Genesis GV60 Sport Plus (2022 - )

The GV60 was the first fully electrified model to come out the Genesis stable and shares its E-GMP platform with stablemates, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
But that’s where the similarities end as the GV60 has its very own distinctive styling. All versions are powered by a 77.4kWh battery that can be rapid charged and this car oozes class when lined up alongside many of its competitors.
The five-door GV60 is available in trims called Premium with rear-wheel drive, or Sport and Sport Plus which both feature all-wheel drive.
Prices start from £54,105 and we opted for the range-topping GV60 Sport Plus for our test drive.
 

The Genesis GV60 features a distinctive appearance thanks to its couple-like, sloping roof silhouette giving it a slightly futuristic appearance. Eye-catching design cues include a clamshell bonnet, quad LED headlamps, a large crest grille, flush door handles, two-line rear lighting, rear privacy glass, a sunroof and striking 21-inch alloy wheels with lime-coloured calipers.
Move inside and you are greeted by a premium quality and elegant interior that oozes class at every turn. It’s stylish without being garish, and boasts a wealth of technology to explore.
The seats are upholstered in navy Nappa leather with tasteful thin yellow piping that looks gorgeous. The driver’s seat boasts 18-way power adjustment and the front seats can be heated or cooled. The steering wheel is also electrically adjustable and can be warmed against the winter chill.
There are two 12.3-inch screens that merge seamlessly behind a curved pane of glass. The right one is where all the driving information is clearly displayed so you can keep a watchful eye on the speed, range and battery charge, while the left screen is the nerve centre and access point to the wealth of built-in technology.
Creature comforts include a pitch perfect Bang & Olufsen sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, sat nav, a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, a crystal ball gear selector that revolves open when you start the car, and lots more besides.
Additional features include a head-up display, a separate panel housing the climate controls, as well as an innovative facial recognition set-up that can be used to unlock or lock the vehicle, along with fingerprint recognition that can start the car. However, with torrential downpours as we approached the GV60, we opted for the more traditional key method to open the doors!
 

Powering the all-electric GV60 is a 77.4kWh battery with motors on both axles for all-wheel drive. This does impact slightly on the driving range between charges with the entry-level Premium car with rear-wheel drive, offering 312 miles, the AWD Sport version 292 miles, and our top-of-the-tree Sport Plus, with larger wheels, dropping to 289 miles.
However, with 483bhp and 700Nm of torque, this firecracker of a coupe-hatch can power to 62mph from a standing start in just 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 146mph. There is also a bright ‘BOOST’ button on the steering wheel that gives instant power which is perfect for overtaking slower farm traffic or when joining a fast-moving motorway from a slip lane.
The stability and traction out on twisting country lanes will never disappoint and this is a car that can be driven enthusiastically with complete confidence. There are drive modes called Eco, Sport and Comfort that alter the dynamics, and the electronically controlled suspension set-up automatically adjusts to the road conditions to help deliver a comfortable and refined ride.
Steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking with four strengths to choose from. In busy stop-and-go traffic the highest setting means you rarely need use the brake pedal at all.
The steering is perfectly weighted with ample feedback and the noise cancellation set-up ensures the cabin remains nicely hushed.
 

The Genesis GV60 boasts a powerful road presence with its eye-catching good looks. It stretches 4,515mm in length, is 1,890mm wide, 1,580mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,900mm.
Up front there is bundles of space for two adults of any shape or size to sit comfortably and there is ample rear legroom for another couple of adults. Even with the sloping roofline design of the GV60, rear headroom still impresses. The middle rear seat is slightly raised, so it’s not great if another grown-up wants to sit there, but it’s fine for youngsters.
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can swallow 432 litres of kit. There is a frunk (front trunk) beneath the bonnet and this can hold 53 litres on Premium models and 20 litres on the AWD cars.
Elsewhere, there is a pull-out drawer in place of a traditional glovebox, seat back pockets, door bins, a central cubby, wireless charging pad and some trays.
Charging the Electrified GV60 from 10 to 80 per cent takes 18 minutes via an ultra-fast 350kW charger (if you can find one), or if using a 11kW wallbox, it would take seven hours, 20 minutes to boost to 100 per cent
 

The Genesis GV60 is viewed as the premium carmaker within the Hyundai Group so prices match that reputation with the entry-level Premium car costing £54,105, Sport £58,565 and Sport Plus, as tested, at £67,705 (on the road).
Our model featured a number of optional extras that included the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, an Innovation Pack, sunroof, lime calipers and a Vehicle-to-Load pack that allows you to power external systems from the car such as camping lights and heaters. These add-ons resulted in a final price-tag of £74,855.
However, owners will start to claw back some of the expense through low day-to-day running costs. As the GV60 is fully electrified, it has zero carbon emissions, so there will be no road tax, Congestion Charge or Ultra Low Emission Zone fees to pay. And for business drivers, it has an attractive Benefit in Kind tax savings rate of two per cent. However, many of these government-led EV incentives are being axed next year.
If you can charge from home or in the work place, the costs can also be kept low and, with fewer moving parts compared to ICE cars, there should be less maintenance work.
Another economy-based feature on the car is the ‘Driver Only’ function that will only heat the area around the driver which is a practical idea rather than wasting energy warming an otherwise-empty cabin.
 

For a relatively new brand to UK shores – it was only launched in 2021 - Genesis has made quite an impact. The GV60 is an absolute delight to drive and it’s guaranteed to grab the attention of bystanders with its sporty, almost futuristic styling.
It’s not cheap, but then again, nothing about this car is bargain basement. The interior is premium quality throughout and the performance perfectly matches the car’s dynamic styling.