√2023 Genesis GV60 video review: Australian first drive
The all-electric mid-sized Genesis GV60 brings a long list of EV must-haves to a growing segment, and wraps it all into a fresh and friendly package. Is this the prestige electric car you’ve been waiting for?
2023 Genesis GV60 AWD
There are two schools of thought regarding what buyers want from their first electric car.
Practical minds suggest a direct generational step from the car you have now, stepping from an X3 to an iX3, or from an XC40 to an XC40 with a really long name.
Creative minds prefer the whole new world approach, where your new electric wheels are nothing like you’ve seen before. This is Tesla’s realm where cars like the Kia EV6 have come to play.
Both left and right brain solutions are valid, and both work well, but what about the middle ground?
To that end, the 2022 Genesis GV60 has arrived to satisfy both sides of your head. There’s plenty of modern familiarity in terms of function, plus a stack of new-world gizmos and touchpoints that impress with futuristic form.
It’s a blend that may see the EV win hearts as well as minds, and attract a lot of fresh interest in the burgeoning Korean brand in the process.
On the outside, the GV60 is a very modern and stylish medium-sized SUV. I say SUV loosely though, as with a 160mm ride height, the Genesis sits a whole 20mm lower than a Kia Sportage.
Perhaps ‘electric family hatch’ would be more fitting.
As a ground-up EV, the design has been prioritsed for interior space, with a wheel at each corner and a massive 2900mm wheelbase. For context, this is the same as the eight-seater Hyundai Palisade!
It may sound strange to say, but the GV60’s design makes it a very approachable and friendly-looking car. There are no aggressive angles or swathes of black trim. It’s light and fresh, with a subdued sporting stance.
A slick LED array sits below the clamshell bonnet, with the Genesis quad-lamp signature present at both the front and the rear. There are popout door handles to continue the smooth lines, with an integrated spoiler across the tail splitting the rear glass like a modernised CRX.
There are 13-colours offered across the range, including the well-named Melbourne Grey matte. Our car is finished in Hanauma Mint Metallic, named after the colour of the water you will find at Hanauma bay in Hawaii.
How much does the Genesis GV60 cost in Australia?
There are two variants in the GV60 line-up, the ‘regular’ GV60 AWD and the GV60 Performance AWD.
Both are offered in a single ‘Luxury’ specification.
Priced from $103,700 before on-road costs, the regular GV60 offers 234kW and 605Nm output with a claimed energy usage of 18.8kWh/100km – it’s no slouch and can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 sec
Stepping up to the $110,700 GV60 Performance AWD reduces that time to 4.0 seconds, thanks to the hefty 360kW / 700Nm output in BOOST mode.
Trim and equipment levels are largely the same, with the Performance model running on 21-inch wheels (to the regular GV60’s 20’s), as well as offering adaptive ‘road preview’ electronic damper adjustable suspension.
All cars include a fixed panoramic roof, heated and ventilated seats, and even a heated steering wheel.
Matte paint finishes attract a $2000 premium, and they are the only way you can add more spend to your GV60.
Purchase also includes your choice of five-year complimentary charging on the ChargeFox network, or a home charger and basic installation.
Nifty inclusions aside, the price point of the GV60 puts it squarely in premium territory, landing somewhere around the Tesla Model Y Performance ($100,235), Mercedes-Benz EQB ($106,700) and BMW iX3 ($114,900).
| Key details | 2022 Genesis GV60 |
| Price | $103,700 AWD / $110,700 Performance AWD (before on-road costs) |
| Colour of test car | Hanauma Mint |
| Options | – |
| Price as tested | $110,700 before on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $120,305.91 (VIC) |
| Rivals | Tesla Model Y | BMW iX3 | Mercedes-Benz EQB |
How much space does the Genesis GV60 have inside?
Stepping into the GV60 for the first time should elicit a genuine ‘wow’ moment.
Whether it’s the LCD screen side mirrors, copper trim highlights, optional green dashboard, or even the diamond-stitched seats in crisp and clean white that get you first, the glowing Crystal Sphere will close the deal.
Representative of the drive mode the car was most recently set to, the sphere pulses and glows (blue for Comfort, red for Sport, green for Eco), until you turn the car on, when it flips over to reveal the rotary-style gear selector.
It’s all very next-level, but as well as being a bit of kitschy fun, the sphere actually serves the purpose of letting you know when the car is on and active to drive. Silent idle EVs and all that.
Buyers can choose from three interior colours on each grade, and as far as we can tell you can mix and match to your heart’s content. Mauna Red exterior over Torrent Navy Blue Nappa leather seats? Go for it!
In fact the personalisation and trim discovery journey is one of the purchasing elements that Genesis uses to differentiate itself from the higher volume brands, with interactive ‘studios’ in shopping centres, rather than traditional vehicle showrooms, how the brand wants you to interact with, and design your car.
The single ‘Luxury’ equipment grade keeps inclusions high, but more importantly, standard across both powertrain options.
The GV60 has all the bells and whistles you could want, from heated seats in both rows, driver and passenger massage seat function, integrated rear door blinds, head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen sound system among the inclusions.
Everything, especially with the white interior, is light and airy, with the GV60 feeling very Korean in terms of design and implementation.
As yes, if you’ve experienced any recent Hyundai or Kia products, there are similarities in terms of trim and layout, but the material selection and general implementation of the cabin is premium, stylish and up-market.
Up front, space is good with a large central console providing good storage by way of a cubby, netted-storage pockets, cup holders and a convenient phone charge pad. There’s a glovebox ‘drawer’ as well, plus a strange scent dispenser on the passenger side, should you wish to waft the aroma of potpourri through the cabin.
The seating position is mostly good, with plenty of adjustment available, it just didn’t go low enough for my liking.
That said, it goes almost too low for rear seat passengers who have limited toe room under the front seats. This is all due to the floor being higher due to the battery packs underneath.
It means that longer-legged occupants will find their thighs sitting higher than the bench, as your tootsies struggle to find somewhere to rest.
This aside, there is good shoulder and headroom in the back, thanks to a scallop in the sloping roof line, with a pair of ISOFIX points on each outside seat and a trio of top-tether points behind.
As noted earlier, rear passengers have heated seats and integrated window blinds, as well as two USB-C ports, a central armrest with cup holders, more holders integrated within the doors themselves, and vents conveniently placed on the B-pillar edge.
There’s a handy 250-volt mains-style outlet below the bench too.
Boot space isn’t huge at 432-litres (a Hyundai Tucson has 539-litres) but you can expand this to 1460-litres by folding the 60:40 split rear seat. There’s a 20-litre sealed storage unit under the front bonnet too.
For day-to-day use, there’s a neat integrated cargo net to help keep things from moving around, and clever compartmentalised storage under the floor to keep all your recharge cables and other goodies in their place.
There is no remote folding function for the rear seats, but there’s a cargo blind, 12-volt outlet plus a manual override to unlock the powered charge port cover.
| 2022 Genesis GV60 | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 432L seats up 1460L seats folded 20L front storage |
| Length | 4515mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1595mm |
| Wheelbase | 2900mm |
Does the Genesis GV60 have Apple CarPlay?
Screens. Screens. Screens!
The primary infotainment and vehicle operation functions are managed by a pair of 12.3-inch LCD displays that sit under a single glass panel.
A colour head-up display is also included as a pair of LED monitors to replace the side mirrors, but more on them in a tick.
The software running the main infotainment system has been updated and features menu images ahead of a more refined and cleaner interface design. There’s even a clever, interactive three-dimensional representation of the car that lets you find the settings pane through contextual elements.
It’s all supported by a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.
The software is well featured, with integrated navigation and DAB digital radio all part of the standard kit. It also includes some fun elements like the ability to use or create a custom sound design should you tire of the silence the electric drivetrain provides.
What is strange however, is the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto device projection. There’s no mobile-app connectivity either.
We know the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis technology family has the capability to offer both, so find it strange that even with the revised user interface the Genesis misses out. Something to keep for the MY24 update perhaps?
And then the digital mirrors.
Bottom line, glass mirrors work well. We didn’t really need to replace them.
While the digital mirrors of the GV60 are better than the implementation on the Audi e-tron, and clear enough for lane changes on the move, they are still tricky to get used to while parking, so I’d expect to see a few GV60s with scraped wheels early in the piece.
Is the Genesis GV60 a safe car?
The GV60 has been tested by ANCAP, receiving a five-star rating to the 2022 criteria.
It scored 89 per cent on both adult and child occupant protection,
| 2022 Genesis GV60 | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2022) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the GV60 have?
There are eight airbags including a centre front airbag on the GV60. Additionally, a full suite of driver assistance technology is included.
Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a lane keeping aid all help make touring as easy as possible. Things go a little further thanks to the use of the front camera as an augmented reality navigation aid.
Here, the car will show you your path and have giant arrows animate to show the direction or have a Tron lightcycle style barrier pop up if you stray from your lane. It will even flash orange and red if you are approaching a known speed camera location with a little too much vigour.
The assistance aids work well when you are on the move, giving you bells and beeps but allowing you to get on with the job.
At lower speeds though, the pre-collision braking is quite aggressive, particularly if you are doing something ‘risky’ like a three-point turn or exiting a parking space. Sometimes, in modern traffic, you need to move quickly to make the gap or can judge the distance or opportunity yourself. Having the car brake in these circumstances may be ‘safer’ but it sure isn’t easier.
Adopt a more cautious and relaxed way of driving though, and you and your Genesis will become best of friends.
How much does the Genesis GV60 cost to maintain?
Along with the option for complimentary charging or a home charger, Genesis offer five years of complimentary servicing to align with the five-year unlimited kilometer warranty.
This makes the GV60 a compelling option for many buyers, with the potential for little to no hip-pocket expenditure for the first five years of ownership
Insurance is on par with other vehicles in this segment at $3215.73 per annum for a 35-year old male living in Chatswood near Sydeny. This is compared to $4328 for an iX3 and $2920 for the Tesla Model Y.
Note. Insurance estimate based on a comparative quote for a 35 year old male driver, living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2022 Genesis GV60 |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Servicing costs | Complimentary 5-years |
| Energy cons. (claimed) | 18.8kWh/100km |
| Energy cons. (on test) | 20kWh/100km |
| Battery size | 77.4kWh |
| Driving range claim (WLTP) | 470km |
| Charge time (50kW) | 73m |
| Charge time (max rate) | 18m (0-80%) |
Is the Genesis GV60 fuel efficient?
Energy consumption is claimed at 18.8kWh/100km for the regular GV60 and 19.1kWh/100km for the Performance. We found our use in the regular car hovered around the 20kWh/100km mark, meaning we’d operate to a range of around 387km (from the 77.4kWh battery), down from where a sustained 18.8kWh would get us (412km), and well down from the WLTP claimed range of 470km.
What is the Genesis GV60 like to drive?
Based on the same E-GMP underpinnings as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the Genesis GV60 benefits from the class-leading 800V electric architecture, which supports a maximum 350kW charging capability and VTL output.
The GV60 features a 77.4kWh battery pack, which offers up to a claimed 470km range, and can be recharged from 10-80% in around 75mins on a 50kW charger or under 20min on a 350kW DC fast charger.
The GV60 Performance runs normally with 320kW and 605Nm output. Boost mode steps things up to 360kW and 700Nm – that’s more than a BMW M3!
To activate, you tap the large fluro button on the steering wheel and use the ‘boost’ function for ten seconds at a time. You can use it as often as you like.
To achieve this, the front motor is marginally bigger than in the ‘regular’ GV60, but at the end of the day, the regular 234kW car is more than adequate for running about town, so you do need to question if the extra spend is worth it.
Either way, performance is entertaining both off the mark and at a roll, with ride quality good throughout and the car exhibiting balanced and well-mannered behaviour during our drive with it.
Even putting the car into Sport mode can feel fun, with the seat bolsters automatically moving to grip you tighter in the seat.
While the dynamic dampers of the Performance model seemed to work, we didn’t drive both cars back to back so as to accurately compare the GV60 with and without the ‘road reading’ feature.
Drivers can use varying degrees of regeneration friction and even opt for a one-pedal drive mode to help recuperate as much energy as possible. These modes are easily changed and accessed via the paddles on the steering wheel.
As noted, we sat around 20kWh/100km during our drive, which was a mixture of all drive modes and situations. I did note that using more aggressive recuperation settings would slow down the energy consumption of the car as a whole.
It’s swift enough, solid enough and entertaining enough to be a real fighter in the segment.
| Key details | 2022 Genesis GV60 |
| Engine | Dual motor electric |
| Power | 234kW GV60 AWD / 320kW GV60 Performance / 360kW GV60 Performance Boost |
| Torque | 605Nm GV60 AWD / 605kW GV60 Performance / 700Nm GV60 Performance Boost |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Power to weight ratio | 144.8kW/t (GV60 Performance) |
| Weight | 2210kg |
| Tow rating | 1600kg braked |
| Turning circle | 11.9m |
Should I buy a Genesis GV60?
Regardless of whether you are thinking with your head, or searching with your heart, there are some key components to look for in an EV, and the 2023 Genesis GV60 has them all.
Big battery. Long range. Entertaining performance. Fast charging. High tech. Tick, tick, tick. Throw in a glowing orb and some bright colours and the GV60 offers nearly everything that you need in a modern electric vehicle.
For buyers looking to make the step to electric feel like a step into the future, this car answers the brief. It feels like the future you can have today.
It’s still not perfect, with limited rear passenger room, those funky mirrors and a non-traditional prestige badge, but it’s a solid offering that makes the first step into an electric car an exciting and stylish one.
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