Each new electric vehicle that hums sweetly into my driveway seems closer to what consumers ultimately will want and demand, some even exceed those desires in clever ways.
The smartly future-forward styled Genesis GV60 Performance, a top-end luxury electric crossover, is a prime exceeder. Two examples are the first-ever facial recognition system on a consumer vehicle and its rotating crystal sphere shifter further set the pace for technology.
But the range and price remain the most significant hurdles all electrics must overcome, and here the GV60 gets close, but with its lower-cost Advanced model that features more range.
The tested Uyuni White ($575 extra) Performance version features just a 235-mile range, while its Advanced model touts a more substantial 280-mile range. Simple science, performance and power suck up range.
Let’s get at the specifics for the GV60, which I consider one of the best-looking EVs to date. Its cousins, the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6 are the others, each with a distinct style.
With the Performance moniker, you expect rocket-like thrust, ego-stroking horsepower, and minuscule 0 to 60 mph times. The GV60 Performance delivers.
Its twin 215-horsepower electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the back, deliver 429 horsepower. But that is not enough, my friend. No, the steering wheel has a Boost button to compete with Tesla’s Insane setting. In addition, the booster rocket button delivers another 54 horsepower for a total of 483 and a torque rating of 516.
Boost lasts for 10 seconds and trust me (see video) will push the AWD GV60 to 100+ mph in the short distance of an average highway entry ramp. Boost is a literal blast that can make even the most jaded auto writer laugh out loud.
Car and Driver reports a 3.7-second 0 to 60 time and a top speed of 151 mph, in case you’re late for a board meeting.
While there are three drive modes, Eco, Comfort, and Sport, the Boost button overrides and will allow you to thumb your nose at the exotic or muscle car/truck at the stoplight next to you. Eco, by the way, does considerably help extend battery range as it puts more charge back in the pack under coasting and braking action.
Comfort softens the ride and is perfect for city driving as steering is easy and the long wheelbase and electronically controlled suspension here soften pot holes and create a lovely luxury ride. Sport naturally firms up the suspension and steering effort.
Those batteries add heft (GV weighs nearly 4,800 pounds) and lower the vehicle’s center of gravity to make it handle like a sport sedan and eliminate body roll in turns. Whether cruising the highway or rocking along our lunaresque city streets, the GV60 feels calm and comforting.
Standard AWD provides strong traction and the 21-inch Michelin tires offer solid footing, including after a rain. Yet I must note that I did spin the tires a couple times after hitting the Boost button.
Getting into the GV60 is easy with a fob in your pocket, or you can use the Genesis smart key app, or you can use its facial recognition system.
The driver’s side B-pillar has a facial recognition system built in. Once programmed you just stand by the car’s side and peer into the spot you can see on the pillar and it will unlock the car in a Jetson-like few seconds. So far, the crossover does not fold up into a briefcase.
Once inside the high-tech hijinks continue once you press the start button. The fancy crystal sphere on the console that glows a light red will rotate the crystal side down and up pops the dimpled shifter knob to rotate to the appropriate gear setting. Press the button at its center and the GV60 returns to park. That also happens if you simply turn off the vehicle.
The look inside is as clean and futuristic as most of us want, while still offering some familiar buttons.
That starts with the dash’s dual 1-piece screen that houses 12.3 inches of driver digital instrument panel and 12.3 inches of the infotainment screen. Easy to see, certainly. Plus easy to use after just a day of driving. Below that is the climate control unit with toggles for temperature selection and buttons for directing the airflow from the wide air ducts just above and along the dash.
The usual cruise and computer control buttons are on the steering wheel hub and there’s a wireless charger in the console, just vertically insert the phone in front of the armrest. Simple, and if you forget the phone a friendly semi-human sounding voice will remind you it’s charging as you open the door to exit.
The seats are wonderful. The test unit featured a navy blue leather interior and dash with yellow stitching to create a sophisticated yet youthful look. Both front seats also are powered, and the driver gets a four-way power lumbar adjustment along with power side bolsters for more lateral support. Long-legged drivers will appreciate that the lower cushion also will extend to support those daddy long legs.
The front seats are heated and cooled and the rear seats are heated. Genesis also adds a heated steering wheel, a must in our northern climate.
GV60 comes standard with nearly everything else you’d ever want, and some of which you might not care about. There’s a power tilt/telescope steering wheel, giant sunroof and power shade (but the roof, like in a Tesla, does not open), a Head-Up Display, and a fine Bang and Olufsen stereo. One misplaced roller button control, the volume for that stereo is at the center of the console between a couple other buttons. Generally these are on the steering wheel hub, an easier spot to find it while driving.
Safety features? Oh my, everything but mind controls for other drivers.
Standard are forward collision avoidance and assist, lane keeping assist and lane follow assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist (including cameras that show your right and left side blind spots when the turn signals are engaged). It also includes a surround-view monitor, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance and assist, smart cruise, Stop & Go, driver attention warning, high-beam assist and parking distance warning. Additional safety perks are parking collision avoidance and remote smart parking. I’m sure I’ve missed something, but you get it, as in you get everything currently known to humankind.
The electric plug-in charging is like all other electrics in that using your garage charger at the standard 120 volts is nearly useless. I plugged in overnight and got a 3% boost. You’ll want to install a 240-volt charger if you purchase an electric vehicle, including this one.
The good news is that at a fast 800-volt charger the GV60 will go from 10 to 80% power in 18 minutes, says Genesis. It reports a 400-volt charger will take 73 minutes to do the same and with a 240 at your home it’ll go from 10% to fully charged in 7 hours.
Genesis also wants to encourage you to travel in the GV60, so it provides 3 years of free charging at Electrify America chargers spread across the country. Over time, and thanks to the federal infrastructure bill approved by Congress, there will be more chargers in place making longer distance travel easier to plan.
My minor complaint on charging is that the GV60’s plug is on the passenger’s side rear quarter panel. I’d prefer it on the driver’s side so it’s nearer a wall plug in a garage.
For the record, the test GV60 was made in South Korea, but future models are to be built at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama, plant.
Pricing is the last bugaboo that electric must overcome and the GV60 gets it half right, sort of. Realizing this is a luxury vehicle with a quiet high-end interior loaded with features and a comfy ride befitting its luxury nature, the tested Performance model lists at $68,985, including delivery. Only the paint job was extra, for a suggested price of $69,560, and demand is high enough that you’ll probably have to pay at least that.
Going with the Advanced model that includes a few less features and less power at “just” 314 horsepower yet still an amazing 416 pound-feet of torque, saves you $10 grand. It lists at $59,985, still not pocket change, but for a luxury make it’s in the ballpark.
Note that the Kia and Hyundai electrics mentioned earlier and riding on the same platform start at considerably less. Note too that none of these makes currently meet the new U.S. qualifications for a $7,500 tax break, although future models made in the U.S. may. Be sure to know before you buy.
FAST STATS: 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance
Hits: Future forward styling inside and out, good power + Boost button, easy handling, luxury ride and AWD. Clean stylish dash, big dual 1-piece screen, crystal sphere shifter, face recognition entry, heated/cooled and supportive front seats w/power side bolsters, heated rear seats, HUD, multiple drive mode, sunroof w/shade, solid safety systems, B&O stereo, power tilt/telescope and heated wheel. Wireless phone charger w/left behind alert.
Misses: Range limited to 235 miles, sunroof doesn’t open, plug-in is on passenger’s side rear quarter panel, radio volume roller is on console instead of steering wheel hub, costly.
Made in: So. Korea (future builds in Alabama)
Power: 2 160kW electric motors w/77/4 kWh battery, 429-483 hp/516 max. torque
Transmission: 1-speed reduction gear
Weight: 4,769 lbs.
Wheelbase: 114.2 in.
Length: 177.8 in.
Cargo: 29-54.7 cu.ft.
MPGe: 97/82
Base Price: $68,985 (includes delivery)
Invoice: $68,985
Major Option: Uyuni White paint, $575
Test vehicle: $69,560
Sources: Genesis, www.kbb.com
Photos: Mark Savage
