Genesis GV70 | Review

Genesis’s refreshed all-electric GV70 range is the first model in the premium manufacturer’s new car blitz this summer – and it’s a great start with the SUV offering plenty of class, quality, refinement and performance.

Overview

Since launching in the UK, Genesis has carved out a foothold in the premium sector through its capable cars, its direct-to-consumer business model and focus on delivering a ‘VIP experience’.

The brand is now looking to build on this following a number of strategic and organisational changes, including the establishment of a physical dealer network.

This is being supported by the launch of revised versions of its three key models – the GV60, GV70 and G80 – this summer, its first new or revised models for two-and-a-half years.

The GV70, tested here, benefits from a number of external styling enhancements, technological improvements and an upgraded battery.

The revised model has an official WLTP range of 298 miles from its 84kWh battery, up from 283 miles and 77.4kWh respectively in the previous model.

It does, also, keep its competitive pricing with the range starting at £65,915, meaning it is a cost-effective rival to cars such as the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi Q8 e-tron.

Comfort and practicality

As a luxury-focused model, the GV70’s interior is finished to a high level of quality. There is plenty of room and comfy leather seats, and the revisions build on what was already an impressive cabin in the previous GV70.

The revised model features a new steering wheel and wraparound ambient lighting to enhance the luxury feel, but the most impressive – and noticeable – addition is a new panoramic 27-inch OLED display.

Genesis calls this its connected car Integrated Cockpit (ccIC), and it essentially includes the driver information display and the infotainment touchscreen. The manufacturer says that as this is all included in one screen and not two, it increases the information area by 30%.

Infotainment system features can be operated through the touchscreen, voice control or a rotary dial positioned in the centre console.

The previous GV70’s cabin was already impressive, but the changes in the facelifted model elevates it to another level.

The boot is large, offering 503 litres of space, although as a car initially developed for petrol and diesel engines, the Electrified GV70 lacks the additional luggage space that some EVs offer under the boot floor. There is a small space under the bonnet for storing the charging cables, however.

Safety and technology

The ccIC screen is the most obvious sign of the new technology packed into the GV70, and it is used for an expanded range of connected infotainment services.

Passengers can now use it to access a selection of news and entertainment features, including access to Netflix, Bloomberg TV+, Disney Plus and YouTube.

Three equipment grades are available: Pure (£65,915 OTR), Dynamic (£70,715 OTR) and Luxury (£74,915).

Standard equipment on Pure grade includes 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, smart key, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, power opening tailgate, three-zone climate control and lane following assist.

Equipment Dynamic adds includes 20-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, blindspot view monitor, surround view camera, intelligent front-lighting system, remote smart parking assist and parking collision avoidance assist (rear).

Those choosing Luxury will also benefit from an electric panoramic sunroof, active road noise cancelling, Bang & Olufson surround soundsystem, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

The GV70 also features a range of advanced active and passive safety systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, blindspot view monitor, adaptive smart cruise control, remote smart parking assist and driver attention warning.

Driveability and range

The Genesis brand is positioned in the luxury part of the market and we were impressed with the high levels of refinement the car provides, including at motorway speeds where road and wind noise are largely absent.

The ride errs on the firm side, which is probably to keep the weight of the battery in check, but it’s not a particularly sporty set-up and the overall driving experience is a relaxing one.

However, the performance available belies this. The twin-motor arrangement in the GV70 outputs 490PS and enables a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds.

In truth, the immense power output is a little unnecessary in an otherwise refined and comfort-focused vehicle.

To make the car a little safer in day-to-day use, the full power output can only be accessed in 10-second bursts by pressing the ‘boost’ button on the steering wheel.

Still, it provides drivers with the ultimate company car bragging rights and may act as a further draw for those that are unsure about making the switch to a fully electric car.

What really matters, of course, is range. The revised model has an official WLTP range of 298 miles from its 84kWh battery, up from 283 miles and 77.4kWh respectively in the previous model.

Based on our experience, around 270 miles is more realistic, as our test car returned 3.3mi/kWh during our drive.

The integration of an 800V electrical architecture allows ultra rapid charging at 240kW, enabling the Electrified GV70’s battery to be replenished from 10% to 80% in a little more than 19 minutes.

Company car tax and running costs

Genesis expects the entry-level Pure model to be the most popular variant, and company car drivers (40% taxpayer) choosing this will face a monthly benefit-in-kind bill of £88.

For an employer, the Genesis has running costs of 64.6ppm, of which 56.73ppm is accounted for by depreciation.