Review: Genesis GV60

The GV60 is the first 100% EV from Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia. So, think Lexus/Toyota, Infiniti/Nissan and DS/Citroen.

The Genesis brand was launched in the UK in the summer of 2021 and the GV60 will go down as the brand’s breakthrough model.

Developed alongside its award-winning cousins, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 is arguably the best looker of the trio.

A tad shorter than the Ioniq 5 and EV6, it’s nicely proportioned with a muscular stance and short overhangs.

There are flush-fitting door handles along its curvaceous profile, plus the option of rear-facing cameras instead of conventional door mirrors (like the ones you get on an Audi e-tron).

Genesis’s trademark slim, stacked headlights, plus a broad black grille, are highlights up front. The whole package is finished off with a pert rear and a sexy spoiler.

The GV60 is available in a total of 11 colours, including signature São Paulo Lime – if you dare.

There are three specifications (Premium, Sport and Sport Plus) and all versions come with a 77.4kWh battery, but different choices of electric motor.

Whichever you choose, the GV60 is generously equipped and there’s some state-of-the-art technology available.

Highlights include Face Connect – a feature that allows the vehicle to recognise the driver’s face to lock or unlock its doors without a key. There’s no need to touch the door handle, just show your face to the camera on the B-pillar. What’s more, the feature can register two faces.

The GV60 can also be used as a mobile power source, as it provides a V2L (Vehicle to Load) function that enables its battery to charge and run other electronic devices such as TVs and kettles (great for camping and outdoor activities).

The GV60 Premium gets a single 225bhp electric motor that drives the rear wheels, giving up to 321 miles of range.

Sport versions come with dual motors producing a total of 314hp. These cars are four-wheel drive, but range is down to 292 miles.

The top-spec GV60 Sport Plus we tested gets a more powerful dual-motor setup that produces an impressive 483bhp in total, though range is down again to a still decent 289 miles on a single charge.

Sport Plus also gets a boost button on the steering wheel which unlocks a 10-second blast of gut-wrenching power. Those vital 0-62mph times range from 7.8 seconds for the Premium down to 4.0 seconds for the Sport Plus.

The Genesis GV60 also comes with the latest 800-volt electrical system that lets you charge it using ultra rapid 350kw chargers from 10-80% full in just 18 minutes.

Alternatively, a 10-80% charge via a more common 50kW connection will take 73 minutes, while a 10-100% boost from an 11kw home wallbox takes seven hours 20 minutes.

Additionally, steering wheel paddles let you vary the amount of brake regeneration through five levels, from frictionless coasting to one-pedal driving.

The GV60’s driving position is comfortable, if on the high side, while the car itself certainly feels substantial.

Naturally, it’s quiet, refined and very swift. The Sport Plus we tested had adaptive predictive suspension, which uses information from the front camera and navigation system to adjust damping in advance, delivering an impressively comfortable ride.

There’s good body control in corners, but ultimately the GV60’s agility will always be compromised by its considerable dimensions and two-tonne weight, so it’s not quite as dynamic as it looks.

That said there’s an impressive amount of grip and traction from those mighty 21-inch Michelin-shod wheels, so it’s still possible to have fun and play with the various drive modes.

Frankly, Comfort mode will do just fine and the GV60 is at its best cruising effortlessly.

The steering is light and accurate, but there’s not much in the way of feedback, while the brakes are progressive, unlike many EVs.

The cabin is spacious and faultlessly finished, though taller than average rear passengers might struggle for headroom because of the sloping roofline, especially if the panoramic sunroof is fitted.

Two wide 12.3-inch digital screens take care of infotainment duties. There’s also a good balance of traditional buttons and dials to easily access commonly used functions.

There’s another of the GV60’s party tricks in the centre console where you’ll find a ‘Crystal Sphere’ which revolves to reveal a rotating dial with Drive, Reverse, Park etc when the car is ready to go.

The boot has a useful 432-litre capacity to the parcel shelf, expanding to 1,550 litres with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a small space under the bonnet – the perfect spot to store your charging cables.

Our only criticisms of the cabin are that the metal effect used extensively has a plastic feel to it – not unlike a cheaper Hyundai. Also, visibility through the small rear window isn’t the best, and there’s no wiper.

Finally, don’t forget that Genesis is no ordinary brand – it offers a completely different VIP ownership experience.

There are no dealerships. Instead, you visit a studio where you can interact with a Genesis Personal Assistant (GPA), who’s under no pressure to make a sale and is employed on a commission-free basis.

It’s hoped the GPA will remain a direct point of contact throughout the ownership experience, delivering cars for test drives and purchases, and collecting your car for servicing (providing a like-for-like Genesis while your car is away).

What’s more, Genesis’s 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.