First Look Review: 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 wows with luxury, but not range

The Genesis Electrified GV70, assembled in the United States, has undergone its first update, transforming it into the MY2024 model. This revised version, competing with the likes of the Mercedes EQE SUV, Tesla Model Y, and the Cadillac Lyriq, was displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Here, I had the opportunity to experience the vehicle, and here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70:

Design

The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 looks like its gas-powered donor model for the most part, and in my opinion, that’s a good base to work on. It has revised bumpers and a shut-off Crest Grille that helps it look more minimalist and sophisticated, although the primary intention behind these revisions was improving aerodynamic efficiency. I like the shining inverted G-Matrix pattern of the faux Crest Grille, although my favorite part at the front has to be the discreet integration of the EV’s charging port into this covered surface.

On the sides, the arching Parabolic Line that starts at the top of the Two-Line headlamps and runs along the side and the dropping chrome line that drops to the C-pillar accentuate the elegance of the SUV. I particularly like the crouching, powerful stance of the EV at this angle. At the rear, the simplified skid plate without exhaust pipes highlights the model’s clean, emission-free nature.

For the 2024 model year, the Genesis Electrified GV70 is available in more vibrant colors, which makes it more appealing to customers who like to stand out and also those who want the model to look unassuming. Capri Blue and Cardiff Green are the new shades that allow customers to give it a regular SUV look, while for those who prefer a clean and understated appearance, the new paint options include three shades of white – Uyuni White, Alta White, and Matterhorn White. Lastly, Makalu Gray Matte has been discontinued.

Interior

I’m six feet tall, and for me, entering the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 to get into the driver’s seat was hassle-free, and I can say the same for the egress, too. I didn’t like the excessive use of curvy design elements, but I felt that the atmosphere exudes a sense of calm and spaciousness.

The thin air vents that run across the dashboard and meet the similarly designed decor strip in the doors enhance the feeling of being in a generous cabin. The 14.5-inch HD ultra-wide central display reminded me of older Lexus products like the previous-generation RX as well as many Mazda models.

I found the thickly-rimmed steering wheel solid to hold, and thanks to its power tilt and telescopic column, found adjusting it quite convenient. In addition to electric adjustment, it has a memory function to save the optimum position of the column. I liked the high resolution of the 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and the comprehensive information it showed, but I wasn’t particularly impressed much by its UI.

When I used the infotainment system of the Electrified GV70, what struck me was the sharp graphics. Its menu structure is easy and it performs without any lag or sluggishness. It shows the current charging status, remaining range, V2L charge transfer, and several other EV-specific details. Unlike in the previous model, the infotainment system features a Wi-Fi hotspot.

I felt that the use of knurled scrollers, knurled rotary controller with a touchpad, the glass-topped rotary gear selector, and the aluminum trim endowed the interior with a sense of flamboyance and purity, especially if configured in the Glacier White color.

The 14-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar & cushion offered phenomenal comfort and adjustability. Its adjustable side bolsters made me feel nicely tucked in comfort. I felt that both leg space and headroom were great. I had fantastic under-thigh support, too, thanks to the electrically adjustable cushion extension. Tired after exploring 25+ cars in-depth at the 2023 LA Auto Show, I enabled the Ergo Motion feature, and I have to say, the massage was quite relaxing in my experience.

In the back, I hopped in the outboard seat behind the driver to see if an adult sitting behind me would be comfortable. I found that the 60/40 bench seat offers a good recline angle and features a heating function as well. The headroom was impressive, despite the the coupe-like roofline and the panoramic sunroof. I had good legroom, and the knee room was decent, too, but I felt that the under-thigh support was average.

Genesis equips the 2024 Electrified GV70 with a hands-free power liftgate, which opens to reveal 28.7 cu. ft. of cargo volume. Folding the rear seat frees up additional luggage space and increases the cargo volume to 56.5 cu. ft. The company doesn’t include a spare tire, just a tire mobility kit.

Driving Impressions

The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 is available in only an AWD variant, with two motors producing 429 hp (483 hp with boost) and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. It does have a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) that disengages the front motor when not needed, for reduced energy consumption. A 77.4 kWh battery pack delivering a range of 236 miles is standard. There are no changes to the powertrain or battery pack from the 2023 model.

From what we know about the previous model, which had the same powertrain and battery pack, the Electrified GV70 is quite adaptive to driving situations. Normally, it offers a plush ride, compared to the gas-powered GV70, it’s even more relaxing, thanks to the silent nature of its powertrain.  The cabin is so quiet when driving at high speeds that unfortunately the occupants hear some wind noise droning in.

Switching to Sport mode and engaging the boost function drastically changes the Electrified GV70’s character, improving it to a level most people wouldn’t imagine from its serene character. There’s a sudden rush of power and the vehicle stiffens up accordingly, offering an exciting drive, even more so than the gas model. It feels even more agile than the Genesis GV60, which is smaller and was conceived as an EV.

Unfortunately, the range is quite short for customers who frequently travel long distances, and the addictive 10-second boost function, which the driver can engage back-to-back without any pauses, can be eat through the battery charge. The harmony of the regenerative braking system and the friction brakes could also have been better.

Price

The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 retails at USD 66,450 in the Advanced trim and USD 73,250 in the Prestige trim. These figures exclude a destination charge of USD 1,125.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 offers a good balance of comfort, fun, and luxury, and in many ways, surprises us how far this South Korean brand has come since 2015. Moreover, it’s quite cheaper than its German rivals, which are priced at around USD 75,000 or higher. If the shorter range isn’t a dealbreaker, the GV70 EV offers great value for money and should certainly be among your top choices when looking for an electric mid-size luxury SUV.

2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 FAQs

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