In the Genesis lineup, the lower the number in the vehicle’s name, the sportier it is. That means its first battery-electric vehicle, the GV60 promises to be the most fun to drive. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which was developed specifically for EVs, the 2022 Genesis GV60 is the third vehicle on that architecture following the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It will slot below the GV70, which will also get an all-electric version next year that shares its underpinnings with the Electrified G80. Despite its compact dimensions, the GV60 has a 114.1-inch wheelbase, the same as the EV6 and just under 4.0 inches shorter than the Ioniq 5.
To further push the sportiness mission, the 2022 Genesis GV60 will offer three different configurations backed by a 77.4-kWh battery. The single-motor RWD variant makes 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while the dual-motor iteration produces 314 hp and 446 lb-ft. If that’s not enough, there’s a performance-oriented model with 429 hp and 446 lb-ft. With boost mode active, the performance version’s output increases to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft for 10 seconds, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds flat. You’ll also get drift mode, which is conveniently activated via a set of commands. Once enabled, the driver will be able to induce oversteer.
Genesis added a virtual sound feature dubbed electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) to give the GV60 unique driving sounds. The three selectable tones are playable via the speakers. Road Active Noise Control (ANC-R) helps keep noise levels down with the help of sound-absorbing materials.
The GV60 will be one of the fastest charging EVs on the market. Using a CCS DC charger, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. Like its platform mates, it’ll be capable of powering other devices using the vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature. It also features a battery conditioning system, enabling the car to bring the battery up to temperature for quicker charging. Using a level 2 AC charger, the GV60 can charge at rates between 7.2 to 11 kW.
Genesis will offer the GV80’s electronically-controlled suspension with adaptive dampers on the GV60. It can use navigation data to anticipate the road ahead, allowing it to optimize the vehicle for the type of surface and conditions before you get to it. An electronically-controlled limited-slip differential improves performance by precisely distributing torque between the four wheels when cornering, providing additional stability during bad weather conditions. AWD models also get a Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) that disconnects the drive shaft, allowing the car to move freely between RWD and AWD modes.
One-pedal driving will be available via the new i-Pedal feature. The system can also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking system by anticipating the road ahead using navigation data. Drivers can also select the level of regeneration via the paddle shifters.
The GV60 will be the first Genesis vehicle to feature biometric recognition. Called Face Connect, it uses a near-infrared (NIR) camera to optimize its ability to accurately recognize the driver’s face even at night or in dark, cloudy weather. Face Connect will be able to tell whether a person is preregistered or not and will enable you to enter the vehicle even if you lock the keys inside. The system can register two faces via the GV60’s virtual assistant and can be deleted at any time. Complementing Face Connect is a fingerprint reader to help authenticate the driver and give him/her full control of the vehicle without a key fob or a digital key on your mobile device. You can also use the fingerprint reader to pay for valet or charging.
Over-the-air (OTA) updates have expanded beyond the infotainment system. In the GV60, it can now improve major components like the suspension, the car’s integrated control device, brakes, steering, and air bags. This limits the times owners have to visit service centers to get their vehicles updated. These features will eventually trickle out to other Genesis vehicles after debuting in the GV60. The new infotainment system has been tailored specifically for EVs and has special welcome and goodbye animations on the available head-up display. A 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system will also be available.
One of the neatest features in the GV60 is the crystal sphere electronic shifter. When the vehicle is off, you’ll see a clear illuminated ball. Turn the vehicle on and it rotates to reveal the Park button and you can now rotate it between Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. This prevents you from accidentally leaving the vehicle turned on because of the ball spinning around and hiding the Park button when it’s turned off. In other global markets, the GV60 will get digital side mirrors that use cameras to show what’s beside you.
The dial and button combination found in the GV80 and G80’s user interface has been ditched in favor of a traditional knob that you can also push, the same one found in the GV70. There’s also a new dual-screen infotainment system housed under a single pane of glass. In addition to the searingly bright yellow, there are at least two more exterior colors that will be exclusive to the GV60: Sao Paulo Lime, Hanauma Mint, and Atacama Copper, the third of which is available in metallic or matte varieties.
Like its siblings, the GV60’s interior is built using recycled and eco-friendly materials. The interior can be trimmed in Obsidian Black, Torrent Navy, Ash Grey/Glacier White, Monstera Green/Camel Beige, and Monstera Green/Glacier White. You won’t find leather in the GV60 either because it makes use of plant-based upholsteries and reused fabrics made of recycled yarn and PET bottles.
Genesis’ full suite of driver assistance features will be available on the GV60. This includes every existing collision prevention technology plus Highway Driving Assist 2 with automatic lane changing, remote parking capability, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Two new additions are the multi-collision braking system that activates if the driver loses control of the vehicle after the initial impact, and pre-Active front seat belts that fasten in advance when you encounter dangerous situations.
If you’re looking to buy a 2022 Genesis GV60, you’ll need to wait until next year because that’s when it’ll arrive in North America. Genesis’ home market of Korea will get the GV60 first when production starts at the end of 2021. The GV60 will also be offered in other global markets including Europe, Australia, and China.
