Genesis GV60 drive by Steve Rogers
They’ve been around for nearly five years so why aren’t Genesis models flooding our roads like the new Chinese brands?
The obvious answer is Chinese models are massively cheaper but while they are well equipped you can’t make a like for like comparison with this GV60 which warrants superlatives like exquisite, luxurious, and desirable.
The biggest problem for this premium brand is breaking into the cartel that is Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and you can throw a resurgent Volvo and Lexus into the mix as well.
From my experience the one thing Genesis does a lot better than its rivals is attract attention, yet the first question I’m asked is ‘what’s this’? People think the GV60 is stunning, which it is, but still can’t identify with the badge. When so many Chinese brands look as if they have been cloned, at least Genesis models have a refreshingly individual style.
Before diving into whether the GV60 lives up to my billing, a quick recap on the Genesis back story. The company has been building cars for a decade but only turned up here in 2021 with an all electric GV60 and a few petrol and diesel saloons and SUVs, all of which have now been converted to electric. For them the internal combustion engine is history.
Here is the bit you can identify with. Genesis is the posh arm of Korean kings Hyundai and Kia - think Toyota and Lexus. That sort of parentage should be enough to convince us that Genesis is not doing a runner from our shores any time soon. It’s here to stay.
Which is a good thing because the GV60 is pretty damn good. A minor update last year amounted to a larger motor, up from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, some cosmetic updates and naming changes. Nothing else needed to be done, they got it right the first time.
So now we have the entry rear wheel drive Pure, jumping to Sport and the ridiculously quick all wheel drive Performance although why you would want to spend an extra £13k to hit 62mph in four seconds is beyond me. I suppose it's for those who enjoy an adrenalin rush which you do get because I have experienced the thrill when you hit the boost button to unleash 480bhp.
You don’t get that on the Pure but don’t worry, it is no slouch and will take you further down the road than its macho brothers before the batteries run dry.
With the soaring price of fuel switching to electric has suddenly become more appealing and a range of 348 miles eases range anxiety, except a full charge from my wall charger only yielded 310 miles although I still got that mileage.
It is an efficient set up with an i-pedal to increase battery regeneration, and with a heat pump there is no loss of range when the heating is switched on. I’ve got solar panels at home so I can fill up for less than a tenner. Food for thought.
All the adjectives used in the opening apply mainly to the cabin which really is exquisite. I have always used Audi as the benchmark for quality fittings but Genesis matches it and gives the interior the wow factor.
The 27in one piece touchscreen sets it off surrounded by a variety of contours, quality leather and lashings of brushed aluminium trim and switches. Yes, switches for the heating, heated seats, quick keys, and a rotary controller for making selections from the screen which you don’t have to touch if you prefer not to. A small drawback is that you can’t read what’s stamped into the aluminium quick keys at night.
On top of that, the GV60 is refined with very little road or wind noise, comfortable, and in spite of its near two tonnes of weight holds itself together through twisty bits.
The equipment and safety list for the Pure warrants nothing more than an ‘okay’ and I would be tempted to spend another £4,170 (is that an ouch!) for the innovation plus pack. This brings biometric technology for face and fingerprint entry, an excellent head up display and surround camera, and a superb safety cell that provides protection front back and sides. All it needs is to be bullet proof to make it impregnable!
Verdict: GV60 is no more costly than its premium rivals and deserves to do better. It is very much a desirable package, but becomes expensive if you add the option packs.
What the wife says: ‘I want one’.
Favourite feature. I’ve got two: The crystal dome in the centre console that rotates to become the gear selector, and the pull out drawer instead of a drop down glove box.
Fast facts
GV60 Pure
£53,300 (£62,605 tested)
Motor: 84kW
Range: 348 miles
10-80% DC fast charge 18mins
Home AC charge: 10 hours
0-62mph 7.8secs; 226bhp
Boot: 432 litres; 53 litre front locker
Insurance group 38
1st VED £10 then £200 a year
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