Genesis has unveiled its next electric car – an electric version of its underappreciated GV70 SUV. The Electrified GV70 (they’re not feeling the need for complicated names here) was officially revealed at China’s Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition over the weekend. But Genesis confirms the vehicle will be coming to the U.S.
They’ve given no details on when that will happen. The brand will roll out its Electrified G80 flagship sedan first. When the GV70 does arrive, we expect it to carry a significant premium over the gasoline model’s $41,000 starting price.
Some automakers are designing new electric vehicles (EVs) from the ground up. Others are taking their existing gasoline-powered cars and reworking them to run on electricity. Hyundai has recently taken the first approach with its mainstream Hyundai brand, with new models like the Ioniq 5. But with its Genesis luxury division, the Korean automaker is preparing electric versions of its cars to sell alongside gasoline-powered editions.
Based on an Excellent New SUV
The gasoline-powered version of the GV70 isn’t as well-known in the States as it deserves to be.
All-new for 2022, it’s an attractive compact SUV more luxurious than its price would suggest. It can legitimately claim one of the prettiest cabins in the automotive business, with stylish, almost retro-futurist interior lines. It offers standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a ride as quiet as anything Lexus builds, and surprisingly agile handling.
No one in the media has had the chance to drive its new electric sibling, but on paper, there’s no reason to believe Genesis has lost any of those details.
Quicker Than its Gas Sibling
The Electrified GV70 is AWD-only. Genesis claims it can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which would make it quicker than the gas-powered GV70. The company says it has a range of about 248 miles in Korean government testing. Korean government tests often produce numbers similar to what the U.S. EPA finds in its testing.
A recent round of tests in Norway found that other Hyundai-built EVs hold onto more of their range in very cold weather than most, so that range may prove usable all over the U.S.
Genesis says the Electrified GV70 can charge from 10% to 80% of full capacity in under 20 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger. That’s a bold enough claim that we’re eager to test it before we can believe it.
The Electrified GV70 is the first Genesis to offer “the SUV-specific e-Terrain Mode, which enables a stable driving experience in various environments.”
Outside, the Electrified GV70 is distinguished from the gas-powered version only by badges and its false chain-link grille. The charging port hides behind it. Inside, it wears the same lovely interior. Genesis says it is lined in “a variety of eco-friendly materials” but offers no details. Active noise canceling seeks to counteract road and wind intrusion.
