2023 Genesis GV60 - Review by Larry Nutson

2023 Genesis GV60
Quiet and quick

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Genesis, the premium brand of Hyundai, has been on the U.S. auto scene for about six years now, having first appeared in the U.S. in late 2016. Genesis has gradually expanded its product line. The all-new GV60 is Genesis’ first dedicated all-electric vehicle model.

The GV60 is on sale now. Initially however, the 2023 Genesis GV60 will only be sold at select Genesis retailers in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York with limited availability. The on-going supply chain issues that are affecting global commerce are still very real. That said, Genesis hopes to expand GV60’s availability to more states soon, according to a Genesis spokesperson.

Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kia and Genesis) has a new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. The platform serves as the core technology for Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation BEV line-up. The GV60 is built on this platform, as is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.

Considered a performance vehicle, the GV60 is offered in two models. The Advance features 234 kW/314-hp and 248 miles of driving range. The Performance has 320kW/429-hp and 235 miles of range. Both feature dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrains and a 77.4-kWh battery. GV60 is 177.8 inches long and rides on a 114.2 inch wheelbase. Seating is for five with 24 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat.

Overall, the GV60 is a nice size urban-use premium-equipped utility vehicle that will comfortably transport you and your family with good driving dynamics while providing decent driving range to carry out your household errands or commute to your workplace.

I recently had a week’s time with a GV60 Performance model. My driving was mostly of the city-type near my Chicago home as well as a couple longer distance highway drives to the suburbs and back. Driving range was never a concern. The 235 miles of range with a fully charged battery is plenty for the kind of driving I did. Plus, with all the stop-and-go city driving regenerative braking played a big role in adding charge back into the battery.

I never needed to recharge although I wasn’t concerned about doing so. A public Level 3 DCFC is nearby. Rapid charging from 10% to 80% battery charge can be done in as little as 18 minutes with a 350kW/800v charger. Battery performance and charging is affected by both ambient temperature and battery temperature. The GV60 is the first model to feature a battery conditioning function that manages the battery’s temperature to ensure optimal conditions. Battery conditioning is a function that not only preheats to secure better performance when the battery temperature is low, but also shortens the amount of charging time by adjusting the battery temperature.

There’s a saying “drive it like you stole it.” Well, similarly, I drove the GV60 as if it were mine. I went from place to place enjoying its distinctive coupe-like exterior design, refined and premium interior appointments, very quick acceleration and balanced driving dynamics. EVs tend to be heavy--the GV60 is in the range of 4,800 lbs. Ride is a bit harsh on some EVs but I never felt that the case with the GV60. The performance low-profile tires on 21-inch wheels do pick up more road imperfections, but not to an extreme or a concern. And, with no internal combustion engine making its own noise or masking other vehicle noises, I was pleased with the quiet driving environment of the GV60.

The Performance model has a steering wheel-mounted Boost button that temporarily increases power to 483 horsepower. “Car and Driver” says they launched the GV60 from stop and hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. That’s race-car quick and more than most drivers need or perhaps even want. Think about if you have a novice teen driver in your household.

The GV60 Advanced has a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. There’s also a Face Connect system, which uses a camera to recognize the driver to unlock the car and activate presets for seat and mirrors. The GV60 Performance has Nappa leather, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive suspension dampers and smartphone-as-a-key functionality. Both have a complete array of advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) features.

Atop the floating center console a Crystal Sphere provides mood lighting and rotates to reveal the Shift By Wire (SBW) controller. Below the console the slim cockpit design and flat floor provide openness and storage space. The so-called glove box opens like a drawer. There’s even a small 0.71 cu.ft. hidden storage under the front hood to hide your laptop, or something.

More details on the 2023 GV60 can be found at www.genesis.com The Advanced has a starting price of $59,985 including a $1,095 destination charge. The Performance starts at $68,985 with the $1,095 destination charge. The GV60 is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit as well as applicable state tax credits.

Interest in electric vehicle ownership is growing. Certain concerns need to be addressed, such as creating greater access to charging (especially for apartment and condo dwellers), extending vehicle range, and lowering purchase prices, according to findings from the largest-ever nationally representative survey from Consumer Reports. Thirty-six percent of Americans are planning to buy or lease an electric vehicle or are seriously considering to do so.

The 2023 Genesis GV60 is a candidate for North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and for Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. Of note, Genesis was named top premium brand in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study and improved by 3 rank positions overall from the prior year.

Happy motoring!