In Biblical terms, Genesis is how it all began; in the automotive scheme of things, it is
similar in that the Hyundai aristocratic family tree’s early sprouts have been joined by
an electric powered version of its GV70 sports utility vehicle.
On the surface the Electrified GV70 – the fifth and range-topping SUV in the family –
gives away little of a shift in method of propulsion, but under the skin it refuses to be
ignored, showcasing the latest in luxury and advanced technology in all their glory.
The Power – The Genesis Electrified GV70 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive
powertrain, with each motor producing 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. All up,
(in 10-second boost mode) there’s 360 kW and 700 Nm. Genesis claims a zero-to-100
km/h time of 4.2 seconds.
The Glory – no fossil fuel burning polluting the Earth here; nil exhaust emissions.
Not unexpectedly, all this comes at a price – $127,800, plus on-road costs, more than
$10,000 above the entry-level Genesis GV70 2.5T, at $66,400. Admittedly, the star car
has much more to offer than a pollution clean sheet.
The Electrified GV70 includes a variety of advanced driver assistance systems to
protect passengers from hazards inside and outside the vehicle.
With a maximum of a 350-kW charger, the car can be charged from 10 to 80 per
cent in 18 minutes of fast charging, cutting down the inconvenience of ‘filling up’ to a
minimum. Charging to 100 per cent comes in at less than seven hours with an 11-
kW capacity charge system.
On the other hand, V2L (Vehicle to Load) will conveniently charge electrical
appliances up to 3600 W, enabling power to standard electrical devices outside the
vehicle, making toast and tea, for example.
The electric SUV is covered by a five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty, pushed out
to eight years on its high-voltage battery. Buyers are also offered five-year
subscriptions to complimentary servicing and valet programs, plus 10-year roadside
assistance and complimentary map updates.
Genesis will chip in with the choice of a five-year subscription to EV charging
company Chargefox, or a domestic AC wall box charger, including installation.
STYLING
While in the style of the traditional SUV, with the sharp corners knocked off, the
Genesis GV70 is well proportioned and pleasing to the eye, an important selling
point to any luxury model.
The absence of exhaust tailpipes and blanked-out radiator grille bookend the profile
of the Electrified Genesis GV70, setting it apart from its petrol-powered siblings. The
aerodynamic Crest grille with signature G-Matrix pattern, new 20-inch EV exclusive
wheels, and minimalistic horizontal rear bumper complete the signature style.
INTERIOR
The driver-focused interior is testament to comfort and convenience, while tranquillity
is enhanced by unique mood lighting.
One minor misstep: the drive control knob shares the centre console with the
information system rotary controller and it is easy to mix them up on first usage.
Second-row seating has been expanded, presenting a more relaxed, spacious, and
luxurious experience.
Boot space is 503 litres, which can be expanded to 1678 litres with the rear seat
backs folded flat. There is a 20-litre cubby under the bonnet, which is handy to take
the charging cable.
INFOTAINMENT
Innovative technologies create a new level of interaction between driver and vehicle,
with 14.5-inch touchscreen, advanced satellite navigation, and surprisingly only
wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s a quality 14-speaker 1050W Lexicon sound system, head-up display and
12.3-inch instrument cluster.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Genesis Electrified GV70 features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with
each motor producing 180 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. All up, (in 10-second
boost mode) there’s 360 kW and 700 Nm on tap.
SAFETY
As well as the standard safety features, such as smart cruise control, blind spot
warning and view monitor, and lane keeping assist found in many modern vehicles,
the Electrified GV70 is fitted with forward collision avoidance assist, which
automatically applies the brakes or adjusts steering if a collision is imminent.
Reverse parking warning activates if pedestrians or objects are detected and will apply
emergency braking.
Furthermore, the car will park itself, even in the tightest spots. Both steering and
speed are automatically operated and can be controlled remotely by using the smart
key while out of the car.
When a passenger opens a door to get out of the car and an approaching vehicle is
detected behind, Safe Exist Assist will sound a warning. If a car is detected it also
keeps the Electronic Child Safety Lock activated to prevent the doors from opening.
In addition, if the risk of a rear-side collision is determined, the door is prevented
from opening even if the ‘open’ button is pressed.
DRIVING
Genesis claims a battery capacity of 77.4 kWh, giving a range of more than 400
kilometres on a ‘full tank’.
Over my time with the Electrified GV70, fuel consumption straddled 20 kWh per 100
kilometres, so with battery down to 40 per cent, it was convenient for a top-up at the
local public fast charger. After half an hour of plug-in, the battery was at 93 per cent
charged – enough for more than 350 km of driving – at a cost of a miserly $9.38, thank
you.
The Electrified GV70 retains the Preview Electronic Control Suspension that uses a
front camera to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly.
Small appliances can be powered from the battery with the exterior and interior
vehicle-to-load 3.6 kW power supply, while there’s also a one-pedal driving mode and
regenerative braking.
The latter is not so amenable, with sharp reaction needing some smooth driver input to
prevent uncomfortable grabbing in some situations. However, with one-pedal mode
dialled up to its most forceful level, via the steering wheel paddles, touching the brake
is generally redundant.
Steering is superb, with positive feedback, enabling the driver to take on fast bends
and sharp corners with confidence up to legal speed limits.
SUMMARY
Not only is the Electrified Genesis GV70 carrying the weight of the SUV’s switch to
full electric power, it shoulders a hefty price tag of more than $127,800, $10,000
above its petrol-powered entry-level sibling. You pays your money, and you makes
your choice.
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
AT A GLANCE
Genesis GV70 2.5T $66,400
Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD $68,786
Genesis GV70 2.2D $71,094
Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport $82,467
Electrified Genesis GV70 from $127,800
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact
your local Genesis dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Electrified Genesis GV70 EV, reduction gear, AWD SUV)
ENGINE:
Battery: Lithium-ion
Maximum Power: 360 kW
Maximum Torque: 700 Nm
Fuel Type: Electric
Combined Fuel Cycle 199 kWh/100km
CO2 emissions: nil
DRIVELINE: Reduction gear, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4715 mm
Wheelbase: 2875 mm
Width: 1910 mm
Height: 1630 mm
Turning Circle: 11.7metres
Kerb Mass: 2245 kg
Battery capacity: 77.4 kWh
All-electric range: 445 km
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres. Eight years battery / ten years 24/7 roadside assist
and map updates
