2023 Genesis GV60 Premium EV Review

Welcome to my in-depth review of the 2023 Genesis GV60 Premium EV. Starting at just under £54,000, this sleek, futuristic SUV is the base trim of Genesis’s latest electric offering. With a few optional features included, this trim — dubbed "Premium"— comes with a 77.4 kWh battery, delivering 225 brake horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Charging from 10% to 80% in just under 20 minutes on a fast charger, the GV60 boasts a claimed WLTP range of 321 miles, though real-world conditions might bring that closer to 250-280 miles.

What you might not know is that the GV60 shares its platform with two well-known siblings: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. While they share many components, each car has a distinct personality, making them unique propositions. Let’s dive into what sets the Genesis GV60 apart and see how it measures up against its electric counterparts.

It offers great range, impressive performance, ample space, and a truly premium experience.

Practicality Meets Luxury

Let's start with the basics: boot space. The GV60 offers 432 litres, which is slightly less than the EV6's 490 litres and the Ioniq 5’s 537 litres. However, it compensates with additional storage under the boot floor, perfect for stashing charging cables, and a bit of extra space in the front. The boot’s shape is practical, making it easy to load and unload, although it could have benefited from being a tad deeper.

Inside, the rear cabin is impressively well-appointed. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with enough room to fit three adults — though the middle passenger might feel a bit cramped. There's ample headroom and legroom, especially since the memory seats adjust to ease entry and exit. Although the rear space isn’t as cavernous as in the EV6 or Ioniq 5, it’s more than adequate. The rear vents are cleverly positioned on the B-pillars, a smart design choice, and the overall quality of materials is superb.

A Premium Interior Experience

As soon as you step into the GV60, it exudes a premium feel. The interior shares some design cues with the Ioniq 5, but the Genesis takes it up a notch. There’s a wireless charging pad, dual cup holders with rubber grips, and a unique gear selector that flips over when the car is started or shut off. One minor gripe, though: the placement of the phone charging port deep in the centre console isn’t the most convenient, especially considering the otherwise well-thought-out cabin.

The climate controls are beautifully executed, with a high-res display and physical controls for easy temperature adjustments. The dual screens — one for infotainment and the other for driver information — are a breeze to use. The GV60 also includes advanced features like augmented reality navigation and Hyundai’s renowned blind-spot monitoring system.

Material quality is generally top-notch, with soft-touch plastics, suede-like surfaces, and luxurious leather accents. The steering wheel is a highlight — chunky and wrapped in supple leather, it’s a joy to hold. However, the door grab handle is made of hard, shiny plastic, which feels out of place in an otherwise meticulously crafted interior.

Driving Dynamics and Refinement

On the road, the GV60 strikes a balance between its two siblings. The EV6 leans towards sportiness, while the Ioniq 5 focuses on comfort, and the GV60 finds itself comfortably in between. The suspension is smooth, soaking up bumps without feeling too soft. There’s a reassuring amount of grip in the corners, but the real standout feature is the cabin noise — or rather, the lack of it. The GV60 is incredibly quiet, making it a perfect companion for long motorway journeys or city drives.

One subjective area is the steering feel — it’s a bit lighter than I’d prefer, with a touch of numbness, but this might suit other drivers just fine. Despite being the "slowest" GV60 with a 0-62 time of 7.8 seconds, it never feels underpowered. The acceleration is smooth and satisfying, with more than enough oomph for everyday driving. There are more powerful versions available, but this one delivers plenty of performance for most situations.

The Genesis GV60 vs. the Competition

In a segment crowded with contenders like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Genesis GV60 holds its own remarkably well. The Audi and Volvo might be more affordable, but the GV60's fit and finish, along with its driving refinement, put it on par with more expensive luxury SUVs. While Tesla offers more boot space and access to its Supercharger network, the GV60’s build quality and premium feel give it a distinct edge.

Final Thoughts

As my time with the Genesis GV60 comes to an end, I’m genuinely going to miss this car. It offers great range, impressive performance, ample space, and a truly premium experience. If you’re considering an EV6, Ioniq 5, or GV60, you owe it to yourself to test-drive all three. Each offers something slightly different, and those subtle differences could be the key to finding your perfect electric vehicle.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Genesis GV60, Click here.