~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

If not here, some critic will say it. The 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 is a blazing star, one of the best in the growing firmament of all-electric vehicles.

It looks great, is extremely fast, roomy and comfortable, economical, hugs the road with teenage affection and handles like a frisky smaller sports sedan. The drawback is the price, which likely will be out of reach for some customers.

Genesis is the luxury marque of South Korea’s Hyundai. The name was once attached to the top-line Hyundai model, when the company decided to spin it off as a luxury brand, much like Toyota did with Lexus and Honda with Acura.

Moreover, Hyundai It owns about one-third of Kia, and the two brands share components and acclaim for some of their models. The electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 shared Best Car of the Year for 2021-22, chosen by an international panel of judges.

Because the Environmental Protection Agency does not have specifics for classifying sport utility vehicles, it rates the electrified GV70 as a “small” all-wheel-drive crossover SUV. But it has 130 cubic feet of interior room, which would qualify it as a large car by the EPA. It seats five passengers in 101 cubic feet of space with 29 cubic feet for cargo behind the back seat.

With two electric motors and a 77.4 kWh battery pack, the tested GV70 Prestige is a porky two-and-a-half tons. That contributes to the weighted driving feel—not unlike driving a big S-Class Mercedes-Benz.

Yet the GV70 could surprise many drivers with its Howitzer acceleration. It gets its power from the two electric motors on the front and rear wheels. They combine to make 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force.

The two motors use direct drive to the wheels instead of a standard automatic transmission. They can move the GV70 to 60 miles an hour in a whiff more than three seconds, with a top speed of 152 miles an hour.

To achieve that performance, however, the driver must use the remarkable “boost” button on the steering wheel. Tap the button and the electric system instantly delivers an additional 54 horsepower to the wheels, in 10-second bursts. If the driver simultaneously floors the loud pedal, the sensation is akin to being shot out of a circus cannon.

Like its Hyundai and Kia brethren, the GV70 uses regenerative braking to help keep the battery pack topped up during driving to extend the range. Ordinarily, it takes 7.9 hours on a 240-volt, level 2 charger to fully charge the battery pack, so overnight works fine. The system also has the capability, on a commercial DC fast charger, to charge the battery from 10% to 90% in 24 minutes. With attention to fast charger locations for a trip, that should relieve some range anxiety.

The amount of regenerative braking can be controlled by the driver with paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Engage the left paddle and the regeneration increases in steps until it reaches maximum, which sometimes is called one-pedal driving because the GV70 can come to a stop without using the brake pedal. The right paddle reverses the effect.

The tested GV70 arrived with a host of safety and convenience items, including the innovative camera-based blind-spot monitoring display, which substitutes for the speedometer and tachometer when the lane-change signals are turned on.

Safety equipment included automated emergency braking front and rear, head-up display, lane-keeping assist, and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

Other equipment included active noise control, Nappa leather upholstery, microfiber suede headliner, a power rear lift gate, power-folding outside mirrors, a fixed panoramic glass sunroof with a one-touch sunshade, SXM satellite radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and wireless smart phone charger.

No surprise, the combination of equipment and options boosted the price of the GV70 Prestige. It had a starting price of $66,975, including the destination charge, and topped out at $74,350, which could make it unattainable for some buyers.

Still, it’s among the best voltage machines you can buy for the upcoming era when electric vehicles are expected to take over the marketplace for their performance and convenience as much as for their minimal environmental impact.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 AWD Prestige four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Motors: Front and rear electrics; combined 429 hp, 516 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmissions: direct-drive automatic.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 6 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 4 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 101/29 cubic feet (cargo 57 cubic feet with rear seatback folded).
  • Weight: 5,060 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 3,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined miles per gallon equivalent fuel consumption: 98/83/91 MPGe.
  • Range: 236 miles.
  • Charging time (240-volt level 2 charger): 7.9 hours. DC fast charger 10% to 90%: 24 minutes.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $66,975.
  • Price as tested: $74,350.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Genesis