2022 Genesis GV60 revealed with drift mode

spot_imgspot_img

aria-label="Genesis GV60 electric crossover reveal 1"

Genesis’ inaugural luxury electric crossover is due in Australia next year and shares a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Genesis has detailed its all-new GV60 which will bring new technology and features not seen before and will be offered for sale in Australia in the first half of 2022.

While details such as specification and pricing for Australia have not been made, the worldwide premier explained there are three power outputs available, including a range-topping 320kW all-wheel-drive performance model that will offer boost drive and a drift mode.

aria-label="Genesis GV60 electric crossover reveal 5"

The BMW iX3-rivalling crossover, which was first shown in August, is the new premium brand’s first bespoke EV. Genesis brand boss Luc Donckerwolke said that, as its first dedicated EV, the GV60 “shows our commitment to electrification in terms of performance, design and innovative features”.

One of eight battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell models that Genesis will launch by 2030, the GV60 is based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced E-GMP architecture, which is also used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and forthcoming Kia EV6.

The E-GMP platform features an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for ultra-rapid 350kW charging, and can host both single- and dual-motor powertrains with a range of battery sizes.

aria-label="Genesis GV60 electric crossover reveal 4"

While E-GMP models can be fitted with both 58kWh and 77.4kWh batteries, the GV60 will be offered with only the larger unit. Charging can be conducted as speeds of up to 350kW, allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 18 minutes.

Genesis product boss Sean Lee said the GV60 has been designed to offer “comfort and luxurious driving performance” similar to previous combustion-engined Genesis models. The car is 4515mm long, with a wheelbase of 2900mm.

The entry-level GV60 will offer 168kW from a single rear-mounted motor and a maximum range of 450km. There will be two twin-motor all-wheel-drive models, with a total output of 230kW and 320kW, and respective ranges of 400km and 268km. Both of those models deliver up to 605Nm of torque.

The top-spec Performance model also offers a boost mode that delivers additional power for 10sec and enables it to achieve 0-100km/h in 4.0sec. It also features what Genesis calls a ‘hidden drift mode’.

Lee said the Performance model has been tuned to offer “a driving experience that is comparable to a sports car”, although he insisted that does not compromise the “luxurious” performance of the model.

The GV60 uses MacPherson multi-link front suspension, with a five-link rear system. An electric limited-slip differential optimises torque distribution at high speeds and when cornering, and data gathered by the front camera is used to automatically adjust the electronic suspension.

aria-label="Genesis GV60 electric crossover reveal 6"

A new electric ‘active sound design’ allows drivers to pick from three virtual driving sounds that will be played through the speakers and an active noise control function is used to minimise road noise.

The GV60 showcases a new evolution of Genesis’s design language, with the Two Lines lights at either side of a flush front end that features a revamped version of the firm’s logo. Genesis design chief Ilhun Yoon said the new styling is intended to highlight both “sustainable luxury” and “athletic elegance”.

The lower portion of the front features a large grille that, Genesis says, is intended to both emphasise dynamic performance and improve the cooling of the high-voltage battery. There’s also a single-panel clamshell bonnet.

The GV60 has an SUV-coupe side profile, with clean-lined bodywork enabled by pop-out door handles and digital wing mirrors. The C-pillars at the rear of the coupe roofline feature a new lighting bolt styling element, which will be used on all future electric Genesis models.

aria-label="Genesis GV60 electric crossover reveal 7"

Inside, a twin-screen digital display dominates the dashboard, while a large central console houses both storage space and key vehicle controls, similar to the arrangement in the Ioniq 5 and EV6.

The GV60 also features a number of sustainable eco-friendly and recycled materials. These include seats and other interior trim elements made from plant-based imitation leather. The seat covers and door trims use yarn made from recycled plastic bottles.

Genesis has also put a major emphasis on technology to help increase the premium feel of the GV60. In markets where it is allowed, the car can be unlocked by a Face Connect camera in the B-pillar and started using fingerprint authentication. A digital key will be available and the car allows over-the-air software updates.

Genesis claims the car offers a “next-generation infotainment system”, which can link “clusters” of data across the digital display and the head-up display.

The GV60 will sit below the GV70 and GV80 in Genesis’s SUV line-up and will be the brand’s second EV, following the electric version of the G80 sedan.

Genesis said the decision to use the GV nomenclature for its SUVs, rather than create a bespoke electric designation, was to highlight the firm’s “commitment to its values”.

Toyota 222D – the Group S Rally Car

This 560kW rallying MR2 could have seen Toyota conquer the stages, but instead fate intervened
spot_img

Further Reading

Xiaomi SU7: China’s Taycan rival offers more performance at half the price

It might not be quite as handsome as the Porsche it apes, but with a claimed driving range of 800km and a 3.0-second run to 100km/h, the Xiaomi SU7 should prove compelling