My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Genesis GV60

How do you shake up the electric vehicle market – more than it’s already shaken up?

One, you get a platform that has been applauded and praised like Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Two, you direct all of the brands to take the basic platform and create their own vehicle from it. Three, you design more distinction without anyone making a fuss about how many common parts there are in each model.

Lastly, you do not pay attention to anyone else in the process.

By now, you have read (or seen) that V&R has worked with two out of the three vehicles from this platform – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. Now, it’s Genesis’ turn. And, this one’s more of a conversation starter than the other two.

As the group’s luxury brand, Genesis made it quite clear that it wants to be more distinctive in its approach to this electric vehicle platform. It wants to exude luxury, first and foremost. After all, there is an assumption that the most likely customer for an electric vehicle is one who can easily afford one.

The expectation of luxury consumers is higher in many regards. They want quality, distinction (yes, that word again), and to be completely apart from the crowd. With the new 2023 Genesis GV60, could we call it “mission accomplished”?

You can, but not with a few examples on the road right now. 

Therefore, we have been working with the future. Showing what is possible from this luxury brand that is really gaining momentum upon the automotive elite. A brand that has pushed the boundaries of design and elegance in a segment that seemed to be a bit stagnant. 

The GV60 fits within this summation. It is an eye catcher. So many design elements were fused into this compact electric crossover/SUV that seems smaller than the GV70. The roundness of the entire shape breaks many of the brand’s conventions, yet the GV60 retains a lot of its signatures. The parallel split horizontal lighting units front and back and the shield-like grille are there. However, the front end’s shape put the grille underneath this baseline keeping the headlamps above it. 

Another interesting exterior design element was the C-Pillar. The “zig-zag” chrome piece is a curious part of the roofline. The black panel is not a glass pane, which creates a blind spot towards the rear. Still, that trim piece breaks up what could be a conventional coupe-like roofline. The lift gate features a glass area that is split by the rear spoiler.

On this Performance tester, Genesis created a geometrical masterpiece within their 21-inch alloy wheel. It simply screams “the future,” adding to the dramatics of the GV60’s overall design. 

With design comes innovation, right? In the case of the GV60, you’re staring at it. ON your smartphone should be the Digital Key 2 app that enables you to access the vehicle easily and remotely. If you’re approaching the vehicle, just put your finger on the three raised lines of the door handle and look at the B-Pillar. Facial Recognition will also enable access into your GV60. 

You do get two keys – a white one and a black one. To program the Facial Recognition feature, as well as the thumbprint recognition, you will need both of them. This is not like “The Matrix” where you are given a choice of which pill, er key, to choose from. 

Once you enter into the GV60, be delighted. Be entertained. Be amused. One look at the center console will give you that glimpse into the future. At first, you will see a glowing orb. One might think that all of the science fiction movies and television shows have finally became reality. Now, start up the vehicle. That Crystal Sphere turns into the transmission shifter dial. A clever move for Genesis, if you ask me. 

That is why Genesis is becoming relevant in the luxury car space. 

Beyond the orb, the GV60 might seem conventional. Convention in Genesis terms, that is. The blue interior offers up a lime yellow trim that is seen throughout the cabin. The driver has two 12.3-inch screen giving them instrumentation and driving information on the left and the Genesis infotainment system on the right.

Want another sign that Genesis is serious about competing in the luxury vehicle space? Look at the speaks and read what’s on it: Bang & Olufsen. The Danish purveyors of audiophile goodness provided the GV60 with lovely sound in either Surround or Reference modes. Don’t count the speakers – just listen. 

Using sustainable materials, the blue upholstery provides comfort with some bolstering and support. Aside from housing the Crystal Sphere, the center console divides the front seats offering open space and storage options. Rear seat room is good, for both leg and head room. In the back you get 24 cubic feet before you fold down the rear seats. With those seats folded, cargo space expands to 54.7 cubic feet. Up front, there is a small secure storage area – short of a cubic foot – that actually looks like an engine cover.

All GV60 models come with a two-motor, all-wheel drive system. The Advance model gets a standard “tune” of 314 horsepower with 446 pound-feet of torque. However, we got the Performance model, which raises the power numbers to 429 horsepower with 516 pound-feet of torque. If that is not enough, you can get 10 seconds of absolute fun when you press the Boost button on the steering wheel. The result is a leap of instant performance to the tune of 483 horsepower.

The battery pack has a capacity of 77.4 kWh, as on the extended range IONIQ 5 and EV6 models. While the specifications claim that this tester has a range of 235 miles, I was able to get up to 241 miles from a 100% charge.

The GV60 serves up a luxurious ride. It does handle the bumps well without transmitting them into the cabin, Handling is good – somewhere between soft and solid. Cornering is fine, but you do feel the extra weight of the battery pack, along with the lower center of gravity.

The steering is not as tight as you expect in a smaller vehicle. While there is an absence of feel, it manages will when you point the GV60 into a turn. On-center is soft, but also very manageable. 

The brakes are an interesting story. If you apply them, they do respond with good normal and panic stops. Pedal feel is good. There is a one-pedal function, that is tied to a multi-step regenerative system, where you do not have to use the pedal to intervene. You are also able to maintain charge levels while slowing down by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. 

For all of this electrified goodness, this 2023 Genesis GV60 AWD Performance tester was priced out at $68,985. The Advanced model starts out at $58,890.

I’ve probably spoiled the ending on this review by stating how much I like the GV60. Genesis created a vehicle that is beyond distinctive and delivering on the brand’s promises with a compact electric crossover/SUV that stands out in a crowd. 

There is one thing to settle before I close this review out. After driving all three E-GMP offerings from the Hyundai group, which one would I choose? 

Hmmm…

They’re all pretty. They all do the same thing. Each one of them has a specific role and outcome. Yet, the Genesis received the most curiosity and interest above them all. 

That a huge score for this highly advanced machine. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America

All photos by George Torline