5 minute read
Genesis GV60
FORECOURT GENESIS GV60
Under the bonnet
Powered by a single electric motor the entry-level Premium produces 226bhp and 350Nm of torque
THE KNOWLEDGE
Genesis GV60 Premium
Price as tested: £56,865 Engine: Single motor, 77.4kWh battery
Power: 226bhp
Torque: 350Nm
Max speed:
115mph
O-60mph: 7.6 seconds
Range:
321 miles
Emissions: 0g/km CO2
Genesis is pretty new to Europe, but in the GV60 it has an intriguing electric vehicle aimed at shaking up the premium car segment. Darren Cassey reports.
WHAT IS IT?
After initially launching with a bunch of combustion-engined executive models as a brandbuilding exercise, the real genesis of Genesis has now arrived. The GV60 represents the company’s first fully electric model, and the figurehead for its future plans.
WHAT’S NEW?
In some ways everything’s new, with this being a completely new model in the young firm’s line-up. However, Genesis is part of the same company that owns Hyundai and Kia, so this shares its underpinnings with the highly regarded Ioniq 5 and EV6.
Some noteworthy features include optional digital door mirrors, cabin materials made from organic and recycled sources and twin 12.3-inch displays. But it has a distinctive appearance that’s nothing like the aforementioned EVs with which it shares its base.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The entry-level Premium powertrain uses a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels with an output of 226bhp and 350Nm of torque.
The middle Sport model has two motors that make a combined 315bhp and 605Nm of torque, while the top-specification Sport Plus ups this dual-motor power output to a mildly absurd 483bhp and 700Nm of torque. Both have all-wheel-drive with 0-60mph times of 5.5 and 4.0 seconds respectively.
All get the same battery capacity of 77.4kWh, resulting in a range of 321, 292 and 289 miles respectively. This essentially gives the choice of going really fast or really far.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The first thing you’ll notice is just how refined the GV60 is. It’s incredibly comfortable, particularly at lower speeds, and largely without the annoyingly stiff suspension you’ll often find in EVs. The powertrain is sharp in its response and ludicrously, unnecessarily fast in the full-fat Sport Plus version.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
At first glance there are some awkward angles to the GV60, but overall it’s a cool and characterful thing. There’s a fun face up front, with the brand-wide quad headlight design and low front grille, while there’s quite a lot of unbroken bodywork in the upper section of
the bumper. Coupled with the clamshell bonnet, it defies many conventions of mainstream car design and is all the more interesting for it.
The colour palette is fantastic, too. The signature highlighter yellow paint job is an acquired taste yet works surprisingly well for the extroverted driver, but even the usual mix of plainer shades have an interesting edge. For example, the white has a lovely satin/matte finish that exudes a real premium appearance.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Despite a few complaints it’s largely a lovely place to be. The seating position is quite high even in its lowest setting but is very comfortable and would prove a relaxing place to eat up the miles. There are some fantastic materials, too, although occasionally in odd places such as the door cards, whereas the steering wheel perhaps feels a bit cheap and shiny.
There’s an ambience of calm luxury, but some of the finer details don’t stand up to too much scrutiny. For example, the screens are large, clear and responsive but look like something of an afterthought plonked on the dashboard. The plastics surrounding the centre console have a decidedly ’90s vibe, while the gear selector feels a bit cheap and the dash buttons look like they’re borrowed from an old tape recorder.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There are three versions to choose from, kicking off with Premium from £47,005. Equipment includes dual front LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, smart cruise control, air conditioning and a head-up display.
Step up to Sport, from £53,605, and you get 20-inch alloy wheels, a few styling tweaks and the twin-motor set-up. The top-spec Sport Plus model starts at £65,405 and brings even more performance along with 21-inch alloy wheels.
Personalisation includes various shades for the upholstery. Equipment upgrades include a Bang & Olufsen stereo (£990), sunroof (£1,120) and extensive driver-assistance tech.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Top Gear called it ‘an interesting EV alternative’, while Car Magazine said it was ‘a superb effort’.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The Genesis GV60 is an excellent electric vehicle. If you’re worried that EVs will be the death of cars with character, the Kia EV6/Hyundai Ioniq 5/Genesis GV60 triplets are a wonderful reassurance that this is not the case.
Despite a few gripes with the cabin, it still feels like it could hold its own in the premium market, even if a few retro aspects hold it back from full marks. But its overall ambience of calm and quality shines through, and with the comfortable driving experience and long range it makes a compelling case for itself.
Style
From some angles the GV60’s design can be a little awkward, but there are some nice styling touches, too.
Interior
The cabin of the GV60 is a lovely place to be, but there are places where the materials feel cheap.
TARGET BUYERS:
Anyone looking for a premium crossover who doesn’t want to go down the obvious route.
THE RIVALS:
Ford Mustang Mach-E Jaguar I-Pace Volkswagen ID.3
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Handsome, unique styling 2.Comfortable driving experience 3.Interior is calm and high quality
