Genesis GV60 review – efficient EV SUV with added class

Verdict – is the Genesis GV60 a good car?

The Genesis GV60 is an impressive premium coupe-SUV that feels well made and full of tech. It’s not the roomiest EV, though rear passenger space is generous, and its safety tech is useful and not too intrusive. We’d stick to the Premium model because it boasts the longest range and best value for money. The Sport Plus model is impressively quick and offers novel features like virtual gear changes, but those aren’t all that in-keeping with the GV60’s relaxing, upmarket approach.

Genesis GV60 models, specs and alternatives

You’d be forgiven for not having heard of Genesis, but it’s the premium arm of South Korean marque Hyundai, much in the same way Lexus is to Toyota. The Genesis GV60 is its first ground-up electric car, and is based on the same underpinnings as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but with an upmarket twist. Rivals to be aware of include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. 

The Genesis GV60 gets a quirky, stand-out design that’s sure to turn heads. In our time with the car we noticed lots of people admiring the GV60, and even one lady giving an approving thumbs up while crossing in front of it – admittedly we thought the coupe-SUV’s looks might be polarising, but the response to its styling seems overwhelmingly positive. The GV60’s designer has worked on designs for Bentley, too, which isn’t surprising once you know, given its large front grille and smooth, curvy lines.

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The fact the GV60 is similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 underneath is a good thing too, because their underpinnings are a great basis on which to build. The most efficient version of the GV60, the entry-level Premium, can cover up to 321 miles on a charge of its 77.4kWh battery. That may not be class-leading by modern standards, but it’s not bad, and fast charging speeds of up to 350kW mean going from 0-80% can take you just 16 minutes at a compatible charger.

There are just three versions to choose from; there’s the aforementioned Premium, which gets a 225bhp rear-mounted electric motor, the GV60 Sport with 314bhp sent to all four wheels via two electric motors, and the top-of-the-range GV60 Sport Plus with a whopping 483bhp, again from two electric motors. The latter’s full performance can be unlocked for 10 seconds at a time via a novel ‘Boost’ button on the steering wheel, and there are other features such as a drift mode or the same ‘Virtual Gear Shift’ tech as used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N hot electric SUV for added driver involvement.

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The GV60 is well equipped whichever version you choose, with twin 12.3-inch infotainment screens as standard plus LED headlights, front and rear heated seats, 19-inch alloys and a reversing camera. The equipment on higher-spec models is mostly cosmetic, so you’re paying for the added performance rather than more toys to play with. There's plenty of innovation too; 2023 cars feature face recognition so you don't need to carry a key.