A week with… The Genesis Electrified GV70 | Full Review
An accomplished premium EV in nearly every respect. Awesome performance when you need it, a refined and comfortable cruiser when you don’t.
Let’s talk Genesis. In automotive terms, it’s a relatively young brand – not just from a leasing perspective – but for the UK market too. In its current form it has been around since 2015 and has made in-roads offering high-end vehicles capable of taking on the established best in class.
Part of Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia, it now has a number of EVs among its offerings. We’ve recently been lucky enough to sample one of its latest: the Electrified GV70.
With a focus on luxury and an impressive electric drivetrain, Electrified GV70 aims to turn the heads of Audi, BMW and Mercedes drivers. Alternatives to this variant include rivals like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQC.
After spending a week with one, does it cut the muster against these established rivals? We take a deep dive into this model and consider whether it’s a viable alternative. (Spoiler: it definitely is.)
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Styling
Theoretically, things shape up quite conventionally here: 4.5 metres in length, and almost two metres wide – this is large, imposing SUV with classic lines. But in practice, its arrival at Leasing.com HQ managed to cause quite a stir.
The GV70 offers a certain presence other rivals cannot quite offer.
Comments pertaining to Bentley-esque looks at the front and Porsche-like lines from the rear showed Genesis hit the nail on the head when it comes to creating a premium-looking product here.
A number of elements are employed to achieve this, and it all comes together in a package many rivals can’t compete with: that huge honeycomb grille might actually be plastic on this all-electric model, but it doesn’t take anything away from its appeal.
All Genesis models feature a signature split-headlight look too – a theme that continues at the rear. The big grille/split light look can sometimes result in a rather gaudy look, but with the GV70 it’s tastefully done, and offers a certain presence other rivals cannot quite offer.
Interior & tech
As with the external styling, Genesis has made a fantastic attempt at differentiating itself from its Kia and Hyundai siblings in the cabin. The premium feel starts immediately, as the electric function and electric steering wheel lower slowly lower themselves to your chosen position.
Those that dislike Tesla-style controls will rejoice at the physical climate control panel.
This genuinely feels a nicer place to spend time than many Audis. Knurled controls feature too, including the indicator stalks. This adds yet another dose of that prestige feeling and gives a really premium vibe.. Electric front seats are supremely comfortable, with a range of massage functions helping soothe and isolate you from the outside world.
Overall we found the controls, infotainment and general ergonomics to be impressive. Those that dislike Tesla-style controls will rejoice at the physical climate control panel and the iDrive-style infotainment rotary dial.
On that front, there is an impressively quick witted touchscreen, but the way it’s angled ensures the driver will be reaching for the physical rotary dial most of the time. You’ll find this next to the gear selector, which also happens to be a dial.
We found that sometimes we’d be reaching for the infotainment menu when manoeuvring rather than reverse. A minor complaint, and one you soon adapt to.
In the rear, things are equally opulent, with nice touches such as rear passenger sun blinds and heated seats. These are things that used to be par for the course with large, premium cars, and Genesis hasn’t forgotten how to do it properly.
Driving
Nothing can give you a better picture of a car than getting some miles in, and that’s exactly what we did with the Electrified GV70. With its dual-motor powertrain and premium ride quality, it’s definitely a capable cruiser. But, as an EV with 495PS, It’s a given that it’ll be capable of some startling performance stats too. And it does. 0-62mph takes under four seconds.
Under most conditions the GV70 offers a remarkably relaxed driving experience.
But, unlike other electric cars we’ve sampled, power delivery is done a little differently. This is first and foremost a big comfortable squishy SUV, and in comfort mode that’s exactly what it feels like. The suspension absorbs bumps as you’d expect, isolating you from all but the biggest of imperfections. Under most conditions the GV70 offers a remarkably relaxed driving experience.
If you want to unleash the car’s full performance, you’ll have to push the cleverly integrated “Boost” button, neatly placed within the bottom spoke of the steering wheel. This gives you 10 seconds of uninterrupted full power. The results in a true Jekyll and Hyde car, with its otherwise conventionally upmarket looks belying its true performance capabilities.
If you want a super-quick electric SUV that flies under the radar, Electrified GV70 should undoubtedly be on your shortlist.
If you want a super-quick electric SUV that flies under the radar, Electrified GV70 should undoubtedly be on your shortlist. In fact the only missing piece of the jigsaw from this perspective is the lack of a smaller, less powerful single-motor model. Not only would this fit in with the car’s more relaxed driving style, it would also help bring down costs and help it undercut alternatives in a busy segment of the market.
Charging, range and miles per kWh
During our time with the car over around 500 miles, we averaged 2.8mi/kWh.
Charging is as simple as any other EV, with the the socket located within the front grille area. The official range of the GV70 is 283 miles. During our time with the car over around 500 miles, we averaged 2.8mi/kWh – that equates to around 220 miles of range in the real world.
While that’s quite a way off official stats, it’s worth bearing in mind that this is a similar phenomenon for other large electric vehicles, and is more impressive than some rivals too.
With a maximum charge rate of 240kW, it outdoes most other EVs on the road from a rapid charge perspective too. A 10% to 80% charge is therefore possible in just 20 minutes, provided you have access to a charger that can provide such power.
Most people will be using a home wall box though, and it’ll take around 10 hours to charge overnight from 20% to 100%.
Should you lease one?
It’s an accomplished premium EV in almost every respect, and is certainly worth a look.
Not everyone will want to spend the same amount of money on a Genesis as something with a more established badge. But that’s not the point of the Electrified GV70; it mixes the best premium car sensibilities with a high-tech electric drivetrain, and offers an enticing left-of-field choice in a crowded marketplace.
It’s an accomplished premium EV in almost every respect, and is certainly worth a look. Price-wise, it’ll always be a more expensive proposition than the smaller GV60 to lease, but it’s well worth checking out prices, particularly if you’re a business user.