Genesis GV60 local line-up confirmed

The new Genesis GV60 electric SUV will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2022 with three models, including a Performance version with a boost mode to temporarily step up the EV acceleration.

The first electric car from the Hyundai-owned luxury brand will also include a Drift Mode – for controlled oversteer – which helps separate it from the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 with which it shares its E-GMP electrical architecture.

And the 2022 Genesis GV60 – the first of eight battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles from the brand by 2030 – could even get better over time, with plans for the most advanced over-the-air software updates on the market.

It’s part of a high-tech armoury of innovative features planned to cement the newcomer as a serious luxury EV player in the emerging circa-$100K SUV segment.

In an interview with Australian journalists this week, the global head of Genesis, Jay Chang, said the GV60 “will set a new standard for luxury electric vehicles with a powerful driving performance and various key features which are emotionally connected to customers”.

The most affordable GV60 will simply be called RWD – for rear-wheel drive – and come with a single 168kW/350Nm electric motor mounted at the back and riding on 19-inch alloy wheels. Those outputs are similar to those from the IONIQ 5.

The GV60 AWD adds a 74kW electric motor up front to boost combined outputs to 234kW and 605Nm while also riding on 19s. Again, almost identical to the Hyundai.

And the most powerful Performance model uses two 160kW/350Nm e-motors for a sustained 320kW and 605Nm. It sits on 21-inch wheels.

Boost mode – similar to that used in the Porsche Taycan – can be activated for up to 10 seconds, increasing those peak outputs to 350kW and 700Nm, which Genesis says results in a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds.

All three get the same 77.4kWh battery pack used in longer-range versions of the EV6, which is claimed to provide up to 451km of range (less for dual-motor models).

Like other E-GMP vehicles from the Hyundai Group the GV60 can provide up to 3.6kW of power for external devices – camping gear or power tools, for example – via an adaptor that plugs into the charging port.

Genesis says the GV60 can DC fast-charge at up to 350kW using an 800V charger for a 10-80 per cent top-up in as little as 18 minutes. Slower AC home charging can be done at 11kW, for a full charge in about eight hours.

At 4515mm long and 1890mm wide, the 2022 Genesis GV60 matches its mainstream Kia and Hyundai stablemates for width, but is slightly shorter.

At 2900mm its wheelbase is identical to that of the EV6 but is 100mm shy of the IONIQ 5.

Combined with a low-slung 1590mm roofline it has the newcomer straddling the compact and mid-size SUV classes, although with a flat floor courtesy of its ground-up EV design it promises generous interior space.

Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date in the first half of next year, but best estimates have the GV60 starting in the early-$90,000 bracket.

The Performance model looks set to comfortably crack six figures.

The challenge for Genesis will be ensuring that the price premium over the IONIQ 5 – which sells from $71,900 plus on-road costs – is justified with additional equipment and luxury touches.

While the core of the GV60 is shared with the IONIQ 5 and EV6, Genesis has turned to software for differentiation.

The car will come with the choice of three simulated drivetrain sounds, for example: ‘futuristic’ which apparently “symbolises the direction of future mobility”), or a noise to “reimagine” that of an electric motor, and ‘G-Engine’, which is “based on engine noises” (hopefully a V8!).

Those wanting less noise can lean on the active noise cancelling to send opposing frequencies through the speakers to minimise tyre noise.

A 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is available as part of a vast list of technology that includes a head-up display, dual screens for the central infotainment unit and instrument cluster as well as optional rear-vision cameras in lieu of mirrors.

The latest driver assistance systems include forward collision assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, intelligent speed limit assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, parking distance warnings front, side and rear and surround view monitor.

There’s also a ‘smart regeneration system’ that incorporates i-Pedal to allow one-pedal driving. It also monitors traffic and navigation data to intelligently adjust the level of regenerative braking.

A new external facial recognition system called Face Connect uses side-facing infrared cameras to unlock the doors and set the mirrors and seating position to that person’s profile.

There’s a fingerprint recognition system to bypass a key to start the car and allow for in-car payments, presumably for things such as parking or fast food outlets.

It’s then the central Crystal Sphere transforms from futuristic mood lighting by rotating to reveal the gear selector and drive mode selector.

The GV60 will also come with a solid sustainability message that includes some “plant-based leather” and materials made of recycled PET bottles and fishing nets.

Early images suggest attention to detail and quality are high on the agenda too, and there will be plenty of choices.

It starts on the outside with Sao Paulo Lime, the new signature colour for the brand’s EV performance models.

As well as new exterior colours – including Hanauma Mint, Atacama Copper and Atacama Copper Matte – the GV60 will be available with a choice of five interior combinations: black, navy, grey/white, green/beige and green/white.

The GV60 will also get a new level of over-the-air updates that can not only add new infotainment features but also tweak steering, suspension, braking and driver assistance systems to change the driving experience over time.