Genesis GV60 (2022 - )

The new Genesis GV60 has been updated and aims to elevate its excellent 2022. predecessor to new heights, writes Regit motoring correspondent, Tim Barnes-Clay. 

The latest incarnation of the luxury SUV is captivating, with sleek styling and cutting-edge technologies.

What's more, the South Korean automaker has infused the GV60 with more design options and an array of personalisation solutions. 

Here in the UK, three trims are available - Pure, Sport and Performance - and they come with a fabulous list of standard features. 

Propelled by advanced 84kWh battery technology, each is equipped with a long driving range to match Genesis's hallmark of refinement, elegance, and sophistication. 

Taking pride of place at the top of the specification hierarchy, the Performance version is the most potent to be launched. 

It's equipped with dual 180kW electric motors and an all-wheel drive system, offering an awe-inspiring 700Nm of torque and remarkable acceleration and responsiveness. 

Built on Genesis' Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the GV60 boasts cutting-edge driver-centric technologies, including Virtual Gearshift Technology, Drift Mode, and an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

Design-wise, the GV60 embodies the company's distinct 'Athletic Elegance' language, now enhanced with fresh bumpers and thoughtful colour coding on the wheel arches, bumper inserts, and rear diffuser.

Apart from giving the car a contemporary look, this update also defines its personality as it enters a new generation.

With the debut of the new GV60, is Genesis revolutionising what the luxury electric vehicle market has to deliver?

We took the Performance and Pure versions for a drive to find out.

Taking inspiration from the striking, modern aesthetic of its predecessor, the GV60 has undergone refinements that enhance its athletic look. 

It has a dynamic silhouette, designed to optimise aerodynamics from its front to the rear spoiler, resulting in a sporty profile characterised by a short overhang and a lengthy wheelbase. 

The new front and rear bumpers seamlessly blend form and function, delivering an elegant exterior while enhancing aerodynamics.

At the rear, the sloping roofline culminates in an eye-catching fixed spoiler that helps reduce aerodynamic drag, contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.28Cd. 

As mentioned in the intro, the refreshed look is further accentuated by colour coding around the wheel arches, bumper inserts, and rear diffuser, which subtly highlights the evolution of this model.

At the forefront, the GV60 showcases Genesis' hallmark 'Two-Line' quad headlights, now equipped with Micro-Lens Array (MLA) technology as standard, which not only improves lighting performance but also enhances visibility.

The MLA headlights lift the exterior design with Dynamic Welcome Lights, offering a choice of three elegant light signatures that welcome you as you approach or depart the vehicle.

In addition to the standard 19-inch alloy wheels available for Pure models, two new alloy wheel designs have been introduced: 20-inch Light Silver and 21-inch Dark Metallic Gloss Grey, which are standard on the Sport and Performance specifications, respectively. 

The signature clamshell bonnet remains a defining feature, unifying the bonnet and wings into a single, sleek panel adorned with wing logos and intricate Guilloché patterns.

The chrome window surrounds, extending from the top of the windscreen to the rear and tapering into a distinctive V shape, further embody the energetic and unconventional spirit of the GV60. 

Other notable features include flush, hidden door handles that automatically emerge when you approach with a smart key or activate the Face Connect camera (more on that in a sec). 

Two new exterior colour options are now available, too: Ceres Blue and the Tromsø Green launch shade.
Inside, the compact SUV presents what Genesis calls 'Beauty of White Space,' influenced by South Korean architecture.

The clean design reflects the restraint of conventional Korean 'Hanok' houses, which balance simplicity and strength. 
The newly designed cockpit focuses on technology and features an impressive 27-inch Connected Car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC) that merges infotainment and driver information systems within a vast panoramic display. 
This enhanced ccIC significantly broadens the display area and incorporates Genesis's fresh suite of connected entertainment services, including Netflix, YouTube, Bloomberg Media, and Disney+, which are available through the GV60's in-car entertainment system.

 Its floating architecture and exquisite details certainly create a distinctive atmosphere. 
At the heart of the interior is the Crystal Sphere, housed in the centre console.

When the electrical systems are dormant, the Crystal Sphere contributes to the mood lighting, casting a gentle glow. 

As the Genesis prepares for driving, the sphere rotates 180˚ to reveal the Shift-By-Wire control lever further, enhancing the ambience. 
The 'floating' centre console, positioned between the two front seats, complements the streamlined cockpit and flat floor, offering you and your passengers a real sense of space and luxury. 

In addition to housing the Crystal Sphere, it features conveniently positioned physical buttons for frequently used functions.

Wireless phone charging comes standard, complemented by four USB-C ports - two in the front and two in the rear - ensuring that all occupants' devices remain charged and connected while on the move.
Several groundbreaking, first-ever biometric features are included in the  GV60, too. Indeed, innovation and biometrics converge in the GV60's Face Connect feature, which is part of the Innovation Pack Plus.

Face Connect offers unprecedented ease and security, utilising cutting-edge facial recognition hardware and software to enable entry and vehicle start. 

Combined with Fingerprint Authentication, you can start and drive the GV60 without ever physically inserting a key.

After registering your fingerprints via the infotainment system, you can press the touch sensor to begin driving the car. 

Face Connect also loads your preferences by default, allowing it to adjust the driver's seat position and steering wheel.

The latest GV60 seamlessly combines exhilarating handling with an elegant driving experience. 

At the pinnacle of the lineup is the all-wheel drive GV60 Performance - the first model we drove. It is clearly designed for enthusiasts seeking unmatched driving pleasure. 

With two powerful 180kW electric motors - one at the front and one at the rear - the GV60 Performance unleashes an incredible total power of 490PS and a torque peak of 700Nm. 

It has a Boost Mode which ups the power for about ten seconds, meaning the car will achieve 0-62 mph in a remarkable 4.0 seconds. 

Yep, this car delivers a pant-moistening experience - especially on track (Thruxton Circuit) - where this edition was driven. 

Put it this way, you'll want to make sure your bonce is already on the headrest. 

It will be, within a heartbeat of you pressing the GV60 Performance's accelerator pedal, if it's not. 

Various driving modes sharpen up the throttle response, too – and there’s even a Drift mode which turns off the traction control. 

But, of course, it's strictly for the track only! There is a sensible side, though – this edition will still offer a commendable WLTP range of 311 miles – if not driven like a loon.

The mid-range £58,515 Sport model wasn't available for us to drive on the launch, so we went straight from the top trim to the entry-level Pure grade. 

It features a rear-wheel drive system propelled by a rear-mounted motor, generating 229PS, allowing it to accelerate to 62mph in 7.8 seconds. 

This setup boasts an impressive WLTP range of 348 miles. 

On public tarmac, the Pure demonstrates impressive grip through the bends, and while there is some body roll, it responds eagerly when turning. 

It navigates corners with precision and exits them effortlessly. At lower speeds, the steering feels light but firms up nicely during cornering. 

Regenerative braking is available – no matter which GV60 you’re in. It harnesses energy back into the batteries during deceleration with different settings to choose from, depending on your preference for strength. 

As with the Performance version, different driving modes enhance throttle response and add weight to the steering, too. 

Wind and road noise are well-managed in both models driven, although they become more apparent due to the absence of engine sounds.

Also, a new three-spoke heated steering wheel is now standard on all GV60s and includes Hands-On Detection for added safety. 

The technology complements driver assistance systems, keeping you actively involved and attentive to the road ahead. 

If the wizardry recognises that your mitts are off the wheel when they should be on it, it'll send reminders to regain control back into your hands.

Whatever the case, whether navigating the highways and byways of Britain in Pure guise or on Thruxton Circuit (the UK's fastest race circuit!), in the Performance grade, the GV60 stands out for its blend of potency and luxury.

The GV60’s cabin has been designed to provide charitable space for all occupants, comfortably accommodating five-up. 

There is decent headroom and legroom, and the minimalist aesthetic further contributes to the roomy atmosphere, allowing for a serene and uncluttered environment.

There is ample storage space, featuring cupholders in the front and additional ones in the back. 

There is more room to store items beneath the dashboard, with a large glove compartment and a generously sized central cubby. 

Meanwhile, the door bins are also reasonably large.

Furthermore, the powered tailgate offers convenient access to the boot, even when your hands are full. 

When integrated with an app on your smartphone, it opens automatically when you're standing behind the vehicle for more than three seconds.

The opening height of the tailgate can also be programmed to your liking, facilitating convenience, for instance, when parking in a tight car park. 

You get 432 litres of boot space with the seats up, which is okay but not vast. The seats fold down 60:40, though, increasing the cargo capacity considerably. 

Plus, you get extra space for smaller luggage under the bonnet.

The GV60 offers several advantages: it has no engine, resulting in zero emissions, low road tax, and a minimal Benefit-in-Kind tax rate. 

This makes it an appealing option for company car drivers.

The Boost Mode on the GV60 Performance makes you wonder if Genesis wanted to do the same for the charging speeds. 

It can recharge at an ultra-rapid 350kW station – so if you can source a charger capable of 350kW, a 10 to 80 per cent charge takes a mere 18 minutes. 

The enhanced Battery Conditioning 2.0 system features the ability to both cool and heat the battery, optimising charging performance and efficiency regardless of the climate. 

In addition to its automatic preconditioning when a fast-charging station is selected in the navigation system, you can now manually activate this feature when using alternative navigation methods like CarPlay or Android Auto.

While Genesis is still a relatively new brand, its parent company, Hyundai, has an excellent reputation for reliability. 

Genesis backs the GV60 with a five-year warranty that includes unlimited mileage, so you shouldn't need to worry about factoring in repair bills to your running costs.

The new GV60 is a credible competitor in the luxury SUV market, and is a distinctive car compared with more recognised – often German - premium brands. 

It offers practicality, spaciousness, excellent handling, and remarkable speed, albeit at a relatively high price.

Genesis maintains that the price reflects the high level of luxury and superior performance. Furthermore, as a brand owned and developed by Hyundai, it benefits from proven technology and reliability.

For most consumers, the Pure version is likely the best choice, as it offers the best range. 

Its powertrain should be sufficient for most drivers, too - unless you're specifically in search of a performance-focused vehicle that'll suck your eyeballs into your skull. 

In that case, the Genesis GV60 Performance will be the shot of adrenaline you need. 

It might be a stretch to say that Genesis is revolutionising what the luxury electric vehicle market has to deliver – but it’s doing a great job. 

It just needs to get its name out there more – some people still don’t know what Genesis is about – and if Phil Collins is mentioned once again by people who don't know any better, then we might just scream 'Mama'!