NEWS GenesisGV60 SportPlus Price: Batt./motor: Power/torque: Transmission:
0-62mph: Top speed: Range: Charging:
£65,405 77.4kWh/2x e-motor 429bhp/605Nm Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 4.0 seconds 155mph 289 miles 350kW (10-80% 18 mins)
ONSALE Now
DRIVEN On the road in new sean_carson@autovia.co.uk
● Fresh EV sampled in the UK ● Rivals Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4
GENESIS launched in Europe last year with a flurry of ‘new’ products – mostly cars it had been selling elsewhere, but that were new to the UK. The brand isn’t new to electric cars either, but this GV60 EV is where the upmarket Korean brand really gathers pace – and we’ve tried a preproduction car on UK roads in £65,405 Sport Plus trim to judge Genesis’ chances of challenging premium EVs such as the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 e-tron. The GV60 is based on the E-GMP platform also used by the impressive Kia EV6 and our reigning Car of the Year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. So, it packs a 77.4kWh battery within its 2.9metre wheelbase for a claimed range of 289 miles, and with 350kW charging capability, a 10-80 per cent top-up takes just 18 minutes. Sport Plus trim signifies that the battery feeds a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, for four-wheel drive. Collectively they deliver 429bhp and 605Nm of torque, but
if you hit the steering wheel-mounted Boost button, each motor receives a 27bhp uplift for 10 seconds giving a total of 483bhp and 700Nm of torque. Despite the GV60’s considerable kerbweight, this is enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds. The hit of thrust is instant and solid when you ask for the GV60’s full performance, but even in a straight line, you’re also aware of its weight as the car squats down at the rear and bounds forward. Genesis will no doubt iron out one or two pointswe found on this pre-production car, but it’s universally good news at this late stage of development. Although the car’s weight is still apparent in the way it handles, and the GV60’s body does roll as a result, it gives a sensation of how much grip is available. The front end has bite turning into roundabouts, while the electronic limited-slip differential at the rear helps to tighten the car’s line once you apply the throttle; gently is best until you
SeanCarson
12 6April2022
