2023 Genesis GV60 Sport Plus
The Genesis GV60 hasn’t properly hit the roads yet, but it’s already clear that it will be a formidable force. In a short time, this new manufacturer, owned by Hyundai, has come along to take on the big boys and, deservedly, is being taken seriously. The GV60 aims to take a slice out of the crossover SUV market, promising lightning-quick performance, farreaching range, fast charging speeds, and all the creature comforts you’d expect of a premium brand.
GENESIS GV60 FIRST TEST
Although the vehicle is still in its infancy, it’s already raising eyebrows and is based on the same E-GMP platform as the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. A choice of three specification levels – Premium, Sport and Sport Plus – are available, the former being rear-wheel-drive and the other two being all-wheel-drive, producing 225, 314 and 483bhp, respectively. On the latter grade, ‘Boost Mode’ enables the power to reach this overkill level for ten seconds. We drove the Sport Plus; it produces 516lb ft of torque, instantly catapulting you into the distance. The 77.4kWh battery pack, which provides 290 miles of range between charges, adds weight; however, the GV60 never feels out of puff, getting to 62mph in a lightning fast 4.0 seconds and topping out at 146mph, should the prevailing speed limits allow.
Around corners, there’s some body lean, but the tyres grip exceptionally well. And the Genesis turns in without a hint of understeer, while corner exits are tidy thanks to the rear electronic limited-slip differential. The ride comfort is geared towards performance, and the 21-inch alloy wheels mean it’s on the firm side, but it’s never uncomfortable. The car also does an excellent job of smoothing out imperfections in the road, assisted by a camera system that scans the surface ahead to prepare the suspension for what’s coming. The steering is precise – light but firming up nicely when needed in the bends.
Inside, the cabin is what we’ve come to expect from Genesis – opulence that can hold its own against the top German marques. It looks modern, with plenty of silver trim. And, on the floating centre console, a glowing, rotating glass orb, known as the ‘Crystal Sphere’, acts as the gear selector. It adds some visual drama to the way the car operates. Important physical buttons are retained on the dashboard and steering wheel, with a control dial provided to operate the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is clear and responsive. The screen and identically sized digital instrument display blend into the same unit, sprouting from the dashboard like a tablet.
Space is plentiful up front, and taller drivers won’t struggle for room, while the rear is equally as generous, providing lots of leg and head space for occupants. Meanwhile, you get 432-litres of boot space, 20-litres more in the front boot (called the frunk in Genesis-speak), and 1,550-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Thanks to ultra-rapid charging capabilities, a 10 to 80% charge can be completed in just 18 minutes, if you can find a 350kW charger. And the party piece, although not quite there yet, will be facial recognition technology to unlock the GV60 like a mobile phone. This piece of theatre isn’t available at launch, but Genesis tells us it will be ushered in at the end of the year. Euro NCAP hasn’t safety tested the GV60 yet, but the EV6 and Ioniq 5 on which the all-electric Genesis is based upon did well. Furthermore, it is packed with kit, including forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot warning, intelligent speed-limit assist, smart cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert, which is handy when reversing. When it first came to the UK, Genesis made waves – now, with the GV60, it’s blowing a force 10 gale into the face of its competitors.