Genesis GV60 Review

We test the Genesis GV60

The age of electric cars is bringing a whole host of new, or revamped, manufacturers to the UK’s leasing customers. And the Korean-owned Genesis brand is one such manufacturer that has almost certainly enjoyed an immediate resurgence in 2022, with their G80 electric saloon, large SUV/4x4 GV70 plus the small SUV shown here, the GV60, making their way to the UK.

What is essentially the luxury car division of Hyundai (yes - Hyundai make the Genesis product), is aiming to provide an alternative to personal and business leasing customers (plus salary sacrifice schemes) considering an all-electric Audi, BMW or Mercedes. And with a similar price tag, the group are not afraid to promote their products with rigour and enthusiasm.

What is the GV60?

Sharing the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 (they use the E-GMP platform), this small SUV, or a subcompact luxury crossover, is the first mass-adoption EV being produced by Genesis.

Having been formally announced in summer of 2021, the GV60 was launched on a global scale in September 2021, with many UK deliveries taking place during the initial part of 2022. While sharing a similar platform to their sister product, the Ioniq 5, the Genesis is much more crossover and SUV focused, with a keen interest on luxury and driver-experience; in their words “elegantly sculpted”.

And the GV60 does not compromise on technology, style or luxury, with some of the specification available making these vehicles some of the best in class for standard options.

How much is the GV60 to lease in the UK?  How much does the GV60 cost to buy?

At the time of writing (November 2022), the Genesis website allows customers to focus on three options including:

•  RWD Premium - from £47,000, the single motor option will include dual front LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors, puddle lamp, flush handles, front and rear ventilated discs, 19” alloys, centre armrest, lumbar support, 60/40 split folding seats, smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision assist and highway driving assistance, 12.3” screen with navigation, auto lights, 12.3” TFT display, air conditioning, battery heating system, wireless phone charger. Key upgrades include the Nappa leather with quilting (for £2,300), Panorama Vision Roof (for £1,100), Bang & Olufsen audio system (for £1,000) and the Outdoor Pack (for £900) which adds Vehicle to Load as an inside and outside plug plus a roof rack. Expect a leasing price on the RWD Premium to be around £500 - £650 per month, contract and term dependent;
• Sport - from £53,605 the AWD dual motor option has similar specification to the Premium with the key addition being the more powerful motor and 20” 3D layered multi-spoke alloy wheels. Key options include the electric seat adjustment, driver lumbar support, rear luggage cover, intelligent speed limit assist, rain sensor and smart key/button start. Some customers may elect for the £2000 Innovation Pack for high driving assist II, dual front LED lights, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist. Expect a leasing price on the AWD Sport to be around £600 - £800 per month, contract and term dependent;
•  Sport Plus - from £65,405 the AWD dual motor option adds even more power plus the addition of some nice standard options like the 21” alloys, black brake calipers, suede headlining, aluminium interior garnish, nappa leather interior, electronic limited slip differential, electronic control suspension and head up display. Expect a leasing price on the AWD Sport to be around £700 - £900 per month, contract and term dependent.

And how does the GV60 perform - what is the range, charging time and battery tech like? As mentioned above there are 3 key battery options for your new GV60 including;

• Premium - this model has a usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery and this will offer 0 – 62 times of  7.8 seconds, 115 mph top speeds and 168 kW (or 225 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 205 miles with warmer weather allowing for 275 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. The GV60 is one of the fastest charging SUV EVs in the UK. With a towing weight (braked) of 1600 kg and a 432L cargo volume, this is also a practical family vehicle. The Sport GV60 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 131 mpg;
• Sport - this model also has a usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery but this will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.5 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 234 kW (or 314 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. The Sport GV60 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 128 mpg; and
•  Sport Plus - the elite model shares the usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery but this will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.0 seconds, 146 mph top speeds and 360 kW (or 483 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 195 miles with warmer weather allowing for 260 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 233 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. The Sport Plus GV60 has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 123 mpg.

So is the GV60 a good electric car?

The UK’s automotive media and press have been very complimentary with What Car? at 5/5, Auto Express at 4/5, Autocar at 4/5 and Heycar at 9/10. Where this luxury crossover really wins fans is with ultra-fast rapid charging times (DC) which make the public charging experience so much quicker and more convenient.

And in offering more luxury and a higher quality finish, the Genesis does separate itself from the Kia and Hyundai equivalents. The only drawback is that the car is not cheap and this may alienate it to PCH customers with a big budget or for company car and salary sacrifice schemes which do overcome these hurdles with the amazing tax advantages.

What constitutes a good or bad electric car is now more than just the style, aesthetics and a badge. Key aspects relating to the range, the charging time (both in AC and DC) plus practical aspects like battery efficiency, towing and cargo volume. This is why many of our Genesis company car / salary sacrifice customers will use our fleet comparisons tool -as the e-car lease team appreciate there are more factors than price.

Genesis GV60 ESTATE 168kW Premium 77.4kWh 5dr Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Genesis GV60 ESTATE 168kW Premium 77.4kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Matterhorn White Matt Paint
•  Nappa leather seat pack with quilting and piping - Obsidian black
•  19” EV aerodynamic performance alloy wheels
•  Aluminium Arrow Design Trim
• Bang and Olufsen audio system pack
•  Comfort seat pack - GV60
•  Panorama vision roof pack 

What is the range of the Genesis GV60 Premium?

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Genesis GV60 Premium?

How long does it take to charge the Genesis GV60 Premium?

Where can I charge the Genesis GV60 Premium? 

What is the company car tax on the Genesis GV60 Premium?