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With Genesis, a premium brand is once again trying to gain traction in the homeland of premium brands. In this case, that could even work out, because the Koreans are doing a lot of things right - not least because they are supported by a strong parent company.
In the new brand genesis the turning point in the automotive industry is compressed into a few years. The premium brand of the Hyundai Group did not celebrate its world premiere in Germany until the end of 2021, with large sedans and SUVs, all with diesel or petrol engines. But as early as 2025, i.e. in three years, all new models should only be offered purely electrically. A change, almost in fast motion. The first herald of this new era is the GV60, a mid-range, all-electric SUV that will be making its debut in just a few months.
Genesis doesn't skimp on performance
We were able to test the qualities of the five-door on a first test drive with a pre-series vehicle. Genesis had provided us with the most powerful model, each with 160 kW electric motors for driving the front and rear axles. This results in a total output of 320 kW/435 hp and a torque of 605 Newton meters. But the most important information in the e-age is: 77,4 kWh battery, about 470 kilometers range. And don't forget the price: the most powerful model we drove is in the price list at around 71.000 euros, the basic version with a 64 kWh battery will cost 56.370 euros. In both cases, you can still deduct an innovation premium of 7.975 euros.
Technically, the GV60 is a sister model of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 group vehicles. Visually, the Genesis, with its sloping roof, is much more like the Kia than the rather boxy Hyundai. Like all Genesis, the Stromer also bears the typical signature with two-part LED headlights. The rear lights are also designed in this two-line design. The continuous chrome band on the upper window line and the end hook on the C-pillar are striking. The door handles are recessed and appear automatically when you want to enter the vehicle.
Sometimes it's better to stick with the old
Instead of conventional side mirrors, cameras were installed in our test vehicle, the image of which is transmitted to two screens in the doors. After a short period of getting used to it, you can really enjoy it. However, we would rather not take the option, not so much because of the confident surcharge to be expected, but because we would be afraid that the conspicuous cameras would be stolen or damaged.
The GV60 shows from the first meter that the Hyundai Group has now gained some experience with electric cars. If desired, the GV60 not only performs impetuously, which is typical of its type, but also shines above all under normal driving conditions. Despite the system-related high weight and the mounted 21-inch wheels, the SUV offers a lot of comfort and only reaches its limits with several consecutive and deeper transverse grooves. Precise steering and very good seats also contribute to the driving pleasure.
Dash possible at the expense of range
On our longer test drive on the freeway, country roads and in the city, we also noticed the good real consumption. You can easily drive the GV60 in such a way that it achieves a range of at least 400 kilometers. Unless you give in to the urge to flex your muscles too often on the Autobahn. Then, as with any electric car, the electricity supply will melt like butter in the sun. Especially since you can use the boost button to increase the performance by a further 10 kW/40 hp and almost 65 Newton meters for 100 seconds. Then at the latest you will also enjoy the electronic locking differential, which optimizes the grip between the axles.
When the energy supply in the batteries is running out, another ability of the Genesis that it has in common with its sister models comes into play: its charging capabilities. Thanks to its fast charging system with up to 800 Volvo voltage, the Korean can theoretically be charged from 350 to 18 percent in 10 minutes on a 80 kW box. If you find such a fast charger and it is also free.
Quality is convincing
In practice, however, you will want to rely more on the comfortable gliding abilities of the GV60 and try to optimize the recuperation with a gentle "foot on the accelerator". Because an electric vehicle is currently cheaper than a combustion engine, but electricity also costs money and saving energy has become a civic obligation anyway.
So we lean into the chairs and enjoy the almost silent gliding in the well-insulated Genesis, but also its high-quality interior and the meticulous workmanship. The pleasure is not cheap and even the 71.000 euros for the top model does not have to be the end, there are still extras for a few thousand euros to tick. In this respect, too, the GV60 is already a real premium car.
Technical data (preliminary)
Five-door, five-seater mid-size SUV; Length: 4,52 meters, width: 1,89 meters (with exterior mirrors: kA), height: 1,58 meters, wheelbase: 2,90 meters, trunk volume: 432 liters + 20 liter compartment under the hood
2 electric motors, 320 kW/435 hp, all-wheel drive, battery capacity: 77,4 kWh, range: approx. 470 km, 605 Nm torque, 0-100 km/h: approx. 4,0 s
Price: 71.010 euros, base price (168 kW/229 hp): 56.370 euros (in each case before deducting the innovation bonus)