An all-electric experience – the 2023 Genesis GV60!

Talk about making a first impression. As Genesis, the South Korean luxury automaker enters the EV market, they do so by making an entrance with a vehicle that may just happen to be one of the most futuristic vehicles currently available – glowing with technology, power and comfort. For those of you that are into the lasted in technology and have been waiting for that right time to dive into an EV – that time may be now.

Genesis enters the electric vehicle market with the 2023 Genesis GV60 – the brand’s third SUV. Claiming to be an SUV for the new generation, the GV60 is a luxury crossover that incorporates styling elements found in the Genesis lineup – yet looks like nothing else around. As the smallest SUV in the Genesis lineup, the GV60 isn’t as spacious as its larger GV70 and GV80 stable mates. It does, however, offer a unique interior design that’s more high-tech in its appearance and functionality. One such feature is a facial recognition system that allows the owner to unlock and start the vehicle without needing a key.

Step inside the GV60 and the interior looks like one giant screen. It’s actually two large 12.3-inch screens – one for the infotainment touchscreen and the other for the digital gauge cluster. The Genesis infotainment system works well enough and can be controlled by either a click wheel on the center console or by touchscreen. A Bang & Olufsen stereo system is standard.

Then there is the gear selector. Just when you think you have seen them all, Genesis creates the most unique shifter ever. Looking (and feeling) like a crystal ball when the car is off, turning the car on causes it to flip upside down – allowing you to move it as a shifter. I’m not real sure on the “why”, but the cool-factor is definitely there.

Being an EV, range is a huge factor. Buyers can choose from two different trim levels – the base Advance has a driving range of up to 235 miles while the Performance, which, as the name suggests is the performance oriented version, has an estimated 248-mile range per charge.

Although hard to find, when hooked up to a DC fast charging station, Genesis says the GV60’s battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent capacity in just 18 minutes.

Every GV60 features dual motors and are all-wheel-drive. The motors are fed by a 77.4-kWh battery pack. The Advanced model makes a combined 314 hp while the Performance trim makes 429 hp. That 429 hp can jump to 483 hp temporarily when the Performance model’s Boost driving mode is engaged. Activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel, Boost mode catapults the GV60 to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. Think of Boost mode as an EV version of NOS.

The exciting exterior and fancy interior coincides nicely to a vehicle that is impressive (and quite fun) to drive. The tester, a GV60 Performance, feels every bit as quick as the performance numbers indicate. Not only is the GV60 quick, but it just feels good driving it – the steering is well-weighted and accurate, and the suspension tuning is spot-on. Road manners are quite refined and its handling is very good for a crossover SUV.

When it comes to utility, the GV60’s smallish size and sloping roofline don’t do its cargo area any favors. There is a modest 24 cubic feet of rear cargo space and a small about of room in the frunk (front truck). At least the rear seats split in a 60/40 configuration and fold relatively flat, which helps with overall cargo space and for transporting larger items.

Just as can be said about the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, there is a lot to like about the Genesis GV60. From the way it looks to how it feels to be in and drive as well as it’s practicality, the GV60 has a lot going for it. And while it’s the first EV from Genesis, they are showing that it can rival the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Volvo XC40 Recharge and even the Porsche Macan.

Just as they have done in the luxury market, Genesis is looking to making their name known in the EV market. With the GV60 – they will definitely succeed.

— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:

2023 Genesis GV60 Performance

Base Price: $67,890.00
Price as Tested: $68,985.00
Layout: dual motors / all-wheel drive
Engine: 160 kW Front / 160 kW Rear electric motors
Horsepower: 429 / 483 horsepower
Torque: 516 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 90 MPGe (97 city / 82 highway)

[Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]