U.S.-spec Genesis Electrified GV70 production begins soon [Update]

Update: ‘Specifications’ and ‘Release date’ sections updated and ‘Trims & features’ section added.

The Genesis Electrified GV70 made its world debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2021. The mid-size electric SUV from the Hyundai Motor Group-owned luxury automaker is its third EV after the Electrified G80 and the GV60 in the global market.

In the United States, the all-electric Genesis GV70 would rival the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 e-tron. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Genesis electric car:

Exterior

The Genesis Electrified GV70 won’t attract double takes as it stays close to the ICE variant with minimal design changes. The fascia makes use of an aerodynamic crest featuring an inverted G-Matrix pattern to stress the electric SUV’s mission for sustainability. This faux radiator grille hides the vehicle’s charging port. The side air inlets in the front bumper are smaller, and the lower air intake has an understated appearance.

On the sides, the GV70 Electric sports exclusive 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the Electrified GV70 skips the GV70’s grilles and vertically positioned tailpipes on the bumper. The body-colored, simpler design gives a cleaner styling to the electric SUV. The body color you see in the images here is Atacama Copper Matte.

Interior

The interior design of the Genesis Electrified GV70 is no different from its ICE donor model. The electric SUV features a prominent three-spoke steering wheel and a dual-tone dashboard.

This vehicle is furnished with a wide variety of materials including wool woven seats and recycled nylon flooring, that are used in an eco-friendly way, all in a high-quality finish.

Markus Henne, CEO of Genesis Motor China at the world premiere on 19 November 2021

Genesis says it has lowered the GV70’s center tunnel in the all-electric variant to offer an equivalent amount of second-row space. The Electrified version features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, Ergo Motion front seats, 14.5-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with Augmented Reality navigation, and fingerprint recognition. However, the upholstery and inserts would differ, with the pure electric variant getting cruelty-free, recycled, and sustainable materials.

The U.S.-spec Genesis Electrified GV70 features a Glacier White interior, as per a report Forbes Wheels published on November 4, 2022.

Specifications

Power & Torque

The Genesis Electrified GV70 comes exclusively in all-wheel drive, with both axles having a propulsion motor. The two motors generate a total power and total torque of 320 kW (429 hp) and 516 lb.-ft., respectively. A boost mode is available in the GV70 EV, and it increases the powertrain’s maximum power to 360 kW (483 hp). Like the Electrified G80, the Electrified GV70 features a new type of (electric) Dynamic Torque Vectoring or eDTVC, which optimally distributes the torque between each wheel using braking force and motor driving force when making a turn.

The above and other details mentioned in this section apply to the Canadian model. Information about the U.S.-spec Electrified GV70 will be available closer to launch.

Acceleration

On engaging the Boost mode and unlocking the maximum output, a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes only 4.2 seconds. A model-specific called Integrated Electric Booster (IEB) feature enables regenerative braking, reducing energy consumption and dependence on the brakes. The driver can select from two brake modes as per their preference: Comfort and Sport. Normally, in Comfort mode, a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes 4.8 seconds.

The Electrified GV70 is the first Genesis model featuring an SUV-specific ‘e-Terrain’ mode to allow stability in various environments. E-Terrain consists of three sub-modes: snow, sand, and mud.

Battery & Range

A 77.4 kWh battery pack is standard in the Electrified GV70. A preproduction prototype of a U.S.-spec unit Forbes Wheels saw in Los Angeles displayed 231 miles of range remaining with 90% charge left, which means 100% charging could have provided a range of 257 miles. Could EPA give the Electrified GV70 a range rating of around 250 miles? We’ll soon find out!

Charging

Genesis has applied a 400-volt/800-volt multi-quick charging system that supports various charging infrastructures. This system uses the electric powertrain and inverter to boost the 400-volt voltage supplied from the charger to 800 volts.

Customers will be able to use a 350 kW rapid charger to charge the battery pack from 10% to 80% capacity in just 18 minutes. A V2L feature is available to supply up to 3.6 kW of power from the battery pack.

DAS & ANC-R

The Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) of the Electrified GV70 can automatically connect/disconnect the motor and driveshaft as per the driving conditions. Genesis has equipped it with Smart Regenerative Braking System, which takes driving habits, real-time navigation information, and road conditions into consideration while regenerating energy. One-pedal driving is possible in the new electric SUV with what Genesis calls i-Pedal (Intelligent Pedal). The inclusion of Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) also makes the driving experience comfortable.

Aspect	Genesis Electrified GV70 Specification
Length	4,715 mm (185.6 in.)
Width	1,910 mm (75.2 in.)
Height	1,630 mm (64.2 in.)
Wheelbase	2,875 mm (113.2 in.)
Ground Clearance	174 mm (6.9 in.)
Cargo Volume (rear seats up/rear seats folded)	813 L (28.7 cu. ft.)/1,601 L (56.5 cu. ft.)
Drivetrain Layout	e-AWD
No. of Motors	Two
Motor Power	320 kW (429 hp) in normal mode/360 kW (483 hp) in boost mode
Motor Torque	516 lb.-ft.
Battery Pack	77.4 kWh
Level 2 Charging Time	7 hours and 20 minutes
Level 3 Charging Time (10-80% SoC)	73 minutes (50 kW charger)/18 minutes (350 kW charger)
Expected EPA-est. Range (Unofficial)	~250 miles

Trims & features

The 2023 Electrified GV70 will launch in the U.S. in the Advanced and Prestige trims, as per a report AutoGuide released on January 18, 2023. Both trims will have the same specifications and differ only with respect to features, such as different quality leather, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and more. There will be just four exterior color choices and two interior color selections.

Genesis Canada offers a look at the GV70 EV’s features

In Canada, the 2023 Electrified GV70’s availability is limited to the range-topping Prestige trim. On the outside, it features 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, DRLs, ORVM-integrated turn indicators, tail lights and high-mount stop lamp, power-adjustable, heated, and auto-dimming mirrors, panoramic sunroof, puddle lights with ‘Genesis’ logo, and electrically operated, hands-free smart power liftgate with auto open.

Inside, the seats feature Nappa Leather upholstery and pack plenty of comfort functions. 14-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar and cushion extension, 12-way power front passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar, integrated memory system with Smart Posture Care, heated rear seats, etc. are some of the highlights in this aspect.

Other noteworthy interior features include three-zone climate control, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.5-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, 1,050-watt, 15-speaker Lexicon audio system, and head-up display.

There’s a long list of safety features, too, including but not limited to Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Rear (PCA-R), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) with Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Forward Attention Warning (FAW).

First Drive Reviews

The South Korean media has driven the Genesis Electrified GV70 and shared first impressions. etnews.com says the all-electric GV70 provides a “serene ride and explosive acceleration” and exceeds sports car performance levels. The stability the electric SUV offers on highways is excellent. The motors operate exceptionally quietly, providing a more silent driving experience than most EVs. (ANC-R) is also to be credited when it comes to cabin quietness and comfort. As for energy efficiency, the figure achieved during the test drive was 4.5 km/kWh, which was dead close to the official range certification.

DailyCar also found the Electrified GV70’s performance to be impressive. Though the SUV (with 20-inch wheels) weighs 2,245 kg (4,949 lbs.), it feels light to drive. It’s good at handling, stability, and braking, as per DailyCar. The suspension can soak bumps well, and there’s little body impact even if you drive over a bump at 60 km/h (37 mph).

Segye (via auto.v.daum) makes some interesting observations about comfort and convenience in the Electrified GV70. The charging port’s cover opens manually, and the lack of a powered function is a disappointment given that this is a luxury model. Inside, the floor feels high and does not give a good headroom. 5’9” or taller passengers won’t be comfortable in the rear seats. There’s no space to rest your feet under the front seats, which is another let-down in the back, it noted.

As for the driving experience, it’s pleasurable overall, but the heavy batteries do affect the vehicle during cornering. The brakes perform well and should instill confidence during dynamic driving. The driving range achieved during its testing (with 20-inch wheels) was 373 km (231 miles), which should improve on the standard, 19-inch wheels.

Production

Production of the Genesis Electrified GV70 for the U.S. will take place at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery. It was scheduled to start in December 2022, but there’s no official update on that yet.

The Electrified GV70 will be the first U.S.-built Genesis model and also Hyundai Motor Group’s first U.S.-built EV across brands. We assume that Canada would also get the GV70 EV from the American factory.

Hyundai had said that it would invest USD 300 million and create 200 jobs at its Alabama factory. The company will start projects for expanding the plant from additional warehouse space to enhanced assembly processes to support EV production.

Release date

The Genesis Electrified GV70 will start arriving at U.S. dealerships likely by March 2023. Initially, the electric SUV will only be available in the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• New Jersey
• Nevada
• New York
• Utah
• Washington

Prospective customers of the Electrified GV70 in the U.S. can sign up on the official Genesis website for updates. Anticipating the start of sales in a few months, some dealers in the country have also created sections dedicated to the GV70 EV on their websites with preliminary info. They include Lehman Genesis in Miami (Florida), Genesis of Arlington near Boston (Massachusetts), and Genesis of Corona in California, among a few others.

Retail in the U.S.

Genesis has been capitalizing on Hyundai showrooms to sell cars in the U.S., but that will slowly change. Distancing itself from the mainstream brand is necessary to realize Genesis’ ambitions of a luxury label, and central to that is a premium car shopping experience. According to a MotorTrend report, Genesis spokesperson Jarred Pellat has said that Genesis plans to have 150 dealer showrooms in the USA.

The first exclusive Genesis dealership opened in Lafayette, Louisiana, in March 2022. Genesis already runs a brand experience center in the United States. Called Genesis House, it’s a three-story building spread over 46,000 sq. ft. in New York. It includes not only a showroom but also a South Korean restaurant and a teahouse, as well as a cafe, a boutique, a lightbox theater, and an outdoor deck.

On December 19, 2022, another Genesis-exclusive dealership opened doors in the U.S., located in Greer, South Carolina. More such retail locations are planned in 2023.

Source: Youtube/Genesis Worldwide

TopElectricSUV says

Thanks to local production, the American-spec Genesis GV70 Electric will likely be among the few EVs from a global brand eligible for the Clean Vehicle Credit. That incentive, along with Genesis’ typically-aggressive pricing, should make the Electrified GV70 tempting to Audi Q4 e-tron buyers. The gas-powered GV70, which comes from South Korea, isn’t able to sell nearly as well as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC. The U.S.-built zero-emission variant could be just what the GV70 franchise needs to boost sales.

Genesis GV70 EV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Youtube/Genesis