The Genesis GV60, that was launched earlier this year has already proved that despite the brands infancy, it can build an excellent EV – walking off with a well-deserved “Highly Commended” in the Best Electric Car over £40,000 category at this year’s Business Car Awards.
Like the brand, Genesis’s choice of EV models is growing rapidly, with an electric version of the range-topping G80 recently released and now this Electrified GV70.
Outside, the Electrified GV70 looks pretty much the same as the ICE engined version. However, at the front, there’s a sealed version of the family grille that cleverly disguises the front-mounted charging flap. At the side there are specific 19in alloy wheels, with 20s an option. At the back, the Electrified GV70 gets its own specific rear bumper with diffuser.
Inside, apart from changes to the dials, the Electrified GV70 is much the same as the standard car. So, think attractive European-like design and the expected high levels of finish and quality materials. In fact, the only other subtle changes over the ICE GV70 is the “Boost” button on the steering wheel, just like the GV60. The driving position is excellent, the seats comfortable and space in the back is fine. The only interior compromise is the loss of 39 litres of boot space thanks to the new electrical architecture. However, because there’s no engine, you do gain a 25-litre “Frunk”, perfect for the charging cable.
Just one Sport version of the Electrified GV70 is available in the UK, priced from a not insubstantial £64,405. Part of the reason for this price is that the Electrified GV70 is only available with a 77.4kWh battery and a pair of electric motors rather than just a single one. Max power is
an eye-watering 483hp in boost with 700Nm of torque. Although a cheaper, single motor version hasn’t been ruled out for the future.
Despite all this performance and a 0-62mph acceleration figure in 4.2 seconds, this Genesis EV is still capable of a 283-mile range. When the Electrified GV70 needs a charge, it can accept charging speeds up to 240kW, charging from 10-80% in just 18 minutes and all with a 2% BIK figure. Owners will also have access to Shell Recharge points, plus a more preferential charging rate of 24p per kWh, thanks to another tie-up with Ionity.
These figures look close to the GV60, but we were told these two Genesis EVs will appeal to different EV buyers, with the Electrified GV70 aimed at those who don’t want to draw attention to the fact that they’ve chosen EV power.
On the road, the GV70 feels quick off the mark and eerily quiet. Our test car was fitted with £3,560 of innovation pack and part of the reason why it’s so quiet is the active road noise cancelling that’s included. Overall, the Electrified GV70 is impressively refined on the motorway – probably the result of the standard fit adaptive suspension with clever road scanning tech. The feeling is much the same on twistier A roads, although the system does seem to struggle more here, feeling heavy and that the springs are working hard to keep things under control. The low-speed ride can also sometimes feel unsettled here on the optional 20in alloy wheels and the steering could really do with more feedback. The fact this GV70 is no lightweight with its 2,310kg kerb weight is surely playing its part here, too. Elsewhere, the Smart Regeneration System 2.0 braking system works very well – automatically adjusting regen levels to road conditions, plus Genesis’s i-Pedal system, which works by giving one-pedal driving.
Despite an overall tidy drive, we’re not sure the Electrified GV70 should be badged “Sport.” Even in Boost mode, which ramps up the performance and acceleration, the handling and steering lack the precision to match the badge. For example, we’d say the BMW iX3 feels sportier and more involving to drive.
The Electrified GV70 is another great Genesis EV, offering impressive range, performance, and tech. However, we feel it’s expensive and could be better to drive.
Genesis Electrified GV70 Sport Innovation Pack
P11D: £67,910
Residual value: 46.28%
Depreciation: £36,481
Fuel: £5,334
Service, maintenance and repair: £2,606
Cost per mile: 39.08p
Range: 283 miles
CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%)
BIK 20/40% a month: £22/£45
Luggage capacity: 528 litres
Battery size/power: 77.4kWh/483hp