreshadow a production model. In fact, it’s more of an evolution of the X Coupe concept that appeared a year earlier. On the other hand, it gives a foretaste of the forms with which the team of the Belgian stylist Luc Donckerwolke juggles to create the visual identity of the Genesis of tomorrow. The South Korean luxury brand plans to launch six electric vehicles by 2030.