We get behind the wheel of the Genesis Electrified GV70 – the refreshed flagship SUV from the upmarket South Korean model…
I first examined the Electrified GV70 in 2022. It was one of many first fashions from Genesis, which was launched within the UK the yr earlier than.
To place Genesis into context – it’s the posh arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, which additionally contains Kia and Hyundai. So, suppose Lexus/Toyota or Infiniti/Nissan.
Beginning at £64,405, the Electrified GV70 was on the dear aspect at launch and it was up in opposition to every part from the Tesla Mannequin Y to the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
That mentioned, I used to be actually impressed with the Electrified GV70, and it’s remained a hidden gem of the Genesis vary.
Quick ahead to 2025, and the GV70 has been handled to a makeover with tweaked styling, a much bigger battery, new trim ranges, and a extra luxurious inside.
Genesis hasn’t used the facelift as an excuse to whack up the worth both. The Electrified GV70 now begins at £65,915, which appears moderately extra cheap a number of years on.
Let’s begin with specs. Beforehand there was simply the Sport choice. Now consumers can select Pure, Dynamic, and Luxurious.
Externally, the GV70 seems to be a lot the identical, which isn’t any dangerous factor, as a result of it’s a sublime SUV.
Adjustments embody slimmer LED headlights, new wheel designs, tweaked bumpers and hind lights. Some say it’s resulted in a child Bentley look.
Maybe crucial change is that the GV70 now has a bigger 84kWh battery (up from 77kWh), which will increase the claimed vary to 298 miles.
And because of its highly effective 800V structure, it’s doable to cost at as much as 350kW, leading to a theoretical 10-80% top-up time of simply 19 minutes.
All three fashions within the vary are all-wheel drive with the identical dual-motor set-up that delivers as much as 483bhp when the Increase mode is engaged (the usual output is a nonetheless potent 429bhp).
Good for overtaking, increase mode offers a 10-second burst of most efficiency, taking you from 0-62mph in simply 4.4 seconds.
Inside, a beautiful new panoramic 27-inch OLED show steals the present with its mixture of important driving data and infotainment capabilities. It additionally has wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for the primary time.
The brand new system now additionally has the flexibility to run streaming providers comparable to Netflix and Disney+ via the display screen (preferrred throughout relaxation stops or while charging).
Add the Dolby Atmos sound performed via the B&O sound system and energetic noise cancelling within the cabin, and the impact is really cinematic.
I’m simply happy that Genesis hasn’t gone completely minimalist. Prodding and swiping a touchscreen on the transfer is distracting, so conserving bodily controls for necessities comparable to local weather management is welcome.
General, the standard of the supplies used, the combo of metals and leather-based, plus the excellent cabin refinement, give the GV70 a luxurious atmosphere.
There’s even a wi-fi cellphone charger subsequent to a UV light-sterilised armrest storage compartment, so you’ll be able to clear your cellphone as you drive.
The driving place at its lowest continues to be a tad excessive for my liking, however then that’s considered one of my EV bugbears.
There’s loads of area up entrance and for rear passengers, and the seats are tremendous snug, whereas the boot expands from 503 litres to 1,678 litres with the rear seats down. Visibility is usually good, although the rear window is on the slender aspect.
There are three important drive modes – Eco, Consolation, Sport, and Sport+, plus e-Terrain mode which makes use of synthetic intelligence to “learn” the driving floor in actual time and ship the suitable grip. You can even manually select from Snow, Mud and Sand modes.
However maybe the perfect characteristic of all is the brand new digital gear shift operate. Whereas not as spectacular because the system present in its sporty cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it’s intelligent and permits you to use the regenerative braking paddles as gear shifters, full with exhaust notice and simulated engine braking.
On the highway, the Electrified GV70 may be very quick and surprisingly agile for a 2.3-tonne SUV, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a variety of automotive to regulate and cut off on the twisty bits, which finally dents the driving enjoyable.
However then this EV is extra about luxurious, consolation and refinement, so it’s at its finest merely wafting alongside.
With correct steering, sturdy grip and traction ranges and a compliant experience, the GV70 is a powerful cruiser.
When pushed sensibly, it’s environment friendly too, and a helpful real-world vary north of 250 miles is kind of doable – extra in metropolis driving.
And when you’re in search of peace of thoughts, each Genesis mannequin comes with a beneficiant five-year guarantee with limitless mileage.
A five-year Care Plan can also be out there, which incorporates at-home assortment and return for servicing, a courtesy automotive, highway help for 5 years, and free software program updates.
Verdict: The Electrified GV70 is best than ever – and nonetheless Genesis’s finest all-round automotive. Elegant, quick, luxurious, sensible and straightforward to drive, it’s a leftfield selection when you’re in search of a big electrical SUV.
Genesis UK
