Auto review by Veeno Dewan
I have to say I am a big fan of the new 2023 Genesis GV60 All Electric CUV. I love the slippery styling and sleek lines, combined with the smooth futuristic lighting touches. Cool features abound on the GV60, including a novel facial recognition camera hidden in the B-pillar that allows you to unlock the car with just your face id Up to two face scans be recognized.). There is also a fingerprint sensor on the centre console enabling you to drive the GV60 without ever having a key or phone!
The GV60 is powered by a dual-electric motor all-wheel drive system. Peak output is 446 lb-ft of torque with 314 hp in the Advanced version and 429 hp in the Performance trim. The latter also has a “boost mode” that unlocks 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque for up to 10 seconds.
There are two trim levels in Canada: the $71,000 Advanced and the $79,000 Performance. The Advanced model with 314 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, rides on 20-inch wheels and comes with the full complement of safety and driver aids, along with Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a sunroof, two 12.3-inch screens, plus remote start, parking sensors, and as standard all-wheel drive. Both trims use the same 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Paying the roughly $8,000 extra for the Performance trim includes: 21-inch wheels, higher 429 hp power output, electronically controlled suspension, active noise cancelling, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, alloy pedals, a sort-of-massaging driver’s seat, surround-view monitoring system, live blind-spot camera feeds in the instrument display, and a fabulous 17-speaker surround-sound system. The Performance’ version includes that cool boost button on the steering wheel. Also note, for the adventurous there is even a drift mode!
In terms of charging, the GV60, with its high -power 800/400-volt electrical architecture is capable of Level 3 fast charging, with the ability to top its battery up from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 20 minutes using a 350-kW charger, and in about an hour and 15 minutes on a 50-kW unit. Level 2 charging, which includes dedicated home setups, are around seven hours. The entry-level Advanced model possesses an estimated 399 km of range and the Performance version providing a claimed 378 km.
The GV60 Interior is smart and opulent looking. There is rich quilted leather upholstery that drapes the heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear ones. The top trim adds a mild massage functionality to the front driver perch. The touchscreen is a 12.3-inch display, while there’s another screen that replaces a traditional instrument display. As a final party piece, the GV60’s has a futurist sci-fi looking illuminated crystal sphere on the floating centre console. when pressing the GV60’s start button, the sphere flips over, with the other half revealed as a rotary gear selector… very cool! There is a good amount of occupant space front and rear. Cargo room is reasonable, with 680 L with the rear seats upright and 1,550 L with them folded.
Safety equipment abounds, with eight airbags, lane departure warning and keeping and following assistance; forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking; front and rear parking sensors; a head-up display; adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Even on its 21-inch wheels, the GV60 Performance delivers excellent ride quality, no doubt aided by the road-sensing system that adjusts the dampers for upcoming irregularities. Selecting sport mode offers quicker throttle and brake responses, along with a firmer suspension and steering set up. Meanwhile, the Performance’s boost button on the steering wheel releases an exciting 10-second burst of extra power and a heady 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. at a time, enabling a crazy zero-to-100 km/h sprint times of less than four seconds.
With its active noise cancellation, the GV60’s cabin is remarkably quiet. Handling is capable and there is minimal body roll in the corners. The steering wheel paddles can dial up four levels of regenerative braking, with one-pedal driving as the top option. The top trim also includes adaptive dampers with road preview functionality, which uses a camera to scan the surface ahead and pre-emptively compensate for imperfections.
The 2023 Genesis GV60 is a highly impressive CUV. Downsides are few. Buyers expect the driving range to be in the 400-500 km range and the GV60 falls a little short, no doubt this will improve. However once again like all Genesis vehicles, the 2023 Genesis GV60, has the advantage in offering quality, luxury, and features to rival other premium entries at an amazing price. Highly recommended.
2023 Genesis GV60 EV. Priced from $71,000 – $79,000
More info at www.genesis.ca
