Genesis cars might be new to the UK, but they have quickly made a name for themselves by producing stylish vehicles. I tested the brand’s first fully electric vehicle – the Genesis GV60 – and it blew me away.
Let me assure you Genesis are fantastic. They deserve applause for creating luxury vehicles that can compete with more established premium brands. If nothing else, the customer experience is one every manufacturer should adopt.
A Brief History of Genesis Cars
Genesis is a luxury car manufacturer from South Korea with roots in the Hyundai Motor Group. They share a factory with their Hyundai cousins and transfer some of the best parts and technology used in other Hyundai and Kia models. However, Genesis prides itself on having a unique design for each car they produce.
Their first design emerged as a concept luxury vehicle for Hyundai in 2003. Some years later, in 2013, the next generation of Genesis was released.
This release is when the brand got the attention it deserved. It prompted some of the top designers in the world, from well-known car brands like Lamborghini and BMW, to join forces and design the ultimate luxury vehicles.
Fast-forward to today, and you can enjoy a wide range of cars. Genesis cars UK offer saloons, estates and SUVs.
What Is The Genesis GV60?
The Genesis GV60 is a luxurious compact electric SUV and the first fully electric car from the brand. It shares a platform with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Inoiq 5 but is set apart by superior design.
You can see the luxury oozing from the exterior. When I first laid eyes on the GV60, I immediately noticed the athletic body with the signature clamshell bonnet, digital mirrors, pop-out handles and sporty alloys.
All models come with front and rear parking sensors plus a reversing camera.
How Does It Drive?
The GV60 is surprisingly good. Considering it weighs around two tonnes, the body carries itself through corners without drama. An adaptive suspension system detects the road surface ahead to adjust and smooth the ride.
The tyres roll silently along the road, and wind noise is minimal. The cabin also has active noise control to help maintain a peaceful environment. It is much quieter than the Kia EV6.
Genesis GV60 Trim Levels
The GV60 is naturally rear-wheel-drive, and all trims encase a 77.4kWh battery. Here are more details about each:
Premium
The line-up begins with the Premium trim, which has a single motor on the rear axle. It gets the best range of 321 miles on a single charge (close to the long-range Tesla Model Y) and produces 226bhp. Genesis claims the Premium can achieve 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.
Sport
Next up is the Sport trim. This version has two electric motors – one on the rear axle and another on the front. The Sport gains all-wheel-drive and more power, jumping to 314bhp but sacrificing some range. The range of the Sport is still an impressive 292 miles.
GV60 Sport Plus
The peak performance model is the GV60 Sport Plus (as tested). Again, it has a motor on each axle but with increased power. Each electric motor delivers 241bhp, so have a combined total of 482bhp.
However, Genesis added a Boost button to their steering wheel. The boost mode will release the maximum output for 10 seconds, unleashing the full 482bhp and propelling the car from 0-62mph in 4 seconds! The acceleration pinned me to the seat.
As if that raw power wasn’t enough, this SUV comes with drift mode. Yes, you heard that right. Sadly, I couldn’t test it since I was driving on busy public roads.
Power and range do not go hand-in-hand in electric cars. Even with the GV60 performance AWD, you’ll get 289 miles from a full charge. It might not last long if you race everywhere, though.
In terms of charging, the GV60 can accept 350kW for ultra-fast charging. If you find one of these charges, you can charge from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes.
Genesis GV60 Interior
Everything about the GV60 is high-quality. From the soft-touch materials to the futuristic design, it’s like something from a sci-fi movie. The space inside is plentiful despite the coupe shape rear. Even your tallest friend will comfortably travel in the rear seat with ample head and leg room.
The interior statement piece has to be the floating centre console with a crystal sphere gear selector. The illusion of a floating console creates a sense of space and minimalism. The cool gear selector is a crystal-effect sphere when the car is off and gracefully rotates round gears when the ignition is on. It almost feels like you are piloting a spaceship.
Continuing the space-age tech, screens inside the doors replace traditional mirrors. The first few times I tried to check my mirrors, I naturally looked out the window to find a slim camera. I then remembered I had to look down at the door to see my ‘mirror’.
It does draw your eyes away from the road more, which I didn’t like. But you quickly adapt to them, and the display is big and clear compared to an external mirror.
All trims come complete with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It is big, bright and aimed at the driver, so it’s comfortable to use. The responsive system comes with SatNav, BlueTooth and Android Auto/Apple Car Play.
Is Genesis just a Hyundai?
Definitely not. Genesis cars are streets ahead of Hyundai. Yes, they are built by the same company and share similar parts, but here’s the Genesis difference:
Your Own Personal Assistant
Genesis pride themselves on customer care. From purchase throughout ownership, you will have a personal assistant to help you. They even arrange at-home test drives for you.
5 Year Care Plan
All new Genesis Cars have a Five-year care plan. It includes a warranty, scheduled servicing, and over-the-air updates.
Genesis also understands life can get in the way, so they offer to collect and drop your car off again for servicing. You also get a courtesy car every time yours is away.
Transparent Pricing
Perhaps my favourite perk of the Genesis Difference is transparent pricing. It means the price you see is the price you, your friend and your neighbour pay. No more sinking feelings, finding out someone paid thousands less than you for the same car.
Genesis GV60 Price UK
So, just how much is a Genesis GV60 in the UK? Genesis cars are available through one dealership in the UK: Genesis London.
Considering it provides more range than a long-range Tesla Model Y and better performance than a Porsche Taycan, the GV60 price is competitive from £47,005 OTR. Bare in mind that the less luxurious Kia EV6 starts from £44,195 OTR and Hyundai Ioniq 5 from £41,011.
The GV60 Sport Plus I tested was closer to £70k. While the boost button and drift mode are cool, you’ll rarely use them. My choice would be the Sport trim. It benefits from all-wheel-drive, 314bhp and 292 miles at a more modest price of £53,605 OTR.
Like the sound of the Genesis GV60? Visit the Genesis Cars UK website or London Studio today for more details.
