TRIED & TESTED
Genesis Electrified GV70
The GV60 gets a bigger brother, which has premium brands in the SUV market in its sights. By John Challen
TRIED & TESTED
Genesis Electrified GV70
The GV60 gets a bigger brother, which has premium brands in the SUV market in its sights. By John Challen
Having entered the UK market with ICE-powered products just over a year ago, Genesis is starting to build up its EV portfolio. The GV60 – sister to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 – has now been joined by the Electrified GV70, which becomes the eighth model the brand has introduced globally in 17 months. Andrew Pilkington, Genesis’ UK managing director, explained at the launch of the GV70 BEV that it had been an encouraging launch for Genesis. There are orders in the book for the next 12 months and two new Genesis studios will be opened by early 2023.
Models such as the Electrified GV70 are central to the growth of the brand. Described by Genesis as an ‘electric do-it-all SUV’, it is an impressive and imposing vehicle that has the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in its sights. Externally, there are a number of subtle differences over the ICE car, including and EV-specific grille and front bumper, the former housing a ‘hidden’ door for vehicle charging. Other bespoke items on the Electrified GV70 are different wheels – available in 19- or 20-inch options – and rear bumper and diffuser.
Inside, there’s a great mix of high-quality (and eco-friendly) materials and advanced technologies onboard. Genesis says it has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Electrified GV70 represents real luxury, with options such as massaging seats – which are made of leather as standard – active road noise cancellation and adaptive suspension with road scanning tech testament to that claim.
Genesis says it wants Electrified GV70 to represent a stress-free shift to EVs for drivers. For example, the car’s electrical architecture allows both 800V and 400V multi charging without the need for any additional equipment and a battery conditioning system. This technology manages the battery’s temperature to ensure optimised performance in all conditions. It pre-heats the cells when the temperature is low and can also minimise the charging time through optimising the battery temperature if the car knows – via the sat-nav – it is heading towards a fast-charger.
This architecture also allows vehicle-to-load capabilities, supporting a 3.7kW power supply, meaning a range of electrical items can be used while on the move, all powered by the GV70.
Performance-wise, there’s just one model – a dual motor, all-wheel drive setup that delivers a maximum of 489hp. The powertrain consists of twin 160kW motors – one at the front, the other at the rear – plus an additional 20kW is available on each motor via the boost button. Add in the 77.4kw/h battery into the mix and it’s a setup that powers the Electrified GV70 to 62mph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds and onto a maximum 146mph.
To aid efficiency, the car’s Smart Regeneration System 2.0 will adjust the region level to the road conditions, based on information from the sat-nav. It can also be set up to offer maximum regen, essentially providing proper one-pedal driving.
Genesis was keen to highlight its tie-up with Shell Recharge, which will give drivers access to 350,000 charge points across Europe and the two have also developed a ‘wallbox solution’ for Genesis drivers.
Which model is right for you?
While Genesis proudly says there is only one model and one powertrain available, there’s plenty of opportunity to personalise an Electrified GV70 by chucking different packages into the mix. There’s the innovation pack, which features matrix LED headlights, head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster. Those drivers looking for a bit more luxury behind the wheel can opt for the comfort seat package, which includes ‘Ergo Motion’ front seats, electric lumbar support for passengers and seat ventilation.
Elsewhere in the seating department, a second comfort package adds in front and rear heated seats, retractable sunshades and acoustic laminated side glass. An alternative would be the convenience pack, which, again, offers heated seats but also heated steering wheel. Auto-dimming mirrors and three-zone automatic climate control is included here, too.
Other options include a panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system and a fingerprint reader, which Genesis is claiming as an ‘industry first’.
EXPERIENCE
Genesis Electrified GV70
VERDICT
Genesis might have its work cut out trying to tempt people away from more established brands, but the Electrified GV70 is a big step in the right direction. Refinement is a major plus, with very little noise coming into the cabin at higher speeds, partly thanks to the noise cancelling technology that comes as part of the innovation pack in our test car. The ride quality and acceleration – especially when pressing the smile-producing ‘Boost’ button – are decent, too.
Inside, the big Genesis lives up to its billing as a very enjoyable place to be. The material choices are spot on and the amount of onboard features is enough to keep driver and passengers happy on long journeys.
