Genesis’s first purpose-built EV, the GV60, will set the bar for the brand’s future electrification, and it’s set it high. Packed with infotainment and driving technology alongside powerful motors and ultra-fast charging, Genesis is very much bringing the heat to rivals like Audi, Mercedes and BMW.

Just over a month since it first showed off the GV60, Genesis has now provided the full technical details of its first proper EV, which is based on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. In the big reveal, Genesis made much of how it will be a brand that interacts on a more personal level with customers – something it’ll have to nail to differentiate itself from established European luxury brands.

The GV60 itself, however, shouldn’t be the weak link in the chain as it’s stacking up to be a real contender.

Exterior design

We could quite easily point out how the Genesis GV60 looks like a fancy version of the Hyundai Kona, but while it does bear a passing resemblance, the coupe-like roofline combined with the crossover utility design cues does set it apart.

‘Two Line’ lamps up front establish Genesis’s design philosophy which is common across the brand’s vehicles, together with the crest grille, albeit in this case it is mounted lower to aid in cooling the car’s electric powertrain. A cool feature is the clamshell bonnet, which brings the front wings with it when opened – reducing the number of shut lines and helping create seamless surfaces.

Short overhangs with wheels tucked close to the corners of the 2900mm wheelbase add to the car’s sporty visuals, as does the rear spoiler. Digital wing mirrors and pop-out door handles are a nice, premium touch.

Powertrain and performance

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of what makes the GV60 move, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The figures highlight the versatility and innovation that has been designed into the E-GMP platform with the power levels and charging speeds on offer.

Three power levels are available: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and a performance all-wheel drive variant. All models get a 77kWh battery and in the lower-powered, single motor rear-wheel drive model, up to 280 miles is possible on a charge. Performance should still be brisk enough in the lowliest model thanks to a 225bhp, 258lb-ft motor.

Step it up to the all-wheel drive model and you get a 215bhp motor on the rear axle joined by a 99bhp motor on the front. Alongside the 314bhp you’ll get 446lb-ft of torque and a range of 250 miles. Step things up to the Performance model and the GV60 becomes a proper Q car. Thanks to two 215bhp motors making a combined 429bhp and 446lb-ft it’ll shift.

Boost mode unleashes full power of 483bhp and 516lb-ft for ten seconds at a time, enabling the GV60 to hit 62mph in four seconds dead. There’s even a drift mode which uses active braking and the car’s e-diff to make powerslides possible. Multi-link suspension front and rear with road preview – which reads the road and pre-loads the suspension – should make the car both dynamic and comfortable.

Charging can be undertaken at up to 350kW, taking the GV60 from ten to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. An 11kW on-board charger deals with domestic charging. Like other E-GMP-based cars, vehicle to load functionality means you can run regular household items off the car, or charge another EV at up to 3.6kW.

Interior and driving technology

Genesis is a luxury brand and it has created an interior made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastics and natural, plant-based leather. A floating centre console and slim cockpit increase available space as well as looking good, whilst circular patterns on touch surfaces add a nice detail.

At the heart of the centre console is the ‘Crystal Sphere’, which sounds like a naff gameshow and is a gimmick we wanted to be cynical about. However, it certainly seems to be a well-executed detail which adds interactivity – a floating ball which rotates to become a control interface or flips back over to become an element of the car’s interior mood lighting.

Human/vehicle interfaces have been built into the GV60 to personalise interactions with it. Face Connect with a near infra-red facial recognition camera and fingerprint authentication, alongside over-the-air updates and a new digital key all feed into this. How does it work? The driver simply looks at a camera on the B pillar to unlock and operate it and up to two people can be registered. The head-up-display will also recognise who is driving and display to their preferences.

Latest generation infotainment, complete with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with up to 17 speakers adds to the interior’s luxurious feel. Finally a huge array of driving and safety assist features are all built into the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Whilst there’s an alphabet of them, highlights include forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise, highway driving assist and much more besides.

Price and availability

We’re waiting on market-specific specs and prices for the Genesis GV60 as well as finalised release dates, though we suspect mid-2022 for the latter. We’ll bring these details to you as soon as we have them.