The 2023 Genesis GV60 puts a more luxurious spin on the Ioniq 5 and EV6

The new 2023 Genesis GV60 represents the first EV for the Korean luxury automaker as it transforms into an all-electric lineup by 2030. Although the company’s gas-powered lineup has adopted a new platform that has pushed it a bit further away from its Hyundai rivals, the new electric SUV has reversed and become the third vehicle we have tested built on the Hyundai E-GMP platform.

The first two are Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, which debuted as 2022 models. The new 2023 Genesis GV60 matches the dashboard’s top side screen, small franc storage space, and surprisingly spacious interior dimensions.

But the GV60 adds a new level of luxury with some new technology that Genesis hopes will give it some obvious advantages over its less sophisticated (and more affordable) counterparts. On a very hot, 96-degree day in Austin, Texas, I spent a day behind the wheel of the GV60, trying to find out if these changes make it different enough.

The exterior styles of the Ioniq 5 and EV6 have been widely acclaimed and I think I like these two cars at least from the GV60 exterior. Seen from the three-quarter diagonal of both the front and rear, the proportions and genesis details such as two-piece stacked headlights and taillights give it some connected class. But the rear overhang hangs awkwardly from the side, so that the rear spoiler can be seen protruding further back than the rear of the liftgate (although in reality it is not). This rashness is not an optical illusion, the GV60 is about 5 inches smaller than the Ioniq 5 and 7 inches smaller than the EV6.

What the GV60 has to offer is a much brighter color range than its counterpart, from copper to bright green, to a very pleasing light blue / teal called “hanuma mint”. The bottom cladding is the same in all colors but it is not as prominent as the bodywork of Ioniq 5 so it looks less aggressive in light colors.

Unlike its counterpart, the GV60 does not have a rear-wheel drive version. It is offered in a pair of AWD trim, advanced and performance. Both models produce the same amount of torque (446 lb-ft), but have a more powerful front motor in performance that gives 160 kW vs 74 kW output in the Advanced, giving it an advantage ranging from 429 hp to 314 hp. A 77.4-kwh battery pack is the only option, and it offers approximately 248 miles in advanced and 235 miles in performance.

Our driving day didn’t cover enough ground (about 140 miles) for a charging stop, but the GV60 offers a fast charging time. Its 800-volt charging architecture means it can receive 235 kilowatts of power in just 18 minutes and a fast charge of 10-80%, or add 64 miles in about five minutes at maximum charging.

The performance model I tested was realized very quickly. A stabbing of the paddle caused the instantaneous torque jolt expected from an EV and easily surpassed the speed of the GV60 highway. The steering wheel has a pair of buttons for drive mode with the left thumb and “Boost” mode with the right thumb. To have the most fun, press the left button to activate Sport Mode and then the right button to get to the most powerful setting of the GV60.

It was previously announced that the GV60 would offer Boost and Drift Driving modes, but the Drift mode seems to have fallen by the wayside in production (perhaps for the best). The remaining boost modes are offered on performance models only and last for 10 seconds, resulting in an increase in output 483 hp and 516 lb-ft torque, with gains of 54 hp and 70 lb-ft, respectively. It also sharpens the accelerator pedal inputs, so that even a small sliver of the throttle can move quickly and make getting on or off the highway a fun adventure.

Genesis says there is a theoretical limit to how many times you can activate this mode in a row as the elements get hotter. But on a very hot day I pull the GV60 Roberto Duran and put it in boost mode six times in a row without saying “no month”, so it doesn’t seem to put too much pressure on the powertrain. The boost button also does something smart. If you press the button in the middle corner when turning off the accelerator pedal, it will not be activated until you start accelerating the exit time so you get a full 10-second effect as soon as you return to the pedal.

Performance versions of the GV60 add the same electronically controlled suspension to the road preview found in the GV70 with a mechanical limited-slip differential. The second of these additions works perfectly because the GV60 puts its power down without any real drama.

Surprisingly, the suspension has not been adjusted so much that we have enjoyed this setup so much on the GV70. On smooth roads, the GV60’s ride is impeccable but on the often broken sidewalk around Austin, the suspension fights to separate the cabin from the seam and uneven surface. And it seems to have had trouble controlling the rebound at twisted corners. After the brakes are applied the nose will rise very quickly and become restless, swaying towards the front of the GV60 when you start to increase the speed and want stability the most.

It was a spectacular development of a vehicle that was driven like its rival at the time – mostly without flaws. It is worth noting that the added equipment of the GV60 carries its carb weight up to 4,890 pounds for the performance model, which is 200 pounds more than the Ioniq 5 and EV6. This may make some difference in the quality of the ride but none of these vehicles have indicated this light porpoising effect, so it probably comes down to tuning the adaptive suspension.

Inside, the GV60 does a great job with the material and size (as it does with its other vehicles). It seems familiar with the Ioniq 5 although it has definitely moved towards luxury space. The only exception is the all-black interior, which is very messy and the design detail doesn’t stand out enough. Go with gray and white (shown here) or better yet, Torrent Navy Monotone, with blue upholstery and bright green accents. This may sound strange, but try it for yourself before giving a verdict. The illuminated room on the center console is also less deceptive than it seems at first glance. It can sometimes be difficult to know if your EV is still on and this makes it easier: if you see the car is off, then the drive selector knob means it is on.

The GV60’s infotainment system offers nothing more than the Hyundai setup except for the flasher graphics. But the GV60 has new technology that makes it even more convenient, including face recognition for unlocking the car and a fingerprint reader for turning it on. Tap the door handle and stand in front of a camera on the B-column and the GV60 will be unlocked (same method locks the car). Once inside, place your selected finger in the fingerprint reader and a small message in the instrument cluster indicates that the car is ready to start via the dash start button.

Genesis says the GV60 can store two different profiles, so the two will have the advantage of unlocking faces and starting fingerprints. After you use your face to unlock the car, your personal profile is loaded and the seat, steering wheel, mirror, head-up display and infotainment settings are all adjusted. And it was a breeze to set up, taking less than 90 seconds to add my face and fingerprints to the existing pre-loaded profile. The Genesis representative then snatched the key from me and said, “You won’t need these for the rest of the day,” with confidence, which proved famous. The system uses an infrared camera so it works in different lighting situations and at night.

Starting at $ 59,980 (including $ 1,090 destination charge) for the 2023 GV60 Advance models, which is $ 10,000 more than the more affordable AWD trim of the Ioniq 5 and $ 9,000 more than the EV6. Performance models are further expanded, starting at 68,980 and include Napa leather upholstery, a massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats and a 21-inch alloy wheel. Advance has its own well-equipped, matching 12.3-inch screen for instrument cluster and infotainment (the center screen is a touchscreen), Bang & Olufsen audio, wireless charging pad, four USB-C ports and several standard security features.

While this is undoubtedly more luxurious, an extra $ 15,000 for the Hyundai and Kia’s top trims for the GV60 performance is belly tough. The GV60 has a different cool factor; He got out of the car, locked me in the face and gave me a wide smile on my face to take some sunscreen towards the target with a quick whirl. But this is an expensive party strategy. Since the Ioniq 5 and EV6 have an AWD setup that matches the Advance, I found the GV60 to be a bit lacking in quality offerings, which is the first time I’ve mentioned a Genesis.

The GV60 will go on sale May 17 to select retailers in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York with the aim of increasing availability later this year.

Genesis has arranged airfare and accommodation Motor authority To bring you this firsthand drive report.