Electrified Genesis GV70 confirmed for Oz

The all-electric version of the Genesis GV70 has been officially unveiled at Auto Guangzhou and is now also confirmed for local release in the first half of 2022.

The 2022 Electrified GV70, as it will be called, will arrive in Australia as the Korean premium brand’s third EV following the Electrified G80, which will effectively replace diesel variants in the large prestige sedan range, and the smaller GV60 dedicated-electric SUV.

Unveiled in China today, just three months after the all-new mid-size luxury SUV arrived in Australia, the battery-powered GV70 brings mild design updates to aid the EV’s aerodynamics, including an enclosed Crest grille with inverted G-Matrix pattern, plus new bumpers and swanky new wheel options.

Although it will still arrive with a torquey dual-motor powertrain, it won’t be as ferocious as the Electrified G80 sedan with which it was originally tipped to share drivetrains.

The Genesis Electrified GV70 will be all-wheel drive only, with a maximum power output of 160kW/350Nm for both the front and rear motors, combining for a total of 360kW/700Nm in Boost mode – enough to launch it to 100km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

Strangely, that’ll make it quicker to triple digits than the Electrified G80, which is said to hit the national highway speed limit in 4.9sec.

Driving range for local variants of the Electrified GV70 is said to be around 400km, based on the Korean EV certification system, and the electric SUV will also debut a new an e-Terrain drive mode.

The pure-electric GV70 supports 350kW fast-charging, enabling its battery to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 18 minutes, says Genesis.

The SUV’s ‘multi-rapid’ charging system, which allows drivers to use both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure without the need for an additional converter, will also offer V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality, enabling the car to power household appliances like a small fridge.

Elsewhere, Genesis says a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) automatically disconnects the front motor and drive shaft depending on driving conditions, allowing the powertrain to switch between two- and all-wheel drive.

‘Smart Regenerative Braking System 2.0’ also features, as does an i-Pedal for one-pedal driving and ANC-R (Active Noise Control-Road) to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.

The interior – which is all but untouched from the existing GV70 – brings a range of ‘eco-friendly’ upholstery options, as well as a sleek ‘Glacier White’ interior option.

Genesis Australia has confirmed a local launch for the new Electrified GV70 by mid-2022, with local details and pricing to be announced closer to its arrival.

The South Korean manufacturer’s global boss, Jay Chang, said the brand’s global vision to create a sustainable future through electrification is a natural extension of its original commitment that dates back to the launch of Genesis in 2015.

“The commitment to creating a positive impact in our customers’ lives,” he said.

“I am pleased to reveal another new EV model in China that celebrates our audacious step toward a sustainable future. This is more than just a new electrified SUV. It is a statement for Genesis design that marks new territory.”