Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis has built up momentum. This coincides with the increasing demand for EVs, which is why, on August 19th, 2021, the brand announced its new EV crossover - the GV60. This is the first fully electric Genesis model to go on sale and just like the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia EV6, the GV60 is based on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Here’s what you need to know about the latest addition to the brand’s EV lineup.

2022 Genesis GV60

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2022 Genesis GV60
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Drivetrain & Performance

We already know that the Genesis GV60 utilizes Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which is shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. We know that the platform is rear-wheel-drive-based and will be used even for the more high-performance Genesis models.

It's also worth noting that with the new E-GMP modular platform comes the first multi-charging (400V/888V) and bi-directional power conversion function. The GV60 also comes equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery.

There is also another version in the making in conjunction with the battery supplier SK Innovation, which is said to be capable of 500 miles (804 km) with two quick 10-minute charges. Moreover, the GV60 is among the first EVs to feature wireless battery charging, practically rendering charging cables obsolete.

2022 Genesis GV60 specifications

Powertrain

Electric motors

Power

577 HP

Battery

77.4 kWh

Range

320 miles (515 km)

0 to 60 mph

3.5 seconds

Top Speed

161 mph (260 km/h)


These numbers are expected to hold true for the range-topping twin-motor version of the EV crossover. The base version will feature a single electric motor, powering the rear wheels only.

The Genesis GV60 is aimed at cars like the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 E-Tron. If their performance figures are anything to go by, we can expect the base version of the GV60 to have around 200 horsepower, although it looks like the Korean luxury brand aims to one-up the competition, in some cases by a lot.

Exterior

We can clearly see that the front hood of the car is a clamshell. This begs the question: will it have a usable frunk, in addition to the rear cargo area, or will it simply accommodate the charger, like in the Jaguar I-Pace for example?

We can still make out details of the Athletic Elegance design, but needless to say, the GV60 looks a lot different compared to anything else we've seen from Genesis so far. The test mule we saw a while back featured cameras instead of side mirrors and it appears they made it to the production car as well.

We also see a small ducktail rear spoiler, which was also hinted at on the prototype. Then, there's the overall design, which is elegant yet muscular. It combines a long wheelbase with short overhangs while accentuating the front and rear fenders. It almost looks like they've given it a wide-body kit out of the factory. Of course, we have to mention the unmistakable coupe silhouette.

The GV60 still features the brand's signature split headlight and taillights design, although they seem to be a bit curvier and longer than on other models, especially when at the rear.

Interior

The GV60 is as different on the inside as it is on the outside, compared to other Genesis models. The dashboard features dual digital screens - an instrument cluster and an infotainment screen, using a Genesis-exclusive interface.

The Chrystal Sphere located on the lower center console is the highlight of the GV60's interior and its interactive features and serves multiple functions. Firstly, it tells you whether the car is on or off - an important aspect in a car as silent as an EV. Moreover, the sphere does not rotate while the car is charging, letting you know of the car's current status.

Other than that, the two-tone interior is spacious and, in true Genesis fashion, features high-quality materials, as well as the latest tech, rivaling the best in the business. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available, as well as many other features, such as a digital car key, cloud-based voice recognition, and touch controller with handwriting function are also available on the GV60.

Price

The GV60 was just unveiled and as such, many details, including the retail price, are still unclear. We believe Genesis will announce the MSRP very soon. Judging by its main competitors, we expect the GV60 will start at around $50,000.

Competition

BMW iX1

One of BMW’s first all-electric crossover vehicles is said to hit the market around the same time as the JW. It has a more traditional design, rather than the coupe-inspired Genesis, which in theory should mean a bit more cargo space. In any case, the iX1 will come in two versions – a single-motor 180-horsepower base version and a dual-motor variant with 250 horsepower (186 kW). In the latter, the sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) will be dealt with in around 6.5 seconds. The estimated range is around 286 miles (460 km). The batteries can recharge up to 80 percent in around 35 minutes. US prices are expected to start at around $49,000.

Read our full review on the BMW iX1

Audi Q4 E-Tron

Another greatly-anticipated EV crossover comes from Ingolstadt. The Q4 E-Tron is said to be compact on the outside (4.59 meters / 180.7 in) and spacious on the inside. The dual-motor electric drivetrain provides 302 horsepower (225 kW), which is good for a 6.3-second sprint to 60 mph. Thanks to a large 82-kW battery, the range is over 280 miles (450 km). Like its Bavarian competitor, it features a more traditional two-box design, typical for most SUVs. However, the styling is a lot more aggressive, in comparison. Prices for the Q4 E-Tron start at around $45,000.

Read our full review on the Audi Q4 E-Tron

Conclusion

The Genesis GV60 is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle that’s going to go on sale this year. This is the beginning of the brand’s mass-electrification plan, which sets out to introduce 23 fully-electric vehicles by 2025. The brand has already proven its intentions to give the German trio a hard time on the market, matching and even surpassing them in terms of integrated technology and stats, as well as beating them in terms of price.

The luxury brand Genesis was the obvious direction forward for the parent company, which made rapid progress from the budget car manufacturer that it once was, to a force rivaling the older and more established brands in the industry.