The GV60 is the third, and in our opinion, most important facelifted Genesis model. Usefully updated, it remains a very strong EV fleet choice.
Prior to the GV60, Genesis models impressed with their premium feel and attention to detail inside rather than the drive itself. High BIK figures meant they were a marginal fleet choice, and only appealing to user chooser buyers.
Well, four years on, Genesis is now an all-electric brand. Although, like many other OEMs, that will change next year, as it has announced it will be introducing hybrid models.
Already a popular fleet choice, Genesis has lightly facelifted the distinctive exterior and interior designs of the GV60, upgraded the battery for more range, and fitted 800V charging. Is it the pick of its electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) rivals? Let’s find out.
Design and interior
The GV60 might share that platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but the GV60 looks nothing like them – which we think is a good thing. Light colours show off the Genesis’s unique design features best, such as the parabolic lines down the flanks, the clamshell bonnet, and the unusual ‘volt’ signature on the window line where it meets the glassy boot. Facelift changes are mostly at the front, with new micro lens headlights (also fitted to the Electrified GV70, and the G80). These lights are moulded into a revised front airdam, grille, and splitter. Another body change that makes a big difference is that the arches and side skirts are now colour coded. The finishing touch is new 19, 20, and 21in alloy wheels.
Inside, the GV60’s basic dash architecture still feels very Ioniq 5, as is the switchgear and infotainment. However, as before, it feels way more premium, with its more expensive-feeling trim, with new upholstery designs and colours in this facelift. Even with the entry-level, most fleet-friendly Pure equipment grade, the Genesis feels more luxurious. Interior design highlights include the glovebox, which is a draw like in the Ioniq 5. Then there’s the ‘crystal sphere’, which is the gear selector, and flips when the start button is pressed.
The most striking element of the GV60’s dashboard is the 27in screen, which houses both the instruments and infotainment, with the floating centre console housing the crystal sphere and start/stop button. We weren’t fans of the thick, two-spoke steering wheel that was fitted to the pre-facelift GV60, so we’re pleased Genesis has replaced it with a new ‘D-shaped’ multifunction three-spoke item, which is much better in use, and is nicer to hold.
At 4,515mm, the GV60 is the shortest of the three E-GMP platformed cars – not that you’d notice, as rear legroom is still accommodating. Taller than the EV6, sadly that curvy roofline eats into rear headroom. The practically shaped, if shallow, 432-litre boot can be extended with the rear seat folded. There is also an additional 53-litre front trunk (frunk), which is reduced to 20 litres for AWD models.
Pure is now the entry-level rear-drive grade (if you can call a £54,115 car an entry-level model). Sport is only available as an AWD version, priced at £58,515. The range-topper is the Performance in AWD form, which is priced at £67,715. This is expensive, but it is the highest-performance version with an incredible 483hp.
As you’d expect, the GV60 is fitted with the latest safety and convenience features, although with the facelift, Genesis has added more. These include entertainment streaming for the infotainment system, updates to the lane following assist system, which includes hands-on detection, improving the accuracy by determining whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, and updates to the remote smart parking assist system to enable perpendicular parking. Other changes include a digital centre mirror, and a built-in dash cam.
Performance and drive
All GV60 models now get a fourth-generation high voltage 84kWh battery, and up to 350kW charging ability, making it possible to fast charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. RWD Pure spec has one motor, 226hp and a 348-mile range. Sport and Performance models have 316hp and 483hp respectively. However, the range drops to 318 miles for the Sport and 311 miles for the Performance.
We got to drive two UK specification models; a RWD model in Pure spec and the range-topping Performance equipment grade. Both started quietly, their EV refinement impressing first. The ride remains a highlight, with the Genesis having a more sophisticated, Germanic feel than the Hyundai or Kia. Some of the low-speed floatiness of all EVs is apparent, but in general it is much better suppressed than the Hyundai and Kia. In fact, unusually the largest 21in rims on the Performance offered the most refinement.
The GV60 has driving modes; like before ‘eco’ mostly seems to retard the throttle. ‘Sport’ on the other hand makes the throttle more responsive. ‘Normal’ mode is the best for everyday driving. There is also a ‘drift’ mode and a boost button on the Performance version – the button gives a noticeable extra 20kW power boost from each motor for 10 seconds.
Both models were fun to drive and tidy handlers, but you’re always aware of that weighty battery. The RWD GV60 is less sporty and more refined than the EV6, although the steering remains precise, the boost in range is welcome, and the interior feels spacious and special. The Performance version was driven exclusively on track, and we were impressed by the performance, and the extra involvement given by the clever ‘virtual gearshift’ system. Then, just when you’re used to the sharp acceleration in ‘sport’ mode, the boost button moves the performance up to another level. The AWD grip levels are higher, with the handling even more composed and secure – but despite the hike in performance, we’re not sure we were having as much fun as we would in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Always an impressive performer, that’s decent to drive, with a plush and spacious interior – the GV60 is still the best model Genesis makes, and is a very good electric car, usefully improved in 2026 model year form.
Positive: Good to drive, premium feel to the interior, range and battery efficiency, impressive boot capacity.
Negative: Rear and boot space could be bigger, pricey, looks may not appeal to all
Standard equipment: Front acoustic glass, ambient lighting with 64 colours, dual-zone climate control, electric front seat adjustment, driver’s electric lumbar support, heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, power tailgate, multi lens array LED headlights, power operated charging door, 27in panoramic OLED display, Crystal Sphere, fingerprint recognition, rear view monitor, satellite navigation, smart key, wireless device charger.
Engines: Electric: 226hp, 316hp, 483hp
Equipment grades: Pure, Sport, Performance
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Genesis GV60 84kWh Pure |
| P11D | £54,115 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 348 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £27/£54 |
| Luggage capacity | 432 litres |
| Battery size/power | 84kWh/226hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
