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.

Genesis to be EV only brand; plans for 100% zero emission line-up by 2030

The Genesis GV60 electric crossover retains familiar design details.

• Under Genesis’ electrification strategy, all new vehicles will be purely electric starting from 2025 with fuel cell EVs and battery EVs

• Genesis has big plans to become a 100 percent zero-emission vehicle brand by 2030 and also aims to become carbon neutral by 2035

Genesis is a brand aspiring to establish itself amongst the big volume luxury players such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, as well as other premium brands like Jaguar, Volvo, Lexus and Alfa Romeo. The automaker — a subsidiary of Hyundai — now has some recognisable design cues such as the Two Lines headlight theme, but its first all-electric vehicle based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform — the Genesis GV60 — pushes aesthetic boundaries further with its purposeful, sporty stance and not-quite-an-SUV appearance.

We like the rear design of the GV60, with its muscular rear lights and full length brake light.

Genesis announced its electrification strategy yesterday, promising that all new vehicles from 2025 will be purely electric, comprising a combination of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). Genesis claims it will devote resources to building next-generation technology to maximise performance and efficiency from lithium-ion batteries.

Furthermore, the automaker announced it will be a 100 percent zero-emission vehicle brand by 2030, and a carbon neutral brand by 2035.

The GV60 in side profile.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung said in the launch video that “Genesis has been on an intensive, bold and successful journey, successfully establishing itself as a truly global luxury brand,” said Euisun Chung. “Genesis is once again at the starting point of another audacious journey - the journey towards a sustainable future.”

Jay Chang, Global Head of Genesis said “As we continue to design a new dimension of customer experience and build an authentic relationship with our customers, Genesis will take audacious steps to lead the age of electrification into the sustainable future.”

Genesis plans to differentiate itself from sister brands Hyundai and Kia by pushing the design, luxury, and technological bona fides of its line-up. The automaker will begin a trial of wireless vehicle charging in South Korea next year, and Genesis wants to be considered a serious luxury manufacturer, as evidenced by its use of high-grade cabin materials. “Our new electric lineup is the perfect platform to increase our interface with our customers,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “We aim to interact with all their senses. Our new architecture will integrate audacious technologies with breathtaking designs while providing sincere detail-oriented experiences. Warm and exquisite care will be our differentiator.”

The interior of the Genesis GV60

Genesis’ Crystal Sphere drive controller.

In the below teaser image, we can clearly see the X Concept two-door concept vehicle, flanked by a number of coupes, sedans and SUVs. While we can expect many of these to be E-GMP-based, it is expected that the Hyundai Motor Group will unveil an additional modular electric architecture to support the rollout of larger SUVs and sedans in the future. In the short term however, expect an electrified version of the petrol GV70 SUV, and the G80 Electrified from 2022.

Genesis teases a full range of EVs, as the company plans to ditch internal combustion engines by 2030.

Genesis reveals official images of E-GMP based GV60 electric crossover

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.

View fullsize

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.

Genesis GV60 Electric Prototype spotted in Sydney, Australia

View fullsize

Genesis’ GV60 Electric is undergoing testing in Sydney, Australia.

[Updated 14/08/21] : The GV60 passes Korean Emissions and Noise Certification, and Motor 1 reports that the car’s power outputs have been revealed:

• 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)

13/08/21: EV Brief has spied the yet to be revealed Genesis GV60 Electric outside the Hyundai Australia offices in Sydney, ahead of the vehicle’s global reveal in the coming months.

Taking styling cues from the Genesis Mint concept, The GV60 Electric is the luxury brand’s Hyundai IONIQ 5 equivalent, underpinned by the E-GMP platform architecture. It’s not known whether the GV60 Electric is in Australia as part of a global testing program, or whether engineers are tuning the crossover specifically for roads down under.

In the metal, the GV60 Electric appears smaller than Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, likely due to the curves, extensive camouflage, and its placement next to the large Hyundai Staria. However, two things give away its true size; the large 21” wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, and the length of the wheelbase, which is not far off the Staria’s, and certainly close to the IONIQ 5’s measuring 3,000mm.

View fullsize

Genesis has certainly developed a unique visual language for its cars, with the split, two-stroke light clusters, bold grille elements, and dramatic rooflines. It’s believed the GV60 Electric will shun a faux grille on its nose (as it should) but will feature lower air intake mesh, which is visible in the below pictures. It appears there’s no space for active louvers a la Hyundai IONIQ 5. The rear deck appears to be quite high and differentiates the GV60 Electric from the rest of the Genesis lineup.

Sharing its mechanicals with the IONIQ 5, we can expect to see 800 volt 220 kW DC fast charging, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, and a range of battery pack sizes. At the company’s second-quarter earnings call, a company official stated that the GV60 Electric would have a “unique design identity, increased motor performance, and increased battery capacity.” Genesis also plans to be the first automaker to offer wireless charging on its cars, according to ET News.

Contrasting wheel arches are present on this prototype, and are likely to be standard on the entry-level model. This test car sported an interior befitting the Genesis badge; quilted leather, Alcantara, metallic accents, and soft materials, though all but the seats and door cards were covered up. Overseas prototypes have been spotted, and have revealed a little more about the cockpit. There’s metal-look switchgear, a more elegant set of graphics for the instrument cluster, and a retractable gear selector.

We’re excited about what the Hyundai Motor Group is planning for its family of brands, both globally and in Australia. While Tesla is the king of battery electric vehicle market share, there are a raft of challengers coming to market in the next six to twelve months, each a genuinely compelling alternative for consumers.

It's also noteworthy that Hyundai has the will —and the expertise — to develop and test its vehicles in Australia.

We’ll keep you updated with any news on the worldwide launch of the GV60 Electric, as well as on the impending launch of the IONIQ 5.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Hyundai confirms mid- to long-term EV strategy, highlights future model line-up

The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s first dedicated EV. Image: Hyundai UK

• 12+ models based on E-GMP platform across Genesis and Hyundai brands by 2025;

• 160,000 sales units by 2021, 560,000 sales units by 2025;

• IONIQ 6 to launch in 2022 along with Genesis’s first dedicated EV

• Plans to strengthen Hyundai’s core EV competitiveness through driving range improvements, V2X, fast-charging;

• Enhanced product value through optimising cost and performance of batteries and motors;

• Plans to secure market leadership in emerging markets such as Indonesia

Hyundai Motor Company recently outlined their Mid-to long-term EV Strategy alongside announcing the company’s first-quarter business results in a presentation to investors and analysts. We break down some of the key points:

1. Global EV Demand Outlook

Hyundai looks at General Motors and Volkswagen as key competitors in the global EV market, and sees analysts’ demand outlooks ranging from 6.1 to 16 million sales units by 2025. 2020 saw 3.24 million sales globally, up 43 percent on 2019 sales, so the real 2025 figure is likely to fall somewhere in the middle of this range.

Global OEMs are targeting 5 to 8 million EV sales units by 2022, and 10.25 to 18 million sales units by 2025. General Motors plans 30 electrified models by 2025, as it rolls out new models utilising its Ultium pouch-style battery — a joint venture project with LG Chem — underpinned by its modular electric architecture.

Volkswagen is looking to Europe and China for EV growth, targeting 70 percent of its model mix to be electrified by 2030 in both markets.

Hyundai’s take on global EV demand. Images: Hyundai Motor Company

2. Hyundai’s Electrification Strategy

From a base of 100,000 sales units in 2020 spread across four models, Hyundai is looking to achieve 5x growth by 2025 to 560,000 sales units across 12 models. These will likely be a combination of fully electric and plug-in hybrid.

Hyundai’s new model offensive starts with the upcoming IONIQ 5, and the company is aiming to capture an early majority of buyers through the key brand concepts of advanced technology, and a new user experience.

The IONIQ range will expand in 2022, with the release of the IONIQ 6 sedan which will take design inspiration from the Prophecy Concept.

The Genesis luxury brand will play a key role in achieving Hyundai Motor Company’s EV sales ambitions. Genesis has worked hard over the last 2 years to build brand awareness and emphasise its focus on design and advanced technology through its petrol and diesel-based vehicles, but the brand is getting ready to present its Electrified G80 later in 2021, followed by its first dedicated EV in either late 2021 or early 2022 according to the below timeline.

Hyundai plans to grow its EV lineup to 12 models by 2025.

3. Building on USP’s to strengthen core EV competitiveness

Hyundai understands that while the EV market is set to grow considerably this decade, competition from other OEMs will also increase. Chinese EV manufacturers are eyeing the profitable luxury EV market and can compete with Hyundai or Tesla on software and technology. Hyundai will seek to strengthen its core competitiveness from what it sees as its three core USPs; Driving range, Charging time, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology.

Hyundai flags 2023 as the date for its fourth generation of battery systems to emerge, and it sees 2027 as the time to prepare for the mass production of solid-state battery technology. The company also looks to lead in high-speed ultra-rapid charging, rolling out its E-Pit charging stations across South Korea.

Hyundai has led in V2X technology, and the IONIQ 5 is the first production car that can power domestic appliances via the charging port, or that can be optioned with a household power socket in the vehicle’s interior. The IONIQ 5 also offers Vehicle to Home and Vehicle to Vehicle power, allowing customers to charge another EV, or power items in a home should a blackout occur.

Range, Charging Time and flexible power are hallmarks of Hyundai’s core USPs.

4. EV Competency Enhancement Strategy

Hyundai understands that to prepare for the predicted uptick in BEV sales units, it has to secure the competitiveness of key components, and enhance the value of its products.

Firstly, the company is looking to maximize the benefits of commonization across models; it has done this with the E-GMP electric architecture and plans to standardise cell/module design, taking into account a future expanded model line-up. Hyundai also recognises the importance of reliable charging for consumers, in standardising EV charging quality and providing reliable high-speed charging options when customers are away from home.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5. Image: Hyundai UK

All this investment needs some serious pay-offs, and Hyundai — like most auto manufacturers — spends a lot of time formulating go-to-market strategies that can respond to changing trends in demand growth and shifting government policy. Europe and China have been strong markets for EV manufacturers since announcing strict emissions regulations and net-zero targets, however, these markets are crowded, and in the case of China, full of domestic players.

As the slide below outlines, Hyundai is looking to nations without rapid charging networks or even reliable electricity grids as an opportunity to secure market leadership in electric vehicle sales. India and Indonesia both have huge populations and a rapidly growing middle class with aspirations for vehicle ownership.

Electric vehicle sales account for only 0.2 percent of the market in India, and in Indonesia, a key Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region for automotive sales volume, just 29 (!) electric passenger cars were sold in 2019. Both countries see that the electrification of passenger vehicles, trucks, and bikes has real benefits in terms of reducing pollution and emissions, and are beginning to draft policy frameworks to set up charging networks, and provision incentives for consumers looking to purchase an EV. Hyundai is looking to position itself early on as an aspirational, ‘clean’ brand to consumers in these countries, and optimise the development, component supply chain and local partnerships to capture market share.

Hyundai looks to emerging markets in South East Asia for growth.

Genesis unveils X Concept high-performance electric GT coupe

Genesis X Concept is a luxurious, futuristic design study

Light on details, but big on style. That’s the point of a concept car isn’t it? The Genesis X Concept is an electric grand tourer; a Bentley Continental or BMW 8 series for a future world of strict emissions standards. Hyundai Motor Group has been flexing its design muscle of late and clearly working overtime, following the recently revealed IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 models presenting all-new design languages for their brands.

The Genesis X Concept is low, wide and aggressively-styled, and is centered on Genesis’ ‘Two Lines’ design concept. The broad Two Line tail lamps and headlamps accentuate the wide wheel arches, and the integrated hood and fender produce a large clamshell piece reminiscent of an Aston Martin (the winged logo also aides this comparison).

The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis," said SangYup Lee, Head of Genesis’ Global Design. "The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models."

The side follows the traditional GT model design with a long hood and a short rear, and the two-lined lamps leading to the headlamps, which will likely not carryover to the production version. The arching side parabolic line gives the impression of a car ready to accelerate, though we can’t help but notice the ratio of glass-to-metal gives an appearance of slightly odd proportions. It’s a good looking car for sure, but the side and rear angles look a little droopy. And if it’s an electric vehicle, why does it need a hood that long?

The very Aston Martin-esque hue is known as Lençóis Blue, and “the color was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.” according to Genesis’ press release. Err, right. It’s a lovely colour, but there is such a thing as too much marketing.

The interior has a futuristic, swooping free-form display, and in our eyes is a tech-ier take on Bentley-esque luxury. Metal-backed bucket seats and sumptuous leather surfacing welcomes passengers, and the floating centre console features only a metal drive selector, and touch screen buttons. Genesis claims that the use of upcycled materials were used for the safety belts, parts of the steering wheel, and the airbag cover, highlighting the concept car’s eco-friendliness.