CHATHAM, Mass. – Let us pick two nits and get them out of the way: the electric 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance crossover (CUV) is missing two features that are surprising for such a thoroughly equipped premium vehicle.
After a week of driving the premium EV CUV, this puzzle — missing wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a rear windshield wiper/washer system – is perplexing, but as the major blemishes in my experience, indicates the overall excellence of the GV60 as a luxury/performance electric CUV.
Sharing the basic global EV platform with other members of the Hyundai Group’s family, the GV60 includes unique, upscale touches like the quilted Nappa leather upholstery; a silky-smooth-opening glove-box drawer (a simple departure from the typical hole-in-the-dash version, but coming across as decidedly upscale); Genesis-signature infotainment-control dial; a complete complement of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including the brand’s video blind-spot monitor which supplements the sensor warnings, and a quiet, comfortable, controlled ride commensurate with its luxury positioning.
FAST CHARGING, SOLID RANGE AND A MAGICAL GREEN BUTTON
The first Genesis built on the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the GV60 can be had with either a single, rear motor (rear-wheel drive) or front and rear motors providing all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Performance model features dual 160KW motors producing 429 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque.
But then there is that green button towards the bottom left of the steering wheel labeled “BOOST.” Push the button and horsepower jumps to 483 and 0-60 miles per hour comes up in less than four seconds (according to both Car and Driver and Motor Trend magazines). The boost mode can last up to 10 seconds.
Providing the energy for the dual motors is a 77.4-kWh battery pack which translates into up to 240-plus miles of range. Range is just one factor in living with an all-electric vehicle; charging times are also crucial. The Genesis E-GMP platform features the fastest charging capability on the American market.
As Genesis explained it, “The GV60 applies a 400/800V multi-rapid charging system that boosts the 400V supplied by the charger to 800V. It is optimized for the vehicle’s system thanks to the vehicle’s driving motor and inverter, enabling stable and rapid charging with various charging infrastructure.”
Bottom line: when charging at the fastest of the fast chargers (Level 3) springing up throughout the country (350kW), the battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in under 20 minutes! And it works, as I found out on two different occasions, at two different fast chargers.
In addition, charging time for the slow-charging function, such as from a Level 2 charger, has been shortened. A Level 2 charger, like the MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home I just installed thanks to Autel, makes living with a BEV (battery-electric vehicle) virtually free from anxiety. The Autel unit will easily charge the EV60 overnight, providing a full battery for next-day operation. In addition, a couple of hours will top-off a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Considering, the average American drives less than 40 miles per day, an overnight refill covers most activities (and the GV60’s ability to fast charge makes those longer trips much more reasonable).
Basically, the Autel unit took away any of my worries about getting somewhere the day after driving the GV60.
MECHANICAL PLATFORM
The Genesis GV60 is a compact CUV/SUV with a roomy, comfortable passenger cabin within the 114.2-inch wheelbase and 177.8-inch length. The suspension system combines traditional features with hi-tech refinements.
The basic setup is MacPherson-type multi-link up front and a five-link multi-link one in the rear. Supplementing this hardware is the Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS), which uses information gathered from the front camera and navigation system to recognize situations that could have an impact the vehicle, such as speed bumps, in advance. It also controls the damping force of the suspension according to the surface of the road to offer passengers optimal comfort.
Combined, these systems provide both a luxurious, supple ride and solid road manners equal to the GV60’s performance capabilities.
The CUV’s ADAS includes an impressive list as standard:
- Forward collision avoidance-assist
- Lane-keeping assist/lane-following assist
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist
- Surround-view monitor
- Blind-spot (video) view monitor
- Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
- Highway-driving assist
- Smart cruise control with stop&go
- Intelligent-speed-limit assist
- Parking-distance warning/forward and rear
- Parking collision-avoidance assist/forward, side and reverse
LUXURY AND COMFORT INSIDE
The interior appointments fit the luxury parameters of the Genesis brand. The leather seats are infinitely (electrically) adjustable up front with heat and ventilation (the second row gets heat). The steering wheel is also electrically adjustable, and the leather wrap features heating.
A curved, flat panel extending almost 36 inches across the dash houses the 12.3-inch color LCD (instrument) cluster and 12.25-inch color LCD touch screen at the heart of the infotainment system. Supplementing the touch screen controls are ones on the steering wheel, in a panel below the dash and the rotary dial on the center console.
The GV60 is the first Genesis to feature a Bang & Olufsen sound system. With a tap of their finger, using Bang & Olufsen’s dedicated sound control interface, drivers and passengers can choose a sound mix for specific atmospheres encompassing four ‘moods’ (Relax, Energetic, Bright, and Warm). The 17 speakers complete the premium audio system.
COMPLETE PACKAGE
The Genesis GV60 Performance may be at the top of the model range but comes with a very competitive price within the overall luxury compact CUV segment, especially for a BEV.
The $68,865 price includes every feature, amenity and system Genesis could conceive of for this model. The total of $69,960 includes the one option available ($575 for the Himalayan gray metallic paint) and the inland freight charge ($1,095).
This is a luxury vehicle with a value story. A complete package. Oh, but how about a rear wiper and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto just to finish the package?
