Battery-Electric 2023 Genesis GV60 Is ‘Practically Perfect in Every Way’

~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Spend time with the electrified 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance and it awakens the description of a favorite movie character, Mary Poppins, who was “practically perfect in every way.”

Although Ms. Poppins traveled by air holding her umbrella, this crossover sport utility vehicle from the luxury division of South Korea’s Hyundai is earthbound. Still, it has it all in the auto world. It’s crazy fast, comfortable and quiet with exceptional handling, and economical except for the purchase price.

It uses some of the same technology as the other electrics from Hyundai and its sister company Kia: the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV 6. As a luxury vehicle, however, it commands a higher price. The Performance version tested for this review had a base price of $68,895 and, with a comprehensive suite of safety, performance and convenience features and equipment, topped out at $69,560.

Much of the buzz about the GV60 focuses on the yellow button on the steering wheel. It’s about the size of a thumb nail or a nickel, and is labeled with the word, “BOOST.”

Simply press it at any speed and it instantly shoots an additional 54 horsepower and loads of torque to all four wheels. If the startled driver doesn’t back off on the throttle, the GV60 acts as if it had a neck-snapping afterburner. From rest, the zero to 60 mph acceleration time has been clocked at less than four seconds. Top speed is governed at 151 mph.

The GV60 gets its verve from two electric motors that together deliver a maximum 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force, using the BOOST function. The horsepower is rated at 429 without the BOOST. The transmission is direct drive, single speed—as on most electrics.

A welcome feature is an auto hold button, which keeps the GV60 in place at stop signs without requiring the driver to keep a foot on the brake pedal. The foot can rest on the accelerator pedal for a rapid punch off the line.

A 77.4 kWh battery pack enables a driving range of 235 miles. Charging time on a home type, level two, 240-volt charger, takes 7.2 hours, likely overnight for many owners. However, the company says that hooked up to a DC fast charger, the GV60 can be charged from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

Another button on the steering wheel enables the driver to choose different driving modes, including Eco, Normal and Sport. The last, of course, feels about the same as using the BOOST button.

The new GV60 has attractive, contemporary styling, including half a dozen stacked headlights on both sides in front. However, the Performance model driven for this review had a rear spoiler that bisected the backlight and cut off some of the rear view.

Comfort is first rate inside with seats upholstered in quality smooth and suede Nappa leather, although the designers got it backwards with the perforated smooth leather covering the seating areas and the suede used for trim. The preference here would be the reverse because the suede grips the torso. All seats had good bolstering for comfort and support.

There’s ample room for five passengers inside. Even the center-rear seat position is decent because of a flat floor, though there’s a high, hard cushion. A nice wrinkle is a storage area under the front center console that can be accessed from the back seat.

The GV60 arrived with a full suite of safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, head-up display, lane keeping and following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, smart cruise control with stop and go, highway driving assist with speed limit assist, parking collision avoidance and a surround-view monitor as part of the rear-facing camera.

Multi-media technology accessed via a 12.2-inch color center screen included navigation, SXM satellite and HD radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, premium Bang & Olufsen audio, active noise control, wireless device charging and active noise control.

Especially interesting is the shift knob on the console, a sphere with intuitive finger depressions. When the GV60 is dormant, it looks like a fortune teller’s crystal ball. Hit the starter button and it rotates to the shifter ball.

The conclusion here is that Mary Poppins would chuck her umbrella and dub the GV60 as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Specifications

Model: 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance battery electric four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
Motors: Dual 160 kW electric; total system 483 horsepower, 516 lb-ft torque.
Transmission: Direct drive front and rear with all-wheel drive.
Overall length: 14 feet 10 inches.
Height: 5 feet 3 inches.
EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 101/25 cubic feet.
Weight: 4,862 pounds.
Towing capability: 2,000 pounds.
EPA city/highway/combined miles per gallon equivalent: 97/82/90 MPGe.
Charge time on 240-volt charger: 7.2 hours.
Range: 235 miles.
Base price, including destination charge: $68,985. Price as tested: $69,560.