Genesis GV60 in the test: This is what makes the noble E-SUV from South Korea so special

Created: 05/12/2022, 08:00

By: Marcus Efler

Hyundai's premium brand Genesis is said to be chasing away customers from Mercedes and Co.

The GV60 is their first electric car - the test drive reveals convincing qualities.

Offenbach – At the moment there are two major car companies in particular that are putting real pressure on the switch from combustion engines to electromobility and can already point to some great successes: Volkswagen and Hyundai from South Korea.

With their SUV Ioniq 5, the Asians have presented a really good Stromer, which has already got a slightly more coupé-styled brother in the Kia EV6.

And now it's Genesis' turn.

The premium brand from the Hyundai empire is now also competing against Mercedes and Co. in Germany with premium models such as the GV70.

So far, they have mainly been on the road as combustion engines, but with a kind of warp jump, the brand is now set to beam itself into the electric age: as early as 2025, all new models should be exclusively battery-electric, five years later there will be no combustion engine at all in the entire portfolio be found: Tesla à la Asia.

With four narrow LED light strips: The Genesis GV60.

© Dominic Fraser/Genesis

Genesis GV60 in the test: This is what makes the noble E-SUV from South Korea so special

The GV60 is now the beginning of the Stromer: at least 56,370 euros (minus unclear subsidy) more expensive, slightly smaller technology brother of Ioniq 5 and EV6.

And right from the start: Although the design (despite optional cams instead of the side mirrors) is rather pleasing and not as expressive as that of the Hyundai, the interior looks all the more futuristic.

This is mainly due to the unique "Sphere", a glittering giant marble in the center console.

If the engine is started, it rotates 180 degrees and mutates into the selector switch for the driving program.

After all, the Genesis people explain, you know so crystal clear that the engines are ready to go, even though you can't hear them.

Genesis GV60 in the test: This is what makes the noble E-SUV from South Korea so special

The cockpit shows the well-known wide display of the Ioniq 5, which merges the driver information and the middle touchscreen.

There are also some classic buttons that make it easier to access the air conditioning, for example.

Since the wheelbase (like the Kia EV6) measures 2.90 meters instead of three in the Hyundai, the rear offers generous legroom thanks to the electric platform, but not quite as ample as its technical gene donor.

After all, the Genesis, with its very high-quality leather interior, may be more of a glider for managers and the self-employed than a transporter for families with kids who spill ketchup.

The Genesis GV60 shows a trendy coupé rear.

© Dominic Fraser/Genesis

Genesis GV60 on test: Acceleration like a sports car

And the Genesis GV60 glides really well, comfortably and quietly.

And something else: whizzing off from a standstill or any other speed - especially if you press the boost button and activate the full 700 Newton meters of torque.

A system output of the two electric units on the front and rear axles of 360 kW/490 hp, the top version Sport Plus, and an acceleration of four seconds to 100 km/h are impressive values, but do not reveal anything about the start that this car can maltreat the stomach.

It's almost a bit sobering that a Korean SUV can handle this discipline as well as an Italian sports car.

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Luxury meets high-tech: The interior of the Genesis GV60.

©Genesis

Genesis GV60 in the test: Personal assistants replace dealers

Of course, it can race even faster than the (more than sufficient) 235 km/h of the Genesis GV60.

And the agile but still comfortable Korean would also be at a disadvantage in curves.

But to criticize that would completely ignore the character of this Stromer: 99 percent of its drivers will not even begin to use its driving dynamics reserves - which, by the way, is also something that Italian sports cars have in common.

Electro-typically, most will be more relaxed on the road anyway, if only to stroke the range.

Genesis promises 466 kilometers.

In everyday life, you end up back at the DC column much earlier, where the 77.4 kWh battery (like that of the Porsche Taycan) charges quickly with 800 volts – namely to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes.

Shiny: The "Sphere" in the Genesis GV60.

© Dominic Fraser/Genesis

There's only one thing the Genesis GV80 doesn't have: a dealer network.

The Internet takes over the initial contact, further support is provided by a personal assistant.

Buyers of electric cars may be better off than those of classic sedans like the G80.

In this respect it is fitting that Genesis is turning into a Stromer brand.