2023 Genesis GV60 places a extra luxurious spin on the Ioniq 5 and EV6

The brand new 2023 Genesis GV60 represents the primary EV for the Korean luxurious automaker because it transitions in direction of an all-electric lineup by 2030. Whereas the corporate’s gas-powered lineup has taken on new platforms which have given it far from its Hyundai counterparts, the brand new electrical SUV heads again in the other way and turns into the third car we’ve examined that’s constructed on the Hyundai E-GMP platform.

The primary two are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, which debuted as 2022 fashions. The similarities floor within the new 2023 Genesis GV60 with side-by-side screens atop the dashboard, the tiny frunk space for storing, and the surprisingly spacious inside dimensions. 

However the GV60 provides a brand new degree of luxurious together with some new know-how that Genesis hopes will give it some clear benefits over its much less refined (and extra inexpensive) counterparts. I spent a day behind the wheel of the GV60 on a highly regarded, 96-degree day in Austin, Texas, to seek out out if these adjustments make it totally different sufficient.

The outside stylings of the Ioniq 5 and EV6 have been broadly praised and I believe I desire each of these autos to the GV60, from the skin at the least. Seen from each the entrance and rear three-quarters diagonals, the proportions and Genesis particulars just like the two-piece stacked headlights and taillights give it some added class. However from the facet the rear overhang appears to be like awkwardly abbreviated, in order that the rear spoiler seems to jut out additional rearward than the again of the liftgate (although in observe it doesn’t). This stubbiness is just not an optical phantasm, the GV60 is sort of 5 inches shorter than the Ioniq 5 and seven inches shorter than the EV6.

What the GV60 does provide is a a lot brighter colour vary than its counterparts, from copper, to brilliant inexperienced, to a really pleasing gentle blue/teal known as “Hanauma Mint.” The decrease cladding stays the identical on all the colours, nevertheless it’s not as distinguished because the bodywork on the Ioniq 5 so it appears to be like much less offensive on lighter colours.

In contrast to its counterparts, there isn’t a rear-wheel drive model of the GV60. It’s provided in a pair of AWD trims, Superior and Efficiency. Each fashions make the identical quantity of torque (446 lb-ft), however the Efficiency has a extra highly effective entrance motor that outputs 160 kw versus 74 kw on the Superior, giving it a bonus of 429 hp to 314 hp. A 77.4-kwh battery pack is the one choice, and it gives an estimated 248 miles of vary within the Superior and 235 miles within the Efficiency. 

Our day of driving didn’t cowl sufficient floor (round 140 miles) to necessitate a charging cease, however the GV60 does provide stellar fast charging instances. Its 800-volt charging structure signifies that it could settle for 235 kw of energy and fast cost from 10-80% in simply 18 minutes, or add 64 miles in about 5 minutes at peak charging. 

The Efficiency mannequin I examined felt very fast. A stab of the pedal resulted within the immediate torque jolt anticipated of an EV, and the GV60 pulls past freeway speeds with ease. Mounted on the steering wheel are a pair of buttons for drive mode by the left thumb and “Enhance” mode by the precise thumb. To have probably the most enjoyable, push the left button to activate Sport mode after which the precise one to get the GV60 into its strongest setting.

It was beforehand introduced that the GV60 would provide enhance and drift driving modes, however the drift mode appears to have fallen by the wayside on the path to manufacturing (most likely for the very best). The remaining Enhance mode is barely provided in Efficiency fashions and lasts for 10 seconds, rising output to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, that are beneficial properties of 54 hp and 70 lb-ft respectively. It additionally sharpens accelerator pedal inputs, in order that even a tiny sliver of throttle leads to a fast lurch ahead and makes passing or getting onto the freeway a enjoyable journey. 

Genesis says that there’s a theoretical restrict to the quantity of instances which you could activate this mode in a row as parts get hotter. However on a highly regarded day I put it into Enhance mode about six instances in a row with out the GV60 pulling a Roberto Duran and saying “no más,” so it appears to not put an excessive amount of pressure on the powertrain. The Enhance button additionally does one thing sensible. Should you hit the button mid-corner whereas off the accelerator pedal, it received’t activate till you begin to speed up at exit so that you get the total 10-second impact solely after you get again on the pedal.

The Efficiency variations of the GV60 additionally add the identical electronically managed suspension with highway preview discovered on the GV70, together with a mechanical limited-slip differential. The second of these additions works flawlessly because the GV60 places down its energy with no actual drama. 

The suspension is just not as properly sorted, surprisingly, provided that we loved this setup a lot within the GV70. On easy roads, the GV60’s experience is impeccable however on the customarily damaged pavement round Austin, the suspension struggled to isolate the cabin from seams and uneven surfaces. And it additionally appeared to have bother controlling rebound in twisty corners. After getting off the brakes the nostril would come again up too rapidly and get unsettled, wobbling the entrance of the GV60 as you start to speed up and wish stability probably the most. 

It was a stunning improvement in a car which to that time had pushed like its counterparts—largely with out flaw. It’s value noting that the GV60’s added gear does drive its curb weight as much as 4,890 kilos for the Efficiency mannequin, which is over 200 kilos greater than the Ioniq 5 and EV6. That might make some distinction within the experience high quality however neither of these autos provided a touch of this gentle porpoising impact, so it most likely comes right down to the tuning of the adaptive suspension.

Inside, the GV60 does an important job with supplies and shapes (because it does in all of its different autos as properly).It feels acquainted to the Ioniq 5 although it’s clearly stepped up into the posh house. The one exception is the all-black inside, which is simply too drab and doesn’t let the design particulars stand out sufficient. Go together with the grey and white (proven right here) and even higher, the Torrent Navy Monotone, with blue upholstery and brilliant inexperienced accents. That may sound unusual, however have a look for your self earlier than casting judgment. The illuminated orb that sits on the middle console can be much less gimmicky than it appears at first look. It may be tough generally to know in case your EV remains to be on and this makes it easy: in case you see the orb the car is off, the drive selector knob means it’s on.

The GV60’s infotainment system doesn’t provide a lot over the Hyundai setup, moreover flashier graphics. However the GV60 does have new know-how that makes it extra handy, together with facial recognition to unlock the car and a fingerprint reader to start out it. Faucet the door deal with and stand in entrance of a digicam within the B-pillar and the GV60 will unlock (the identical process additionally locks the car). As soon as inside, put your chosen finger on the fingerprint reader and a small message within the instrument cluster signifies that the car is able to be began through the beginning button up on the sprint.

Genesis says the GV60 can retailer two totally different profiles, so two individuals may have face unlocking and fingerprint beginning privileges. After you utilize your face to unlock the car, your private profile is loaded and the seat, steering wheel, mirrors, head-up show, and infotainment settings are all adjusted. And it was a breeze to arrange, so as to add my face and fingerprint to the prevailing pre-loaded profile took beneath 90 seconds. Then the Genesis consultant snatched the keys from me and stated “you received’t want these the remainder of the day,” with confidence that proved to be prescient. The system makes use of an infrared digicam so it really works in numerous gentle situations and at night time.

The 2023 GV60 begins at $59,980 (together with a $1,090 vacation spot cost) for Advance fashions, which is $10,000 greater than the Ioniq 5’s extra inexpensive AWD trim and $9,000 greater than the EV6’s. Efficiency fashions stretch up even additional, beginning at $68,980 and options nappa leather-based upholstery, a massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Advance could be very properly outfitted in its personal proper, with matching 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment (the middle display is a touchscreen), Bang & Olufsen audio, wi-fi charging pad, 4 USB-C ports, and a slew of normal security options.

Although it’s undoubtedly extra luxurious, an additional $15,000 for the GV60 Efficiency excessive trims of the Hyundai and Kia is difficult to abdomen. The GV60 has a distinct cool issue about it; hopping out of the car and locking it with my face on a fast detour to Goal to seize some sunscreen put a large grin on my face. However it’s an costly social gathering trick. For the reason that Ioniq 5 and EV6 have AWD setups that match the Advance, I discover the worth proposition to be missing a bit on the GV60, which is the primary time I’ve stated that about any Genesis.

The GV60 goes on sale on Could 17, in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York at choose retailers with a aim of increasing availability later this 12 months.

Genesis offered airfare and lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you this firsthand drive report.