It’s Electric: Introducing the Genesis GV60

The GV60 is the first electric-dedicated Genesis model.


Five years after introducing its first model, the Genesis brand is ready to move on to its sixth. Three sedans followed by two SUVs have put Hyundai’s luxury marque on solid footing. We knew the sixth model would be electric and that’s been confirmed in the GV60, its latest model.

Genesis introduced its first all-electric car this month by distributing pictures online. This one is a crossover based on a dedicated EV platform.

The new model, expected in 2022, incorporates some of the styling elements of the two Genesis SUVs. However, it is a distinctly different look, one that resembles a hatchback with its clamshell liftgate.

The new vehicle will ride on the company’s E-GMP architecture, which also underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Those models are further along in the design process.

Genesis GV60 front fascia

Besides the photos, we do not have much to go on with the Genesis GV60. That said, we can surmise a few things, including the following.

Related – 2023 Genesis GV60 Review

Handsome Design Cues

Genesis GV60 profile

Admittedly, we are drawn to the Genesis design. Every vehicle is elegant, with stacked LED accent lighting representing its signature look. The GV60 incorporates sporty elements, including a kicked -beltline, sloping roofline, and nifty blacked-out elements.

The front fascia suggests an electric vehicle with the notched slab connecting the headlamps. But the gaping lower grille, whether it is cosmetic or functional, is a welcome design element. Tesla, take note!

Roomy Cabin

The GV60 is compact, but we believe it will comfortably seat four and make room for five in a pinch. The short overhangs mean that the space is optimized for the passengers.

Most of the cargo space is in the rear. We are not sure how Genesis will design the front trunk (frunk), but there is bound to be at least some space set aside for storage.

Elegant Interior

Genesis GV60 roomy cabin

We would expect nothing less than a gorgeous interior with the GV60. Genesis simply does not disappoint. Indeed, the sample blue color scheme, leathering, stitching, and trim pieces show much attention to detail. We are almost certain that rear wood or carbon fiber will grace some trims.

Introducing Crystal Sphere

Genesis GV60 interior

Genesis dropped a new term with their press release. This one is called Crystal Sphere. The company describes it as “a sphere-shaped Shift By Wire (SBW) that intuitively informs drivers when the vehicle is ready to drive.”

The system supplies ambient lighting when the vehicle is turned off. When the vehicle is turned on, the sphere rotates and the Shift-By-Wire appears. We also like the digital side-view mirrors inside. They replace traditional mirrors and likely will presage a design movement for the industry writ large.

Power to the EV

Genesis GV60 rear fascia

Genesis made no note about the EV’s powertrain, other than it being fully electric. Because it shares its underpinnings with two other Hyundai and Kia models, there are a few matters we can deduce.

First, a 77.4-kWh battery pack should sit between the axles. We expect single- and dual-mode choices with power sent to the rear or all four wheels. The Ioniq model delivers 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the single application and 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque in the dual application.

Second, the GV60 will likely get an 800-volt electrical system for extremely fast charging. This means that a nearly depleted battery would regain approximately 80 percent of its power in under 20 minutes. Thus, even with a 10-minute connection, the GV60 would be ready to continue with its long trip.

Genesis Details

Full details about the GV60 should arrive in the coming months. We expect a beginning price point around $50,000 or $60,000 when fully loaded. In any case, the GV60 is the first model that will help this luxury maker pivot to electrification

Matthew Keegan

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