The Genesis GV70 is a plush and stylish luxury SUV that now comes in a superb fully electric version.
Upstart brand Genesis was launched last year and is already making waves with established luxury car makers.
With cars that have stylish exteriors and sumptuous interiors, a no-haggling sales remit, five years of servicing, and a concierge service to bring a courtesy car and pick up your vehicle when it needs attention, Genesis offers a lot that other premium brands don’t.
A mid-size SUV that’s pitched against the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Jaguar E-Pace, the GV70 is the most important car in the Genesis range. Thankfully for Genesis, it’s also the best.
When it was launched last year the GV70 was available with petrol or diesel options. Both were decent enough but hardly felt like the engine choice an ambitious, forward thinking new car company should be using.
Finally, the GV70 has the powertrain it deserves. I travelled to Northampton where I was one of the first UK journalists to drive the Electrified GV70.
Power and range
It has a pair of 180kW motors on the front and rear axles, making it four-wheel drive, and a 77.4kWh battery.
Range – the first question anyone asks about an electric car – is good. On a full battery it can travel 283 miles, according to official figures. Use it mainly around town where the engine is most efficient and that extends to more than 360 miles. Even in the depths of winter you should still be able to cover 200-220 miles quite comfortably.
The charge port is cleverly integrated into the front grille. Speaking of charging, the Electrified GV70 can charge at up to 240KW, which will take it from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. Buyers also get five years of discounted access to the Ionity network, where you’ll pay just 24p per kWh instead of the usual 69p.
Keeping things easy, Genesis offers only a single trim level, called Sport. This comes loaded up with kit including LED headlights, a 14.5in touchscreen, all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera, power opening boot, full leather upholstery and lots more.
Cost
Prices start at £64,405. That sounds more expensive than rival EVs, but they tend to offer single motor/two-wheel drive models with smaller battery as their entry level offering. Spec them up to the level of the Electrified GV70 and the Genesis looks much better value. Many buyers are likely to go for the finance package Genesis also offers.
The GV70 is a very good looking car. Well proportioned, it has a purposeful, athletic stance. More than one person has asked me if it’s a Bentley – the large grille and winged badge giving it more than a passing likeness.
On the road, the GV70 is an extremely comfortable cruiser. There’s no engine noise – of course – and the barest whisper from the road under the tyres. Put the foot down and it pins you to your seat as the car hurtles forward. Zero to 62mph comes up in 4.8 seconds…but press the boost button on the steering wheel and that reduces to 4.2 seconds.
In short, it’s not much slower than a supercar. Overtaking manoeuvres are completed with incredible ease.
Comfort and luxury
Cruising along the motorway at 70mph is a serene experience. This is partly due to excellent soundproofing and partly to the ambience of the cabin.
Quite simply, Genesis produce one of the best interiors in the entire car industry. Sumptuous leather seats, soft touch materials, an elegant touchscreen, chrome rotary dials and exceptional attention to detail elevate it above almost all of its rivals.
Family buyers will enjoy the GV70. There’s plenty of space for five and a large 503 litre boot. There’s also 25 litres of storage under the bonnet which can be used to stow the charging cables.
Overall, this is one of the very best electric SUVs available right now. It’s great looking inside and out, luxurious, fast and comfortable, has future-ready charging tech, and its standard four-wheel drive make it perfect for coping with Scottish winters.
Facts
Price: £73,220
0-62mph: 4.2 seconds
Top speed: 146mph
Range: 283 miles
Emissions: 0g/km
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