We test a production version of the new Genesis GV70 Electrified and see how it stacks up to premium electric SUV rivals.
In the few years Genesis has been in Australia, the Korean car maker is establishing premium alternatives to the usual German players in pretty much every class that matters. But this Electrified GV70 SUV could be the most important variant it’s launched yet.
While it’s not trying to take on Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz for volume, when it comes to quality, tech and customer service Genesis is right there. The Electrified GV70 combines qualities from many demand areas in the market at the moment: an all-electric powertrain in a mid-size SUV body with a premium bent.
Priced from $127,800 before on-road costs it might seem pricey compared with some rivals, although some only have a single-motor and/or smaller battery powertrains to bring the starting price down, whereas the Electrified GV70 only comes with a 77.4kWh battery and a pair of electric motors delivering up to 360kW in Boost mode and a maximum of 700Nm of torque.
While it delivers pretty impressive performance (0-100km/h in a best of 4.2 seconds) it’s range that’s more important; a 445km claim is competitive and we saw efficiency that put us within 10 per cent of the car’s official figure.
We’ll focus on dynamics shortly, but there’s a bit more to dissect when it comes to the price, which actually makes the Genesis look better value, including Five-year Genesis To You and valet service, 10-year 24/7 roadside assistance, 10-year complimentary map updates, and the choice of a five-year Chargefox subscription or home AC charger and installation.
With Genesis partnered with Chargefox, it gives the option for a buyer to access all of its charge points across Australia (over 1400 points) for free for five years. Alternatively, Genesis will install a a Genesis branded electric car charger at a location of choice (some terms and condition apply around the standard of install).
As far as charging the car itself, the Electrified GV70 can accept charging speeds up to 240kW, with a 10-80 per cent top-up taking 18 minutes – it’ll sustain its peak charging rate from 15-55 per cent, too.
In Sport with Boost mode selected, like many high-power EVs the GV70 stomps forward, but the throttle pedal’s map is nicely calibrated. The very first part of the eye-widening acceleration comes in gently before the full hit of torque is deployed, so even with a focus on maximum performance the car is still smooth and refined.
This is where the Electrified GV70 excels. The GV70 Electrified comes in just one specification in Australia and is fully loaded, including active road noise cancelling. Combined with an almost complete lack of motor whine the Genesis is quiet when cruising, and even on our car’s optional 20-inch alloy wheels the ride is mostly good.
There is also adaptive suspension with road scanning tech. In the most part the system works well and delivers comfort on motorways and A roads. Around town sometimes the system doesn’t seem the most intelligent, but it’s far from uncomfortable, while on crowned and rutted country roads there is some sway from the body.
But that’s no doubt due to the car’s chunky 2310kg kerbweight – a problem many electric SUVs suffer from. There’s plenty of grip and the steering offers a nice weight in Comfort mode and a predictably linear rate of response, albeit zero feedback on what’s happening at the road surface. But in a car like this, to most buyers that might not matter. However, the kerbweight means the Electrified GV70 has a certain lethargy through direction changes, even if it doesn’t roll much and feels composed.
This is not a performance SUV despite its power output, so the Electrified GV70’s chassis is fairly well pitched. We’d say it’s the best-riding Genesis we’ve tested yet.
And the fact that it’s packed with tech helps take the edge off any dynamic shortfall. The regenerative braking set-up, for example, is great. The Smart Regeneration System 2.0 will adjust the regen level depending on traffic conditions and data from the sat-nav. Or you can select from no braking effect right through to Genesis’s i-Pedal set-up, the latter providing one-pedal driving.
There’s also a max regen feature, activated by pulling the left-hand paddle. It means you can cruise along with low regen to maximise rolling efficiency, but then pull and hold the paddle to brake for a corner, releasing it when you’ve reached the right speed. It’s a very intuitive system.
Otherwise, the Electrified GV70 is as good as its combustion-engined counterparts in most other areas. True, you lose 39 litres of boot space, at 503 litres, but you gain another 25 litres in the front, which can be used to stow the charging cables (the charge port is located within the front grille, so this makes sense).
Otherwise, the level of room inside is good and the Electrified GV70’s packaging is sound. The infotainment offering is advanced too, with a digital dash and a 14.5-inch screen that boasts the latest smartphone connectivity and connected services, leather trim, a powered tailgate, plus lots of safety and driver assistance tech.
It’s on the pricey side, but the Electrified GV70 shows how far Genesis has come as a brand in a relatively short period of time. The GV70’s range, performance and charging tech are towards the top of the class, while material and build quality, plus practicality and infotainment are all fundamentally sound. The customer offering is superbly strong, too. However, it could be a little more comfortable still, and balance this with a sharper side dynamically, while it’s also a shame there’s no single-motor model.
Sean Carson