Genesis GV60 Premieres With Plenty Of Tech And Electric Power

Genesis has revealed their first dedicated electric vehicle, the GV60 crossover, which previews the transition of the luxury automaker's Athletic Elegance design philosophy into the EV age. That transition also includes unprecedented technology, including a 'Crystal Sphere' gear selector.

Of course, the GV60 continues the Two Lines design trend exclusive to Genesis, with stylish headlights and taillights that are said to complement the EV's compact dimensions. The compact greenhouse is accompanied by a floating roof. The chrome trim dips into a V shape before wrapping around the rear windshield. In back, a sporty rear spoiler that accompanies the coupe-like roofline well. The crest grille is a staple of Genesis design, but it is replaced by mere sheetmetal on the GV60 to enhance cooling for the platform and battery pack. A remnant of the crest grille is present in the form of a small upside-down triangle, which is positioned on the GV60's lower grille. Genesis describes the honeycomb lower intake as a unique highlight for their electric vehicles. While the absence of a proper grille in front creates a clean look, the first-ever clamshell hood further cleans things up. Speaking of, there is an updated Genesis emblem on the hood that features a Guilloche pattern inspired by luxury watches. The logo has thinned out by 80 percent compared to the units on the rest of the lineup, too.

The Genesis GV60 has set new barriers in terms of innovations, with digital exterior mirrors as seen on Hyundai's Ioniq 5 as well as electric flush door handles. With the Genesis smart key, the door handles automatically pop out for the driver. Inside, a 'Beauty of White Space' philosophy is carried out through a spacious cabin. To maximize interior room, the floating center console is separate from the dashboard, which allows room for small bags, along with a flat floor. An unheard of Crystal Sphere gear selector rules the center console as an eye-catching design element when not in motion, and it even doubles as a mood-lighting feature when the vehicle is turned off. The sphere rotates when shifting gears, which is done by shift-by-wire technology.

The interior upholstery is mostly wrapped in sustainable materials. The seats, door and center console armrests, and crash pads are covered in a plant-based leather, and the seats covers and door trimmings are wrapped in recycled fabrics. Available interior colors include Obsidian Black, Ash Gray on Glacier White, Monstera Green on Camel Beige, Torrent Navy, and Monstera Green on Glassier White. On the outside, eleven bold colors are available to further highlight the GV60's athletic personality. First up, Sao Paulo Lime is said to be the GV60's signature hue, while Hanauma Mint is is supposed to give a more eco-friendly look. Atacama Copper and Atacama Copper Matte are two other Genesis-first colors. Vik Black, Uyuni White, Matterhorn White, Saville Silver, Carbon Metal, Melbourne Gray, and Royal Blue will also be offered. Along with these colors, flashy 19" and 21" rims are available as well.

A next-generation Integrated Cockpit infotainment system connects the digital gauges with the touchscreen display, and feature over-the-air updates and Valet Mode. OTA updates are usually limited to the infotainment, gauges, and head-up display. Thanks to the new software on the GV60, those updates extend to the suspension, airbags, brakes, driver-assistance systems, steering wheel, and integrated control device. Fingerprint authentication is adopted from the GV70 compact crossover, while Face Connect expands on the unique unlocking approach that Genesis is trying to capture. Face Connect unlocks or locks the doors by recognizing up to two faces through a camera mounted on the B-pillar. It can even identify the owner in the dark, and connect to the person's preferred customized settings for the driver's seat, steering wheel, digital mirrors, and infotainment system. Finally, a new Digital Key 2 serves as the luxury brand's revised smart key system. Digital Key 2 can now be shared by up to three users, and works by simply touching the door handle. The GV60 is also the first Genesis model to include artificial engine noises in the cabin. The sound varies depending on vehicle speed, pressure on the accelerator, and driving modes for a more realistic feel.

The Genesis GV60 rides on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, and comes in single or dual motor variants, both of which featuring all-wheel drive. However, the base model (called Standard) comes in rear-wheel drive and has up to 225 horsepower with 475 pound-feet of torque. Back to AWD, the Performance trim level reaches 429 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque in the Sports driving mode. In the first-ever Boost Mode, output is extended to 483 horses and a hefty 516 pound-feet of torque, while 0-60 happens in about four seconds. Boost Mode only lasts ten seconds after a button is pressed on the steering wheel. Another impressive driving mode that appears on the GV60 is Drift Mode, but details are scarce at the time of writing. A 77.4 kWh battery pack supports up to 350 kWh of fast charging, which takes 18 minutes between ten and eighty percent. Bidirectional charging of up to 3.6 kWh is also supported.

So far, the GV60's range is purely estimated, but those numbers should stay close to official ratings when they are announced. Genesis boasts 280 miles of range on the entry-level Standard trim, but upgrading to all-wheel drive will cost you 31 miles of range. Meanwhile, the Performance model only covers 229 miles. Genesis' first dedicated EV looks promising, and the overflow of technology should have competitors scrambling to match this small crossover. Pricing hasn't been released yet, nor has availability for US customers.

Do you prefer the GV60 over Hyundai's Ioniq 5 and Kia's EV6?

Images: Genesis