Genesis locks in GV60 BEV for H1 2022 arrival

GENESIS Motors has officially lifted the lid on its new GV60 battery-electric SUV with three versions set to be offered globally and a local launch pencilled in for the first half of next year alongside the G80 Electrified.

As Genesis’ first bespoke electric vehicle (EV), the GV60 is underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) dedicated e-GMP architecture which it shares with the inbound Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

The EV-specific platform allows for the 77.4kWh battery to be stashed under the floor, maximising interior space – a hallmark of the Genesis brand – and ensuring a low centre of gravity.

Despite being an SUV, Genesis says the GV60 is its most athletic model date with the top-spec Performance AWD launching from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds thanks to its dual-motor set-up which generates up to 360kW/700Nm in ‘Boost’ mode.

The mid-range ‘Standard AWD’ also has a dual-motor set-up, however its outputs are more modest at 234kW/605Nm while its ‘RWD’ stablemate’s single-motor develops 168kW/350Nm.

What the base model lacks in power, it makes up for in terms of its effective driving range with Genesis claiming it will cover up to 451km on a single charge, bettering both the AWD’s 400km and Performance AWD’s 386km figures.

In terms of charging, all variants can be hooked up to a 350kW DC fast charger which will charge the battery from 10-80 per cent in as little as 18 minutes.

Not only does the GV60 share its platform and drivetrain basis with the 5 and EV6, it also mimics the mainstream cars’ basic silhouette, especially the latter’s up-swept window lines, short overhangs and gradually sloping roofline although the Genesis hind quarters are more curved than the Kia.

Adorning the flowing body are all of the usual Genesis styling hallmarks including the crest grille (lowered and widened) and quad headlight and tail-light arrangements.

The similarities continue within the cabin with the GV60 scoring a similar dual-screen setup to the EV6 comprising the digital instrument cluster and infotainment systems.

Both the dash and centre console have been designed in a ‘floating’ arrangement in that they never intersect and appear at first glance to be hovering on their own account.

Adorning the centre console is what Genesis calls the ‘Crystal Sphere’. With the ignition on, this flips to reveal a rotary gear selector which the brand says is not only elegant and stylish but also a safety feature.

While the local pricing and exact specification details are yet to be confirmed, it would seem Genesis has tried to cram as much technology as it can into the GV60.

Some of the headline acts include its ‘Preview Electronic Control’ adaptive suspension, 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, traffic-based regenerative braking and facial-recognition unlock system.

Other highlights include digital wing mirrors, electric door handles, fingerprint authentication, head-up display, bespoke alloy wheels, floating centre console, electronic limited-slip differential and even a drift mode.

It remains to be seen if all variants will come with these stand out features, however we expect only the flagship Performance AWD will be gifted all of them – the lesser variants may need to make do with passive suspension, traditional keyless entry and driver profiles.

By contrast, there’s no reason why some of the above features couldn’t or won’t be included as part of an options package for the lower tier variants.

Addressing international media at the GV60’s global debut, Genesis chief brand officer Luc Donckerwolke said the new model was the “most athletic, extroverted and emotional” to date.

“The GV60 is a milestone model for Genesis and we cannot emphasise this enough,” he said.

“It is Genesis’ first dedicated EV showing our approach and commitment to electrification in terms of performance design and innovative features.”

As previously mentioned, the GV60 is currently scheduled to arrive on Aussie soil in the first half of next year, as is the G80 Electrified and a third mystery EV rumoured to be an electric version of the recently launched GV70 SUV.