Genesis reveals official images of E-GMP based GV60 electric crossover
Genesis has released official images of the new GV60 all electric crossover today, less than a week after we caught a prototype testing in Sydney, Australia. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (which we seem to be writing about every other day on this site), The GV60 is an upmarket version of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia’s EV6.
The Genesis GV60 exterior. Images: Genesis
Genesis has released official images of the new GV60 all electric crossover today, less than a week after we caught a prototype testing in Sydney, Australia. Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform (which we seem to be writing about every other day on this site), The GV60 is an upmarket version of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and Kia’s EV6.
Exterior Styling of the GV60
Let’s start on the outside of the GV60, because the design language is quite radical. Sure, there’s the double-slit head and tail lamps that are familiar visual cues from other Genesis models, but the GV60 looks nothing like other vehicles from the brand’s range.
Certainly less brute-ish and more futuristic than the GV70 and GV90 petrol SUVs, the GV60 echoes the Kia EV6’s “sporty crossover coupe” design language, with a sloping clamshell hood, long wheelbase, and high, raked rear end.
A frontal grille-like area dominates the nose of the GV60, however the majority of the blacked-out structure is closed off for improved aerodynamics. A coloured ring defines the front, dividing the black grille into two portions, the lower of which mimics the shape of a modern aircraft’s wings, complete with winglets.
Contrasting arches and lower mouldings define the lower structure of the GV60, and give that off-road appearance, though we expect the higher specification models to feature body-coloured paintwork on these trim pieces.
This Genesis GV60 Prototype features the same 21” alloy wheels as the vehicle in the press photos.
The glasshouse area is very similar to Kia’s EV6 in our minds, but the sharp wedge in the C-pillar is an attention grabbing design element. The large rear-glass area, ducktail spoiler with integrated LED brake light, and squared-off rear remind us of a cross between Mercedes-Benz’s GLE Coupe, and a Baja Beetle (call us crazy!)
The wheels on the GV60 in the media release are the same 21” design as fitted to the prototype we spotted last week.
Genesis presents its next generation of interior luxury
While the lime green exterior/blue interior may not be to everybody’s tastes, there’s an undeniable luxury to the interior of the GV60. Again there’s a familiarity here from Kia and Hyundai’s siblings - the dual-screen setup, the placement of important switchgear, and the floating centre console, but Genesis has clearly overhauled the interior architecture to suit its market positioning.
Firstly, there’s the digital side mirrors that we’ve seen from Korean and European market Hyundai IONIQ 5s, which almost certainly won’t make it to the USA or Australia just yet. The seats appear to be a high-grade nappa leather (we hope to see an animal-free interior option too), and there’s leather or fake leather with contrasting stitching adorning the dash, armrests, and upper door cards. The climate control setup receives a larger screen the the IONIQ 5, and pleasingly, there are a number of physical buttons present. The same goes for the steering wheel; Genesis has opted for actual buttons, rather than touch-sensitive items. There’s a drive mode button and boost button, likely to provide an additional hit of torque for a limited period, similar to Porsche’s Taycan.
The GV60 features an interior with lots of pleasing details.
All the switchgear is metallic, or at least in a metallic finish, and the textured knurling on these elements is a lovely, tactile touch that evokes a Bentley’s interior. In fact, call us crazy, but Genesis appears to be aiming to create an interior that offers a lot of similarities to something coming out of Crewe, at a much more pocket friendly pricepoint.
The IONIQ 5’s storage drawer remains, and there’s a floating centre console, which appears to be fixed. This design still allows for plenty of storage, and a flat passenger footwell. Atop the console is a wireless charging pad, media controller, and Genesis’ “Crystal Sphere” Shift By Wire drive controller. Genesis states that this controller becomes the vehicle’s mood lights before the GV60 is started, creating a pleasing interior atmosphere, and a little bit of theatre as the orb rotates and glows prior to powering on.
Digital side mirriors will likely be unavailable on the GV60 outside Korea and Europe.
Drivetrain of the GV60
While Genesis has yet to publish drivetrain information, as stated in our previous article, we know that the company has had three variants certified under Korea’s Noise and Emissions Certification process.
GV60 base model: 169 kW (226 hp)
GV60 all-wheel-drive long-range model: 242 kW (325 hp)
GV60 all-wheel-drive high specification model: 325 kW (436 hp)
At this stage, it’s unclear which models are destined for foreign markets, but we’re certainly excited to finally see the GV60 uncovered in any case. While the design may not be to everyone’s tastes, We’ll have to wait until images of different colours and specification grades are made available, before passing judgement. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch a look at a pre-production version later this year, before the crossover goes on sale sometime in 2022.
Kia's EV6, and high performance EV6 GT revealed; headed for Australia, US and Europe in 2021
Another day, another good looking electric vehicle from Korea it seems. Kia is making a big deal about its first EV to be based on the E-GMP platform shared with Hyundai, and for good reason; the EV6 leads the automaker’s rollout of 11 new BEVs by 2026, and is fundamental to Kia’s ambitions to grow BEV sales to 880,000 units worldwide by 2030.
The KIA EV6 Range
Three models available; EV6, EV6 GT-Line and EV6 GT
800V architecture with 510km max. range, 0-80% charge in 18 minutes
58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery sizes available; 2WD and 4WD variants
EV6 GT fastest Kia ever with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.5s from 430 kW, 740 Nm dual motors
Another day, another good looking electric vehicle from South Korea it seems. Kia is making a big deal about its first EV to be based on the E-GMP platform shared with Hyundai, and for good reason; the EV6 leads the automaker’s rollout of 11 new BEVs by 2026, and is fundamental to Kia’s ambitions to grow BEV sales to 880,000 units worldwide by 2030.
Exterior Design
Kia’s EV6 debuts the company’s new design philosophy known as ‘Opposites United’, which “takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity”. Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, elaborated: “EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future.”
The EV6 sports the high-riding semi-crossover look of the Polestar 2, thanks to its battery pack in the floor. Interestingly, the wheelbase of 2,900mm (115 inches) is 100mm shorter than its sister Hyundai IONIQ 5, and almost the same as Tesla’s Model Y (2,891mm).
It’s a sporty—if a little understated—look; the short front overhang and plunging hood works well with the ‘tiger face’ angular headlights, and the big wheels offset the slab-sided profile view. The rear of the EV6 is highlighted by that nifty ducktail spoiler, and the descending highlight that blends into the side sill.
Kia’s EV6 GT-Line has some very pleasing design elements. Images: Kia
Interior Design
The EV6 interior is somewhat familiar to the IONIQ 5, but still retains its own identity. The dual screens, floating centre console and elevated driving position are similar to the Hyundai, but darker interior tones, sport-themed highlights and textures, and figure hugging seats differentiate the GT-Line and GT models. If the IONIQ 5 aims to offer the high-end ambience of a living room, the EV6 is positioned as the choice for sportier drivers.
Speaking of those seats, they’re made from recycled plastics, and demonstrate a trend of the auto industry moving to cruelty-free interiors ultilising natural fibres, recycled materials and animal free surfaces. That long wheel base translates to trunk space of 520 litres, and plenty of rear legroom.
The dual 12-inch screens are connected behind one piece of reinforced glass, and the EV6 also features an augmented reality head-up display system, as we’ve seen on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Like the IONIQ 5, the vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature can supply up to 3.6kW of power to devices, and can even charge another EV.
The EV6 GT-Line interior, is sporty, premium, and shouldn’t scare away first-time EV buyers.
Battery and Drivetrain
Let’s get one thing straight; in GT trim, this is the fastest Kia ever. Battery and electric motor technology is so advanced now that BEVs simply leave petrol, diesel and hydrogen cars in their wake. In base trim, the EV6 features a 58 kWh battery, with a single rear motor, 125kW (203 PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It’s good enough to propel the EV6 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds.
Step up to the EV6 GT, and you’re rewarded with a 77.4 kWh battery, 430 kW (584 PS) and 730 Nm (538 lb-ft), from two electric motors. That’s enough grunt to propel the EV6 GT to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, and it makes Kia’s previous king of performance—the Stinger GT with 274 kW, 510NM and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds—look like a steam locomotive.
Full specifications are below; if you’re a customer who is interested in the model with the best efficiency/range for your dollar, the rear-wheel-drive 77kWh EV6 long range is the one to go for with 510 km (316 miles) WLTP range.
Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform underpins the Kia EV6.
Like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, the EV6 features 400V and 800V electrical architecture, across all models. Kia quotes the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on all variations, or a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.
With an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), the EV6 allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, supplying up to 3.6 kW of power to charge another EV (albeit slowly) or power household items such as a laptop, or, according to Kia, a 55 inch television and an air conditioner for 24 hours.
Under the hood, there’s an energy efficient heat pump, which recovers waste heat from vehicle systems, and helps to improve range. Energy recuperation is also standard, and can be controlled by the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. Six recuperation modes allow drivers to customise the drive to their liking; many EV fans will be pleased to know one-pedal driving is possible with the Kia EV6.
Kia EV6 specifications supplied by Kia Motors
Autonomy and Technology
We mentioned the augmented reality head-up display earlier; this system projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight, including alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.
Kia Connect is included, promising real time services and over-the-air updates. Kia Connect will also allow drivers to find EV charging points, plan charging schedules, and check the range radius based on remaining charge and consumption.
Lane Following Assist (LFA) centers the Kia EV6 in the middle of the lane, and in conjuncion with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), the EV6 can steer, brake and even change lanes autonomously. Remote Smart Parking Assist—a feature found on most new EVs and premium Euro models now— helps remotely park or exit a tight parking spot via a smartphone app or key.
It’s an exciting time for Kia; new brand identity, new platforms, drivetrains and a solid path towards a fully electric model line up over the next decade. The EV6 should be a car that suits many different buyers from long range highway cruisers, to parents doing the school run.
Pricing is expected to kick off around $45,000 USD or £40,895 in the UK, before government incentives. Australians will have to wait a bit longer for pricing information, but we believe the EV6 will start in the $70,000 price bracket. Northern Hemisphere customers can expect to start seeing cars in summer 2021, while down under, Kia has confirmed the EV6 will go on sale in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of the year.
Audi electrifies the sports sedan: meet the 2022 Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT
Audi has officially pulled the covers off the 2022 e-tron GT quattro and Rennsport RS e-tron GT models overnight, and we certainly like what we see. Long, low and wide, the e-tron shares a lot with the show car unveiled in 2018, and also shares a lot under the skin with Porsche’s Taycan EV.
Audi adds vorsprung to its electric range with the 2022 e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT
e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT feature a 93.4kWh battery with 800 volt electrical architecture, and a maximum DC charging rate of 270kW
e-tron GT quattro produces a combined 345 kW (469PS) and 629Nm (464 lb-ft) from its two motors
RS e-tron GT produces a combined 440kW (590PS) and 830Nm (612 lb-ft) from upgraded motors
Three-chamber air suspension and all-wheel steering improve handling and agility
e-tron GT quattro priced from US$99,900 MSRP, RS e-tron GT priced from US$139,900 MSRP
Sales commence in North America from summer 2021
Audi has officially pulled the camouflage off the 2022 e-tron GT quattro and Rennsport RS e-tron GT models overnight, and we certainly like what we see. Long, low and wide, the e-tron shares a lot with the show car unveiled in 2018, and also shares a lot under the skin with Porsche’s Taycan EV. Audi has released US pricing for the e-tron, with the e-tron GT quattro Premium Plus starting from $99,900, the e-tron GT quattro Prestige from $107,100 and the RS e-tron GT from $139,900. For comparison, the Porsche Taycan 4S starts at $103,800 and the Turbo from $150,900.
Exterior Design
Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design states that “Good design is achieved when a product is aesthetic and functional at the same time”. He goes on to say that ”form follows function, [and] aesthetics arise from efficiency. The new design language creates a stronger flow and thereby creates refined aerodynamics. The design of the e-tron GT thus forms the basis for the design of future electric models.”
Clearly Porsche’s J1 platform architecture has informed the design of the e-tron GT family, but we don't mind one bit. Audi has reinterpreted its singleframe honeycomb grille into a drag coefficient friendly form (0.24Cd in case you’re wondering), and paired it with a long, wide front and squared-off blistered fenders reminiscent of the quattro S2 and RS wagons.
The E-Tron GT's sloping roof is made from five layers of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and helps to keep the centre of gravity low in the body. It tapers back to an agressive rear end with bold tail light graphics. Large wheels are very much the order of the day with EVs at the moment, and the e-tron comes with 20-inch 5-double-spoke alloys as standard. 21-inch wheels are available as an option.
The e-tron GT shares the Taycan’s 2.9 metre wheelbase, but bests the Taycan on overall length by around 3cm, at 4.98 metres long. Overall height is low, at just 1.41 metres.
The RS e-tron GT promises to excite with its RS handling and performance characteristics.
For us, the e-tron really brings together the best of Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik design philosophy. While regular A-series Audi’s are perhaps becoming too fussy with slats, fake vents and angles everywhere in a bid to stand out from the crowd, the e-tron GT keeps things simple; the wide arches, rising dynamic line up the side, large functional vents and a scalloped hood hint at muscular performance without putting on a show. It's an evolution of Audis of the past, from the first gen type 42 R8, to the quattro coupe concept and the original RS2 Avant. We particularly like the pale blue used in the press images, which reminds us of the 2008 R8’s Jet Blue hue.
Low and wide, the e-tron GT shares the Porsche Taycan’s J1 architecture.
Interior Design
On the inside, current A7 or RS7 drivers would feel right at home in the interior of the e-tron GT quattro or RS e-tron GT. It sports a traditional instrument cluster, and centrally mounted screen with Audi’s familiar MMI-touch interface. Audi claims the e-tron GT interior harks back to the monoposto (single-seat) cockpit design of the R8, with the screen and dashboard angled towards the driver.
The e-tron GT features an animal free interior, and a driver zone familiar to current Audi drivers.
Audi must have listed to customers and the media, because the third touch screen for climate control from the A6, A7 and A8 models has gone, replaced by a conventional set of buttons and knobs. A leather-free interior featuring Dinamica and Alcantara is standard, however Nappa leather is available should hold a strong desire to sit on dead cow.
A large slab of open-pore wood sits atop the dash in the e-tron GT quattro; the RS variant receives carbon fibre inlays. The rest of the interior appears to be classic Audi; functional and stylish, with solid build quality and (hopefully) soft plastics on touch points. Side vision mirrors appear to remain conventional glass rather than the camera and screen setup from the e-tron SUV.
The RS e-tron GT ups the ante with sporty seats, carbon fibre and alcantara with contrasting stitching
Battery and Drivetrain
The e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT both feature two permanent magnet synchronous motors, one each at the front and rear axles and a two-speed transmission at the rear axle:
The Audi e-tron GT quattro has a total output of 350 kW (476 PS) and 630 Nm (464.7 lb-ft) of torque
The RS e-tron GT outputs 440 kW (598 PS) and 830 Nm (612.2 lb-ft) of torque
0–100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.1 or 3.3 seconds (RS model), respectively
Top speed of 245 km/h (152.2 mph) with the e-tron GT quattro and 250 km/h (155.3 mph) with the RS model
Intelligent control of coasting and recuperation, brake recuperation of up to 265 kW
The liquid-cooled Li-ion battery is comprised of 396 pouch cells in 33 modules.
The Lithium-ion battery is shared with porsche’s Taycan, and has a net energy content of 85 kWh (93 kWh gross) and a voltage level of 800 volts comprised of 396 pouch cells in 33 modules. Both models feature AC charging up to 11kW, and DC charging up to 270kW.
Officially the WLTP range of the e-tron GT quattro is 487 kilometres (303 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Audi claims a 100km range boost in five minutes. the e-tron GT features sophisticated thermal management with four cooling circuits and an efficient heat pump as standard, with battery preconditioning for fast DC charging on the road.
The e-tron GT drivetrain features two electric motors and a two speed gearbox
Vehicle Tecnhology
As standard, the e-tron GT quattro features controlled damping with a rear-axle differential lock. The RS model adds a controlled rear axle differential lock with multi plate clutch for greater control over each the traction at each wheel. A three-chamber air suspension system is also standard on the RS. All-wheel steering is optional for both models, providing greater handling and roadholdling through counter steering up to 2.8 degrees.
Audi’s three chamber air suspension (optional on e-tron GT) promises upgraded ride comfort and handling
The brake disks are conventiional steel, with tungsten carbide coating as an option (standard with the RS model. Carbon fiber ceramic discs are optional for both models for those with deep pockets and/or track ambitions.
Audi pre sense safety systems are fitted as standard, while the e-tron GT offers adaptive cruise assist, and (remote) park assist plus. As the owner of a current VAG model, Audi’s adpative cruise in its current generation is a fine safety aid, but is nothing like Tesla’s Autopilot. This is still very much a vehicle one has to drive oneself.
LED front and rear lights are standard, with optional Matrix LED lights available (standard on the RS model). Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light are available as a range-topping option, providing an additional laser spot/high beam light about 70 km/h.
The Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT models are assembled in the Böllinger Höfe plant at Neckarsulm alongside the Audi R8 supercar. Production of the Audi e-tron GT uses 100% eco-electricity, with a combined heat and power plant fired with biogas providing the necessary heat for the Böllinger Höfe. Emissions that cannot yet be avoided are compensated with carbon credits from certified climate protection projects. This is now the first Audi site in Germany and the third worldwide behind the Brussels and Győr sites to be certified as carbon neutral.
A pre-production e-Tron GT outside the Böllinger Höfe plant at Audi’s Neckarsulm facility
Legacy auto manufacturers still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to Tesla; ease of charging is a consideration when purchasing a new EV for most people, and in that regard Tesla has the competition trounced. For those who would prefer a bit of German flair with their zero emission status symbol however, the e-tron GT range would be worth your consideration.
North American and European sales are expected to commence in summer 2021, while Audi has stated that Australia can expect to see the e-tron GT range in Australia from Q3 2021.
Scroll down for additional images and video, courtesy Audi AG.
