Drive with us: Genesis GV60 Sport Plus Review

The Hyundai offshoot aiming to redefine the world of luxurious electric vehicles

Genesis remain a relatively new player in the EV world, but they’re quickly establishing themselves as one of the most talked-about brands.

The luxury arm of Hyundai’s offering, the GV60 is Genesis’ first electric vehicle. If you have previously considered an electric car lease, you may have also cast your eyes on competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 or the Jaguar I-Pace. 

To see how it compares to some of the most prestigious electric cars on the market, we’re testing out this Sport Plus Edition.

What did we drive?

Model: Sport Plus

Transmission: Automatic

Power: Electric

Colour: Matterhorn White Matt

Wheels: 21” Alloy Technical Deconstruction 5-Spoke

OTR: £47,005*

Price of model driven: £75,074*

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Price

Entry-level GV60 models start from £47,005 and range up to over £75,000 for the top-spec that we’ve been reviewing.

For those who prefer to pay monthly, a Genesis GV60 lease is more cost-effective and at the time of writing, will cost around £629.96 (ex VAT) per month*.

At just over £47,000, the entry-level Premium represents fantastic value for money, especially when compared to a rival like the Jaguar I-Pace, where prices start from £66,000.

Although it was the headline Sport Plus variant we were testing, the Premium comes with the best claimed range and is well equipped as standard. 

*Price correct at the time of publication and subject to change

Power Units 

Sharing much of its identity with the EV6 and Ioniq 5, the GV60 is powered by the same 77.4kWh battery pack.

Depending on the model line you choose, you have the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

The details of each model line are outlined below.

Electric Range & Charging

The GV60 is available in one of three different model lines and each will return a varying claimed range that is between 289 and 321 miles.

This top-spec Sport Plus model that we’re testing returns the least impressive range, at 289 miles, despite being the most expensive variant.

It is the entry-level Premium edition that packs the biggest punch at 321 miles. It’s that which makes it arguably the pick of the three. When you consider the seriously generous kit list as standard (more on that later), it represents incredible value for money.

When it comes to charging, the GV60 is very convenient. It can be charged up at 350kW and will take around 20 minutes to go from 20-80% at a 150kW rapid charger.

At home using a 7kW charger, it’s going to take around 11 hours for a full charge, or an hour at a 50kW charger.

Drive

The Tesla Model Y has established itself as one of the most popular cars in the UK, but the quality of the GV60’s drive means it is hoping to knock it off its perch.

We’ve reviewed many premium EVs, including the Model Y and the Jaguar I-Pace and the GV60 is one of the smoothest of the lot. It offers supreme levels of control and balance for such a heavy car.

Even with the massive 21inch wheels, it handled the uneven surfaces gracefully and the driver is offered an impressive amount of support.

Without the Boost button, it is not the most dynamic to drive - the I-Pace still holds that crown in this sector – but as a long-distance cruiser, it was effortless to drive.

I felt Genesis didn’t help themselves with the design of the rear. The spoiler might look great from the outside, but when driving, it splits the rear window in two, hampering your visibility massively.

You can utilise the Sport driving mode, which compresses the seats into the driver for the allusion of bucket-like seats.

Or you could press the Boost button, which is quite simply…ludicrous. For 10-second bursts you unleash maximum power, an extra 27 horsepower to each motor, increased torque and greater throttle sensitivity. It transforms into a drive so powerful and dynamic that it rivals (if not betters) the Tesla Model Y Performance.  

Through both motors, you enjoy a combined 483 horsepower, which is more than you will ever need on an everyday drive. It isn’t something you’re going to be using every day, (or often at all once you realise how much it obliterates your efficiency) but should you ever need it, it’s there.

The aforementioned control does slip away and things become a little more squirrely as you hit the higher speeds with Boost Mode, but as a cruiser, it is as pristine and premium as the Genesis brand is hoping to be.

Design & Interior

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we will leave you to form your own opinions on the looks of the GV60.

What we can’t argue with was the matt white finish. Freshly cleaned during the peak of the recent British heatwave, it was dazzling. It enhanced the premium aspirations of the car over your typical metallic finish.

In a similar vein to the Ioniq 5 and EV6, the GV60 exterior has a commanding stance. The long sloping clamshell bonnet adds presence and it looks much bigger than it feels to drive.

Genesis’ use of open space with the floating console means this is an electric car that excels in ergonomics. Behind the wheel, it feels spacious, light and inviting. It’s a relaxing and welcoming place to be while maintaining that premium, executive feel it’s seeking.

The Crystal Sphere was a huge hit among the Carparison team, with many claiming it looked more like something out of a Bond film as it spun to reveal the gear selector.

High-quality materials and sensible, user-friendly design choices throughout the cabin elevate the excellence of the GV60. The heated and ventilated seats were a crowd pleaser, offering ultimate comfort on a hot day.

The cabin had been described to me as something of a sensory overload, which so many screens and monitors to look at, but I think this is more of a nod to the modern and futuristic design choices and while they may be overwhelming at first, it is something you soon get comfortable with.

Space & Practicality

Where the GV60 does fall short is in its everyday practicality. It’s still a very useful space for family life – head and legroom is good enough for everyday travelling, even if you are slightly taller, especially with a reclining rear bench.

The boot space is perhaps the biggest disappointment in comparison to some of its rivals. At just 432 litres, it is sum 60 litres smaller than both the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

This rises to 1550L with the seats and remains a hugely practical space, but for the cost of the vehicle and some of the rivals it is competing with, it is anything but class-leading.

Inside the cabin, Genesis have opted for a drawer instead of a glovebox, which is a neat and practical example of some smart modern design.

Overall, there is plenty of opportunity for everyday storage and it will be practical enough for family life, but compared to some premium rivals, it falls short.

Technology

The underpinnings of the GV60's technology has been lifted out of their Hyundai and Kia cousins with two high-quality 12.3inch screens mounted to the dash.

Everything has been well laid out, even down to the climate control buttons. You’re not left wondering where things are, it’s simple, easy to use and built with the user in mind. It’s a very different approach to the likes of Tesla or even Ford with the gigantic screen you see in the Mach-e – they both intrinsically feel more ‘modern’.

That being said, through Digital Mirrors and blind spot cameras, there is an unrivalled amount of support for the driver.  

The quality of the OLED monitors are one of the very best in class – better than any reversing camera you will find on the road today. While not a direct comparison, given the emergence of digital mirrors, it is a similar sensation for the driver.

We can’t ignore the fact it felt unusual at first. Not having the trustee wing mirror felt odd, but not unnerving. Over time it is something you become accustomed to, even if it can feel like adding technology for technology’s sake.

Safety

At the time of writing, the GV60 is yet to be tested under the Euro NCAP safety tests, so has no official rating. The EV6 and Ioniq 5 both make for good reference points here – they have both been tested and scored five stars.

The abundance of driving technology made the GV60 a very comfortable and easy car to get to grips with. The Highway Driving Assist was a particular hit among the Carparison team, seeing the highlighted markers that show where the car will be positioned as you change lanes made motorway driving a breeze.

Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-avoidance Assist and Forward Collision-avoidance Assist all come as standard among other safety features.

Model Lines & Equipment

Genesis have piled so much kit into the entry-level Premium model line that there is actually very little that distinguishes the three variants.

Outlined below are some of the many highlights you can expect to receive as standard, with the additional extras as you progress through the line up.

Premium – from £47,005

• Dual front LED headlamps
• 19inch alloy wheels
• Aluminium interior garnish
• Leather steering wheel
• Cloth headlining
• Electric Seat Adjustment (driver & passenger)
• Electric lumbar support (driver)
• Electric height adjuster (driver & passenger)
• Electric cushion tilt-up (driver & passenger)
• 12.3inch screen
• High sport plus damper
• Smart key & button start
• Power outlet for rear + power outlet for trunk
• Wireless phone charger
• Finger print authentication
• Electric tailgate

Sport -from £53,605

(In addition to Premium)

• 20inch alloy wheels

Sport Plus – from £65,405

(In addition to Sport)

• Black brake caliper
• 21inch alloy wheels
• Suede headlining
• Metal pedals
• Leatherette dashboard
• Nappa leather seat cover
• Electronic Control Suspension
• Electronic limited slip differential

Verdict

As Genesis’ first electric car, the GV60 is a mightily impressive benchmark for the emerging Hyundai offshoot.

The high-quality cabin makes it one of the most inviting, relaxing and atmospheric places to be, while the drive is as assured and powerful as the likes of Tesla et al.

The likes of Tesla have long had the stranglehold on the electric SUV class, but the GV60 represents a new era.

With shortfalls in practical storage space and efficiency on some of the top-end models, the GV60 has some work to do, but this is an impressive sign of things to come from the South Korean manufacturer.