First drive Genesis GV60 Martyn Collins
So far, Genesis models that we’ve tried have impressed with their premium feel and attention to detail inside rather than the drive itself. Plus, high BIK figures mean they’re currently a marginal fleet choice, only appealing to user chooser buyers. Well, the GV60 could be the car to change this, being based on the electric- global modular platform (E-GMP), which we know should equal impressive range and decent driving dynamics.
Outside, whereas the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is overtly retro, and the Kia the EV6 is more of a sporty, modern crossover, the GV60 perhaps looks the most SUV-like of the three. It’s an evolution of the current Genesis design theme, with the expected four-dash head and taillights and the same distinctive grille. More interesting are the parabolic lines down the flanks, the Range Rover-like clamshell bonnet, and the unusual “Volt” signature where the window line meets the glassy boot with its large rear spoiler.
Inside, the GV60’s basic dash architecture is pure Ioniq 5, as is the switchgear and infotainment. However, with its mostly more premium-feeling metal and soft leather trim, the Genesis looks and feels more luxurious. Interior design highlights include the glovebox, which is a draw like the Ioniq. Then there’s the Crystal Sphere, which is the gear selector, and flips when the start button is pressed.
Like the Hyundai and Kia, the most striking element of the dashboard, is the curved 12.3in infotainment screen, which houses both the instruments and infotainment. With another version of the floating centre console, housing the Crystal Sphere and start/stop button. Genesis
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, Nappa leather trim, heated front seats and steering wheel.
Engines: Electric: 225hp 77.4kWh, 315hp 77.4kWh, 483hp 77.4kWh.
Equipment grades: Premium, Sport, Sport Plus.
Transmissions: Automatic.
claims it has minimised the switchgear in the GV60’s interior, but it have certainly made up for the lack of buttons on the dashboard by filling the over-complicated, thick, two-spoke steering wheel. Also worthy of mention is the optional Bang and Olufsen sound system. The 17-speaker surround sound system delivers powerful, but impressively crisp and clear sound. Put simply it is the best sound system we’ve tried in an EV – but it’s a £990 option. At 4,515mm, the GV60 is the shortest of the three E-GMP platformed cars; as such there’s plenty of space in the front, although with roughly 10mm less than the
EV6, rear legroom is less accommodating. Although taller than the EV6, that curvy roofline eats into rear headroom, too. There is also a practically shaped, if shallow, 432-litre boot, that can be extended with the rear seat folded. There is also an extra 53-litre front trunk (frunk), which is reduced to 20 litres for AWD models. Premium is the entry-level rear-drive trim if you can call a £47,005 car an entry- level model. Sport is only available as an AWD version, priced at £53,605. Range- topper is the Sport Plus in AWD form, which is priced at £65,405. This sounds a lot, but this is the highest-performance
9/10
The third model to be based on the new electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) is from Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis. Can its combination of technology, performance and premium feel carve a niche in the EV sector?
32 | May 2022 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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