Genesis details full specifications of GV60 electric crossover, Australian launch set for 2022
The Genesis GV60. Images: Genesis
The GV60 will offer a 77.4 kWh battery in two variants
168 kW/350Nm single-motor rear wheel drive variant with 451 km WLTP range
234 kW/605 Nm dual-motor all wheel drive variant with 400 km WLTP range
320 kW/605 Nm dual-motor performance variant with 368 km WLTP range to come later
The GV60 is based on Hyundai’s new dedicated electric architecture dubbed E-GMP
GV60 to launch in Australia in the first half of 2022
Genesis has premiered its GV60 electric crossover in a film on the Genesis Worldwide YouTube channel (full video below). Like its IONIQ 5 cousin, the GV60 features a large clamshell bonnet, tying together familiar Genesis design cues such as the “two lines” light clusters. Compared to the IONIQ 5, the GV60’s body surfacing is clean and simple, though we personally prefer Hyundai’s retro look.
A peculiar V shape cut-out in chrome is visible on the car’s C-pillar; we suspect this — alongside the bug-eyed look — will fare much better in person than in images. Genesis’ designers have expertly steered the brand into the premium market with its other models, so we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt until we can see this in person.
Genesis GV60 Image Gallery
The media release from Genesis notes digital side mirrors will be available; an omission from Hyundai for the Australian market, and a point of differentiation between the two cars. Further cues that the GV60 is being positioned as an upscale IONIQ5/EV6 alternative can be found on the inside. A floating console with a “crystal sphere” (is it real crystal?) functions as the drive controller, and material quality and detailing appears to be a cut above the aforementioned related vehicles.
Five interior colours will be available, including Obsidian Black, Torrent Navy, Ash Gray/Glacier White, Monstera Green/Camel Beige and Monstera Green/Glassier White. In a world where manufacturers are increasingly limiting consumer choice to save costs and complexity, it’s nice to see Genesis continuing with really interesting trim colour combinations.
A luxurious interior with bold colour options.
Innovative Technology in the Genesis GV60
Haven’t you always wanted biometric authentication in your car? No? Well Genesis is offering it anyway, with the GV60 to debut a Fingerprint Authentication System, and Face Connect. As soon as a driver touches the door handle, the latter feature recognises the driver’s face and unlocks the GV60 without a key. All interior settings and positions can also be adjusted based on a driver’s face profile.
Over The Air (OTA) software updates are also promised for the GV60, though we’re uncertain whether this will make it to Australia, given that Hyundai has confirmed the IONIQ 5 will miss out on this. In markets where it is available, the technology will be used to update infotainment system features, such as navigation, the digital instrument cluster, and the Head-Up-Display (HUD), as well as the electric vehicle integrated control device, suspension, brakes, steering wheel, airbags, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
The GV60 will debut Genesis’ ccIC (Connected Car Integrated Cockpit) which links clusters and navigation into a panoramic display according to the company. There is seamless connectivity between the HUD, driver information display and navigation system.
Relaxation comfort seats, similar to the “zero gravity” seats in the IONIQ 5 will be available, and the GV60 debuts a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a first for the brand.
We’ve imagined the GV60 in a more conservative, Genesis-like colour.
Battery and drive technology in the GV60
Genesis plans to use only the largest battery configuration currently available on the E-GMP platform architecture, which is the 77.4 kWh unit available in Kia’s EV6. Rear wheel drive is standard, and Genesis quotes a WLTP combined range of 451 km (280 miles) per charge. Not much is known about the performance variant, except that Genesis has said it will feature two 160 kW motors, and “is an ideal option for customers seeking a fun driving experience”.
This is less power than Kia’s monstrous 430 kW EV6 GT, but still incredibly potent. We’re betting that a slightly less powerful but still potent N Performance variant of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 will eventually make it to market.
The GV60 also features a Boost Mode button on the steering wheel, activating additional performance for 10 seconds. This enables a launch time of 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds. A Drift Mode is also included, which provides — we can only assume — the ability to drift. Genesis states that this mode will enable “athletic driving by optimising distribution of driving power and braking system.”
The GV60 is also the first E-GMP-based vehicle to feature battery conditioning — something we’ve come to expect from the likes of Tesla — whereby the battery’s temperature is optimised for charging if a driver sets a DC fast-charging station as a navigation destination, allowing for optimal charging time and performance.
In a statement from Hyundai Australia, the company outlined that the GV60 will launch locally (Australia) in the first half of 2022. The spokesperson went on to say that “Three all-electric Genesis vehicles will launch locally in the first half of 2022 - GV60, Electrified G80 sedan, and one yet to be announced”
GV60 Australian specifications will be communicated closer to launch next year.
