Genesis continues churning out awesome new vehicles. The Korean luxury brand skips plug-in hybrids and goes straight for electrification. Another proof of that is the GV70e, which was recently caught testing in Germany, days after Genesis filed trademarks for six new EVs. A while back, we covered the EV version of the Genesis G80, called the G80e. Just Like it, the GV70e is expected to debut around the end of 2021.

Powertrain & Performance

If we look at the G80e specs we already know we are looking at around 311 miles (500 km) according to the NEDC cycle. The Korean certification system, however, gives a lower number - 265 miles (427 km).

We expect a 350-kilowatt charging system, which would allow for a 10 to 80 percent recharge in 22 minutes. We are looking roughly at around 4.2 km/kWh efficiency. Although horsepower and torque figures are still a mystery, we expect close to 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) and at least 480 pound-feet (650 Nm). Although it is purely speculation at this point, the recently-revealed KIA EV6 might give us a hint at the powertrain figures. If the GV70e shares a drivetrain with the G80e, the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time is expected to be around 4.8 seconds.

Should it share the G80e powertrain (which it probably will), the GV70e will also have a 400/800V rapid charging system, which would allow for multiple charging infrastructures to be used. Through the driving motor and inverter, the voltage level can be boosted from 400 to 800V in order to optimize the charging procedure.

2022 Genesis GV70e EV specifications

What’s different design-wise?

Like on the G80e, the most noticeable difference in the front is the closed grille. Despite the heavy camouflage, it seems it will be the same “Athletic Elegance” design language interpreted in the style of GV70. On the side, we see a new wheel design, which will most likely be exclusive to the EV. The heavily masked rear does away with the exhaust tips, but other than that we expect the same design we know from its fossil-fueled counterpart, the GV70.

The same goes for the interior of the car. We might get different color combinations and, potentially, some materials with more emphasis on sustainability. We expect a slightly different layout for the instrument cluster, but no major changes are to be expected.

Price

As with some of the performance specs, prices for the electrified luxury SUV are yet to be announced. Considering the non-electric GV70 costs between $40,000 and $60,000 depending on how you spec it, the predicted starting price for the GV70e is expected to be around $65,000. Although EVs are becoming more and more mainstream, they are still charging a premium, compared to their ICE-powered equivalents.

Conclusion

The GV70e is another proof of Genesis’ clever strategy to go straight through electrification. Given that EVs are becoming more mainstream, developing a plug-in hybrid doesn’t seem feasible for the company’s long-term strategy. Just like the G80e, the GV70e will be a GV70 for those who want their luxury SUV to be powered by electricity.

Although EVs have become more mainstream than ever before, their sustainability is still being challenged. Should they prevail, however, Genesis will have more than one offering for its buyers.