Genesis GV60: Everything we know as of September 2022 [Update]

Update: ‘U.S. Price & Availability’ updated.

The Genesis GV60, the first dedicated Genesis electric car, is now on sale in the U.S. The new electric SUV competes with the likes of Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, and the Lexus RZ, and here’s our comprehensive look at the product.

Exterior

Like the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, other troika members of new-age electric cars from the Hyundai Motor Group, the Genesis GV60 looks nothing like any brand model on sale. Its offbeat design reinstates that the company is trying to break the monotony and enter a new era with futuristic technologies. The Genesis GV60 is smaller than the Genesis Electrified GV70, the all-electric variant of the Genesis GV70 midsize SUV. It has the signature design touches as other Genesis SUVs, but the body style differs significantly.

U.S.-spec 2023 Genesis GV60 front three quarter
The Genesis GV60’s closest rivals are the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron and the Lexus RZ. Image Source: Genesis

At the front, the GV60 features the signature Two-Line Quad Lamps with jewel-pattern LEDs, a new Crest Grille that is wider and located at the bottom (instead of between the headlamps), a clamshell hood, and a new wing emblem that is nearly 80% slimmer and features the Guilloché pattern of luxury watches.

The Genesis GV60 is an SUV-coupe, and the sides and the rear are reminiscent of the Genesis Mint Concept from the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The rising beltline and roofline take after the concept car.

The vehicle’s roof steeply slopes into the rear, which is a coupe’s core design attribute. A chrome window trim drops down at the C-pillar to form an edgy ‘V’ shape behind the rear quarter glass. Genesis calls this portion the “Volt DLO.” Another sharp element on the sides is the camera-based virtual mirrors or digital mirrors. Seamless and minimal body surfacing without undercuts or character lines lends an understated appearance, in line with the silent yet highly capable zero-emissions powertrain.

U.S.-spec 2023 Genesis GV60 rear three quarter
With a high rear deck, the slippery body shell of the Genesis GV60 should achieve a high level of aerodynamic efficiency. Image Source: Genesis

The flush door handles operate electrically, automatically popping out on approaching the car. The charging port is above the right wheel arch, and it has a semi-circular, dot-pattern LED indicator to show the charging status. 19-, 20-, and 21-inch are the alloy wheel sizes available.

At the rear, the shape of the tailgate is reminiscent of the Volvo C40, but the design is original. The roofline merges swiftly with a curvy tailgate, which sports a black spoiler at the end of the windscreen. The black inside portion of the V shape on the C-pillar flows out to meet the rear spoiler. The taillights split into four segments in a signature style, but they become squinted towards the inside, unlike other Genesis models.

Color options

The Genesis GV60’s color palette includes an outlandish lime green paint option called Sao Paulo Lime. Another exciting upcoming electric crossover SUV is the Porsche Macan EV arriving in 2024. Porsche offers interesting colors like Frozen Blue Metallic and Frozen Berry Metallic that appeal to young customers and stands out in the crowd. An inspired Genesis product team has come up with such a color palette for the offbeat GV60.

U.S.-spec 2023 Genesis GV60 side profile
The Genesis GV60 is available in 9 colors internationally, three of which are new to the brand. Image Source: Genesis

Genesis offers the GV60 EV in a total of 9 color options in the global market:

  1. Sao Paulo Lime [New]
  2. Hanauma Mint [New]
  3. Atacama Copper [New]
  4. Alta White (USD 0)
  5. Uyuni White (USD 0)
  6. Vik Black (USD 575)
  7. Saville Silver (USD 575)
  8. Himalayan Gray (USD 575)
  9. Matterhorn White (USD 1,500)

Interior

The Genesis GV60 follows the latest design trend of minimalist vibes. The dashboard, center console, and instrument panel have a low-profile look typical of new-generation electric cars. A circular theme is visible on several parts, such as the visibly compact two-spoke steering wheel with scrollers for various functions, the horn cover, door handles, electronic gear selector, and side mirror adjuster.

U.S.-spec 2023 Genesis GV60 interior dashboard
Despite being a compact model, the GV60 has a much more appealing interior than the larger Genesis SUVs. Image Source: Genesis

Crystal sphere

The electronic gear selector is the Genesis GV60’s main attraction on the inside. Called ‘Crystal Sphere,’ it originates from the Genesis X Concept, although the original inspiration comes from the traditional Korean architecture’s ‘Beauty of White Space’ philosophy. It takes the EV’s futuristic character to a whole new level.

The Crystal Sphere offers a calming glow in the cabin when the occupants open the doors and enter the vehicle and the vehicle’s electrical systems are off. On pushing the start button, the sparkling, jewel-like object sort of comes to life by rotating through 180˚ and revealing a metal-finish shift-by-wire controller.

As it can indicate whether the vehicle is on or not, something that’s not easily perceivable in an EV, the Crystal Sphere serves as a safety feature as well. When the driver engages a gear, the transmission dial gives them haptic feedback to confirm it.

AVN & comfort

Virtual instrument cluster, compact touchscreen climate control panel, floating widescreen infotainment system, and slim horizontal air vents are some of the other interior highlights of the GV60. Lastly, the driver and passengers can relax by playing one of the EV’s four mood sounds – Relax, Energetic, Bright, and Warm – on the 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with Hi-Res audio output.

The interior is a notch above the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, featuring higher quality and more sophisticated-looking upholstery, more comfort and convenience features like massage seats and rear-seat entertainment system, and a rich color-coding.

Sustainable & eco-friendly

Soft-touch fabrics and high-quality dashboard trim set the opulence luxury car customers usually expect. Genesis makes many of the GV60’s interior materials using eco-friendly and recycled items. For example, it has used plant-based leather on the seats, door armrests, and crash pads. Another example is the usage of fabrics made with yarns extracted from recycled PET bottles and fishnets for the EV’s seat covers and door center trims.

The first dedicated Genesis EV has a skateboard-shaped platform structure that houses the battery pack and other core parts underneath the car to make more cabin space for the occupants. It would allow the driver and front passenger to feel virtually closer and the rear passengers to access the wireless smartphone charger.

The Genesis GV60’s roof doesn’t slope steeply until the C-pillar, so it doesn’t compromise the headroom in the back much. Though it shares the basic architecture with the Ioniq 5, the Genesis GV60 is a luxury class model with more creature comforts. For example, unlike in the Hyundai EV, dedicated AC vents for rear passengers are located in the B-pillars. Also, note shiny applications on the AC vents and door panels, typical of luxury cars. The second-row seats could have a sliding function, besides reclining, for flexibility in the boot compartment.

Interior colors

Genesis offers five different interior color options for the GV60:

  1. Obsidian Black
  2. Torrent Navy
  3. Ash Gray/Glacier White
  4. Monstera Green/Camel Beige
  5. Monstera Green/Glassier White

New unlocking methods

Face recognition

The Genesis GV60 features a recognition system called ‘Face Connect’ for convenient unlocking. A Near Infra-Red (NIR) camera located on the driver-side B-pillar automatically scans the driver’s face to unlock the doors. Even if the keys are inside the vehicle, the driver can use Face Connect to unlock. Thus, customers will enjoy outdoor activities like running, swimming, surfing, canoeing, etc., with peace of mind, placing the keys inside the vehicle. Face Connect stores up to two faces in its data at a time.

If the driver unlocking the vehicle has a saved profile for different settings, the vehicle automatically makes any required changes when unlocking. The driver’s seat, steering wheel, side mirrors, and infotainment system automatically adjust as per the driver profile.

Fingerprint recognition

As customers experience in the GV70 and Electrified GV70, the Genesis GV60 has a fingerprint reader. The driver can enter the vehicle using face recognition and turn it on using a fingerprint reader. Biometric authentication allows conveniently making payments from inside the vehicle and releasing the Valet mode as well.

Digital Key 2

The GV60 is the first Genesis model to have Digital Key 2 capability, an upgraded version of the brand’s Digital Key.

Digital Key requires the driver to hold their smartphone up against the front door handle to unlock the vehicle. With Digital Key 2, the driver has to simply touch the door handle to unlock the vehicle; there’s no need to take out the smartphone. Digital Key 2 uses ultra-wideband wireless communication to detect the key. As in the case of the original version, the owner can share the vehicle’s digital key with up to three people.

Digital Key 2 is compatible with Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung smartphones.

Safety

The Genesis GV60 features eight airbags and a slew of advanced driver assistance systems, listed below:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
  • Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM)
  • Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).

Genesis GV60 specifications

Dimensions

The Genesis GV60 is 177.8 in. long, 74.4 in. wide, and 62.4 in. tall. It has a long wheelbase of 114.2 inches. There’s 24 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 54.7 cu. ft. on folding down the rear seats.

DimensionGV60 Advanced AWD MeasurementGV60 Performance AWD Measurement
Length177.8 in.177.8 in.
Width74.4 in.74.4 in.
Height62.4 in.62.4 in.
Wheelbase114.2 in.114.2 in.
Front Overhang32.7 in.32.7 in.
Rear Overhang30.9 in.30.9 in.
Front Head Room39 in.39 in.
Rear Head Room38.1 in.38.1 in.
Front Leg Room42.3 in.42.3 in.
Rear Leg Room37.6 in.37.6 in.
Passenger Volume101.1 cu. ft.101.1 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row)24 cu. ft.24 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (behind 1st row)54.7 cu. ft.54.7 cu. ft.
U.S.-spec Genesis GV60 dimensions

Range

The Genesis GV60 EV sits on the same platform as all the Ioniq 5 and the EV6 – Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). A 77.4 kWh battery pack is standard in the GV60.

U.S. gets the 2023 GV60 in Advanced AWD and Performance AWD variants. On a full charge, the Advanced AWD variant can achieve an EPA-est. range of 248 miles, while the Performance AWD variant’s charging fully depletes at 235 miles.

Plug-and-charge technology allows hassle-free charging. The charger automatically recognizes the EV and starts charging on plugging in, and automatic payment processing using the EV’s stored payment information is another advantage.

A V2L function allows supplying up to 3.6 kW of power to external electronic devices. V2L enables using the battery pack’s electricity to run home appliances and other high-power equipment, which can prove useful during outdoor activities in remote places and power cuts. Moreover, bidirectional charging allows rescuing another EV stuck due to a depleted battery.

8 Factors that make the Hyundai E-GMP platform interesting

Performance

The GV60 comes in two different configurations, and both have two motors, one at the front and a more powerful unit at the rear. The Advanced AWD variant’s motors generate 234 kW (314 hp) and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. The Performance AWD variant’s motors generate 320 kW (429 hp) and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. It has an exclusive Boost Mode that unlocks extra power and torque for 10 seconds. It allows accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds. While that’s a time applicable for the South Korean-spec GV60, the U.S.-spec model should be just as quick.

AspectGenesis GV60 Advanced AWD SpecificationGenesis GV60 Performance AWD Specification
Battery Pack Storage Capacity77.4 kWh77.4 kWh
Drivetrain LayoutAWDAWD
MotorsTwoTwo
Motor LocationFront and rearFront and rear
Power234 kW (314 hp)320 kW (429 hp)
Power (Boost Mode)NA360 kW (483 hp)
Torque446 lb.-ft.446 lb.-ft.
Torque (Boost Mode)NA516 lb.-ft.
Range (EPA)248 miles235 miles
Energy Consumption (EPA)35 kWh/100 miles37 kWh/100 miles
Energy Efficiency (EPA)95 MPGe (combined)/103 MPGe (city)/86 MPGe (highway)90 MPGe (combined)/97 MPGe (city)/82 MPGe (highway)
Genesis GV60 specifications for the U.S.

Genesis has equipped the GV60 with a Drift Mode, for drivers who have fun going sideways. This mode tweaks the driving power and braking system. An electronic-Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) that allows optimal distribution of the torque between the left and rear wheels is part of the equipment.

To make the GV60 exciting during spirited driving, Genesis has equipped it with the electric-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) which produces virtual driving sounds based on the driving mode, speed, and accelerator pedal data. There are three sound options: Futuristic, G-Engine, and E-Motor. When driving in a relaxed manner, the driver and occupants can travel more comfortably benefitting from ‘Active Noise Control – Road’ noise-cancellation technology.

Charging

It’s possible to charge using 400-volt and 800-volt charging systems. Using 800-volt, it’s possible to achieve a peak charging rate of 350 kW. Charging from 10 to 80% SoC at 350 kW takes only 18 minutes. Normal charging with alternating current is possible at up to 11 kW. U.S. customers get three years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions free with their 2023 GV60 purchase.

IONITY is setting up 350 kW chargers along the highways in Europe. For those new to IONITY, it’s a high-end charging network BMW Group, Daimler AG, Porsche AG, and Ford Motor Company have formed in a joint venture. Hyundai Motor Group became a shareholder in September 2019.

First Drive Review

The American media has driven the Genesis GV60. Car And Driver reviewed the Performance AWD variant and says that the GV60 offers strong acceleration, with the front wheels briefly left spinning when in the Boost mode and a quarter-mile run finishing in 12.2 seconds at 112 mph. The steering is quick to respond, which makes the EV feel lively during spirited driving. The compact electric SUV handles well normally, but it feels noticeably heavy when pushed hard and is not highly confidence-inspiring when braking in those situations.

Green Car Reports says that the GV60 Performance AWD feels quicker than the Ioniq 5 and EV6 right off the bat and easily accelerates to highway speeds. However, the EV6 GT due in late 2022 and the Ioniq 5 N scheduled in 2023 could change that opinion. Back to the GV60 Performance, the Boost mode makes the drive more exciting, but the driver probably won’t be able to engage it repeatedly.

The GV60 Performance AWD implements a theoretical limit over the Boost mode to ensure that the driver doesn’t overheat and damage the electrical components. Green Car Reports was able to use it six times in a row on a hot day in Austin (Texas). It didn’t find the ride and handling of the GV60 to be as good, as the front-end can get unstable on broken pavement and in corners. In its opinion, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are better in terms of ride and handling.

Extra features available in S.Korea

Virtual mirrors

Genesis GV60 interior
The Genesis GV60 features two floating screens integrated into a single panel in the cockpit area. Image Source: Genesis

In South Korea, the GV60’s future-forward tech includes virtual mirrors as well. There are two screens, one each on the front door panel, showing the feed of the virtual mirrors. Virtual mirrors reduce blind spots and provide a clearer view in dark cloudy weather or the case of direct sunlight. They reduce the vehicle width, which means easier parking and reduced wind noise, resulting in a more peaceful cabin atmosphere at freeway speeds. There’s also the benefit of a smaller form factor and thus better aerodynamics due to reduced drag. Sadly, this feature is not available in the U.S.-spec car due to local laws.

Wireless Charging

Genesis is the first global car company to offer wireless EV charging capability with GV60. The company planned to begin a wireless charging infrastructure pilot project in Q4 2021 (October-December 2021). It faced a small delay and couldn’t meet that timeline.

On January 3, 2022, Genesis announced the start of the wireless EV charging pilot project at three locations in South Korea: Genesis Gangnam, Genesis Suji, and Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang. The company has installed a wireless charger at the EV charging station at each site. It plans to install a total of about 75 wireless chargers at various EV charging sites during the pilot project.

To start wireless charging the GV60, the driver has to park its front section over the EV charging mat. Genesis has tied up with US-based WiTricity, the company specializing in wireless EV charging, to develop the technology.

It’s possible to charge the GV60 without a plug on the floor of supporting parking lots. Should the pilot program be successful, Genesis could commercialize the innovative convenience feature on a mass scale from 2023 or later.

Genesis attempts to establish an image of leadership in electrification by offering advancements in-vehicle charging. It targets the global market with the GV60 and plans to raise the competition level with new tech. Wireless charging stations are in the pilot stage in European countries, and standardization and widespread adoption would take some time, but Genesis intends to set the trend.

Exclusive charging stations

Like Tesla customers, Genesis electric car users in S.Korea will enjoy the convenience of charging their vehicle at a dedicated charging station. According to a report from mt.co.kr, Hyundai Motor Group plans to build an exclusive charging network for Genesis in its home market.

Initially, Genesis EV charging stations will open up in Seoul, Goyang, Hanam, Anseong, and Yongin. There’s no confirmation, but it’s safe to assume that these charging stations would be of the highest specification, with the 800V high-voltage poles that allow rapid charging at 350 kW. The technology used for the exclusive Genesis EV chargers could be similar to Hyundai’s Hi-Chargers located at Hyundai Motor Studio in Goyang. A dedicated Genesis EV charging network could be set up in the U.S. and other markets as well when the time comes.

U.S. Price & Availability

2023 Genesis GV60 front three quarter US
A Uyuni White unit was the first Genesis GV60 delivered in the U.S. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

The Genesis GV60 is priced at USD 58,890 in the Advanced AWD variant and at USD 67,890 in the Performance AWD variant, excluding a USD 1,095 destination charge.

Initially, the GV60’s availability was limited to California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Now, customers in Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah can also buy the GV60. However, these buyers won’t be able to save USD 7,500 on their GV60 like customers in the first four states. On August 16, 2022, Clean Vehicle Credit replaced Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit. The amount of maximum incentive is the same – USD 7,500. However, unlike earlier, the new scheme requires the final assembly of the vehicle in North America, which makes the GV60 ineligible.

GV60 deliveries in the U.S. started on May 26, 2022, with the first unit sold to a customer in Santa Monica, California. According to an InsideEVs report dated July 18, 2022, Genesis delivered 233 GV60s in the U.S. in H1 2022: 2 units in May 2022 and 231 units in June 2022. On August 13, 2022, a new report from InsideEVs said that the GV60’s monthly sales slightly improved in the month of July 2022, increasing to 284 units.

Genesis is establishing independent dealerships in the U.S., and opened the first outlet in Lafayette, Louisiana, on March 29, 2022. Announcing the first exclusive showroom, the company said that six more locations are under construction and an additional 20 are in the early planning stages. Claudia Marquez, COO, Genesis Motor North America, has said that the company plans to grow its upcoming exclusive dealership network to 150 outlets by 2025, as per a report from Automotive News.

Genesis has a brand experience center as well—Genesis House—located in New York. The three-story building with a 46,000 sq. ft. space, in addition to a showroom, houses a South Korean restaurant and a teahouse, allowing customers to indulge in the culture of its homeland. This facility has a lightbox theatre, a boutique, an outdoor deck, and a cafe.

Video Source: YouTube/Allcarnews

GV60 holds on to 88.5% range in -7 degrees Celsius

A test conducted in South Korea has revealed that the Genesis GV60 was able to maintain 88.5% of its range in extremely cold temperatures, as per ET News which published the results of the experiment on February 9, 2022. Electric vehicle batteries lose mileage faster in cold winters and this is where modern battery insulation technologies come into play.

At -7 degrees Celsius (19.4 degrees Fahrenheit), the GV60’s range dropped from 470 km (in room temperature) to 416 km only. Out of the 15 vehicles tested for range in harsh winter temperatures, the GV60 was the fourth-best. For perspective, the Chevrolet Bolt EV lost 141 km range, from 414 km to 273 km in the same test, while its sedan sibling Genesis Electrified G80 was the best, holding on to 94.9% range despite the drop in temperatures.

Genesis electric vehicle business strategy

Genesis’ business strategy team has concluded that it is too late in the day for a Genesis hybrid car, and so it is best to leapfrog to BEVs. Citing Del Rosso, CEO of Genesis for the North American region, thedetroitbureau.com reported in October 2020 that Genesis does not plan to launch hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars.

Genesis will become Hyundai Motor Group’s first brand to stop fossil-fuel launches. On September 2, 2021, the company announced that it plans to launch only BEVs and FCEVs from 2025. By 2030, it will phase out combustion models to become a 100% zero-emission vehicle brand. By 2035, the company aims to become carbon neutral, extending its eco-friendliness to all worksites and production plants.

Genesis EV line-up teaser
Genesis plans to have a ZEV line-up of eight models in the future. Image Source: Hyundai Motor Group

In the coming years, Genesis will expand its EV line-up from two to eight models. Four of these are likely to be SUVs, and you see them on the right side of the teaser. Following the Genesis Electrified G80 and Genesis GV60, the Genesis Electrified GV70 debuted at the end of 2021, which is also heading to the United States.

Globally, Genesis sold 138,756 vehicles in 2021, and in 2022, it aims to deliver more than 200,000 units. “We are expecting (to sell) between 215,000 and 220,000 Genesis vehicles,” Jaehoon Chang, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, told the Korean media at the 2022 Genesis G90 launch, as per a report from The Investor.

Genesis recorded its highest-ever sales for a quarter in the U.S. by selling 11,723 units in Q1 2022, growing sales by 42.6%. The brand launched in the American market in 2016.

Luxury ‘One of One’ brand taking shape under Genesis

The Korea Economic Daily reported on May 31, 2022, that Genesis would build bespoke luxury models under a new One of One brand. Genesis aims to match the levels of luxury offered by Rolls-Royce and Bentley with these highly personalized vehicles. The customization will first be offered for the interior and later expand to the exterior. Think of it like Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), Q by Aston Martin, or Bentley Mulliner.

The report adds that the custom-built vehicles will resonate with customers’ tastes and needs. Expect a highly configurable powertrain, interior, seating, and more. The idea of high personalization isn’t new to Genesis. The brand previously had the “Your Genesis” program, where customers could personalize their new GV80 according to their liking. Hyundai Motor Group’s strategy aims to boost revenue as the ultra-luxury models have high profit margins.

For models like the GV60, Genesis may offer a personalization option to tweak styling and other aspects as per customer needs. In addition, the company may extend this program to make armored cars. In 2021, Hyundai Motor Group had put a recruitment offer on its South Korean website for ‘Genesis Bespoke (Custom-made) Program Planning and Operation,’ and this program has been in the making for a while.

Genesis GV60 FAQs

What is the Genesis GV60 release date & price?

The Genesis GV60 is now on sale in the U.S. It starts at USD 58,890.

Which EVs will the Genesis GV60 challenge?

The Tesla Model Y, Lexus RZ, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback & Mercedes EQB are viewed as potential competitors.

What is the Genesis GV60 range?

235 & 248 miles (EPA-est. ratings) for the American market AWD variants.

Featured Image Source: Genesis