Genesis GV60: The electric crossover arrives in Europe

Last of the trio formed with Hyundai and Kia, the luxury brand will launch the electric Genesis GV60 at the end of 2022. With which versions?

The brand hasn’t yet reached everyone, but Genesis has already succeeded where Infiniti has given up. While Nissan’s luxury subsidiary left Europe after 10 years and struggles to establish itself in the United States, Hyundai’s premium division is gaining momentum.

Genesis approached 50,000 sales across the Atlantic in 2021, tripling its sales compared to 2020. It’s close to Infiniti, which peaked in 2017-2018 at 150,000 vehicles and only 60,000 last year.

But in the Old Continent, the company only started with 100% thermal models, via the G70 SUV or the G80 sedan. It must absolutely aim for electric to establish itself, and produce smaller cars, hence this new model.

The Genesis GV60, Little Brother but Luxurious

The GV60 is therefore the upscale cousin of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It is based on the same e-GMP platform. The last of the Korean trio, it is also the most refined.

Esthetically, it resembles more the Kia with its sleek curves but dares more. It shares with its siblings the ability to mask its imposing dimensions. The proportions are the same, with very short overhangs, a high beltline, but a compact sedan-like physique. But at about 4.51 meters long and 1.58 meters high, it is not an urban vehicle.

The interior is also similar to its siblings, with an horizontal dashboard. Disrupted by slim air vents, it is primarily topped by a duo of 12-inch large screens. One serves as gauges or for navigation, the other is touch-sensitive for the remaining functions.

The Best of the Hyundai Group

Under its bright yellow exterior, the Korean will offer three versions. The first “Premium” will feature a single 168 kW (225 hp) motor, the second “Sport” will have a 160 + 74 kW duo creating all-wheel drive. Finally, the Genesis GV60 Sport Plus will have two 160 kW units, totaling 429 hp with a temporary boost of 54 hp (40 kW).

These variants will be equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery, similar to that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 2022). It would provide around 450 km of range per charge, with charging power theoretically reaching 350 kW (around 230-240 kW in practice). It will only support 11 kW AC three-phase charging, but also V2L capability to power devices, up to 3.6 kW.

The Genesis GV60’s pricing has not yet been announced. Considering the prices of its two electric cousins, the crossover should exceed €55,000 for the base model. It will thus compete with the Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes EQA, or Jaguar I-Pace.

Genesis All-Electric by 2030

In the longer term, Genesis plans to launch only electric vehicles from 2025. The brand hopes for a rapid transition, aiming to become 100% electric by 2030. This will be mandatory, as the UK has set that deadline, while the EU is still working towards 2035.

Also read: 2022 Mercedes EQB review: the 7-seater electric SUV in silence