Genesis GV70

Genesis GV70 review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“It’s a shame that there isn’t a cheaper, single motor variant of the Electrified version”

When the GV70 was first released, we concluded that it didn’t quite match the refinement of rivals, with the 2.5-litre petrol engine in particular also extremely thirsty. The Electrified variant undoubtedly addresses these flaws, and combined with the ownership proposition, would be the model we’d go for.

It’s a shame that there isn’t a cheaper, single motor variant however, with the near £65k starting price a tough sell up against more established rivals including the likes of the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace.

Still, if you can get on board with the GV70’s price and outside looks, you’ll be even happier once you get up in the leather- and tech-filled interior. As you’d expect from the Hyundai-Kia group these days, it feels well put together and is generally easy to get on with, although there are a couple of design touches that could drive you mad.

 
2023 Genesis GV70 goes on sale in the US with 482hp and 236 mile range

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 is finally going on sale in the US. This largest electric SUV from the brand is hoped to sway customers away from the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes EQE SUV, but in fact, is much smaller and its direct competitor is Tesla Model Y.

While the styling of Genesis GV60 has won plenty of praise, the GV70 is more subdued and far less futuristic than its smaller sibling which shares its underpinnings with Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Since all the vehicles belong to one big Hyundai family, the Genesis GV70 comes with a familiar powertrain.

That’s right, a powertrain - not multiple powertrains but just one option. Well known from the Hyundai group, the 77.4 kWh battery is coupled with a dual-motor setup which delivers 360 kW or 482 hp. That’s 30 kW (40 hp) more than the smaller GV60 and yet enough to propel this 2.2 metric ton SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.4 s).

The dimensions and performance figures put the GV70 squarely against the Tesla Model Y LR AWD. Tesla comes with a 75 kWh battery and its EPA range is 316 miles which are 33 miles more than the GV70 can muster but the Genesis vehicle is quicker to 60 mph and it has a higher top speed of 146 mph - if that is important. Then we realize the 283 miles range is the manufacturer quoted, EPA gave the GV70 a rather lowish 236-mile rating.

 
The Project Overland is a Genesis GV70 that favours adventure over lounging

Built in conjunction with Delta Geländesport, changes include increased dimensions and a roof box

Genesis has announced a partnership with off-road specialist Delta Geländesport to create a one-off GV70 called the ‘Project Overland’. Not only is it the first ‘officially’ modified GV70 released into the wild, but it’s quite possibly the silliest creation yet from Hyundai’s luxury division.

A pair of Baja Style fog lights can be seen upfront, while the rear bumper adopts a more pronounced mesh design at its corners. The body has then been raised by five centimetres to complement the widened body, which sits on a set of 18-inch Classic B alloys and Continental ATR tyres.

Yep, this mature electric SUV has been dialled up to 11 on the panto scale, which is strange considering the GV70 isn't the first model that springs to mind when you think of heavy-duty off-roading. It’s meant to be more Harvey Spectre than Indiana Jones, but the roles have very much been reversed here.

Further additions include PIAA off-road lights integrated into the front of the roof rack which, unlike most conceptual renders, doesn’t seem to be so luminous that it blinds you with the might of a thousand suns.

 
Overlanding In A Genesis GV70 Is One Classy Way To Go Camping

Genesis and a European off-road company have partnered to make a one off GV70 just for overlanding.

Interest in off-roading and overlanding is growing among auto and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Naturally, automakers are going to cash in on this craze by offering some kind of off-road focused trim and Genesis seems to be testing the waters. The luxury automaker has partnered with off-road company Delta to make a GV70 overland concept.

Called GV70 Project Overland, the two companies say that it’s a unique combination of “Genesis’ unparalleled luxury design and Delta’s 40+ years of experience in developing off-road concepts.”

 
Genesis has refreshed the GV70 with a light facelift and revised cabin

Posh Korean SUV gets a new grille, fresh skid plates and a giant 27-inch screen inside

Genesis has refreshed its GV70 SUV for the first time since its launch in 2020 with many small but significant changes, both inside and out.

Let’s start with the exterior which, despite looking identical at first glance, has seen some change. Notice the new dual-weave mesh grille out front? How about the new skid plate beneath it? If you missed those, you surely managed to spot the new 19in alloys… right?

Less obvious changes include new lighting tech incorporated into the two-pronged front headlamps, while the indicator signals at the rear have been repositioned to supposedly improve visibility for other road users.

Genesis has also given the cabin some attention - a giant 27in OLED display, for instance, now combines the driving cluster and infotainment hub into a single horizontal layout. The number of mood lamps for ambient lighting has also been increased, because you can never have enough mood lighting, and the climate controls are now mostly touch-based. A new two-tone steering wheel and more intricate stitching than before rounds off the interior changes. It’s terribly luxurious in there.

 
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