2024 Genesis GV60

When it made its debut last year, the GV60 was the first electric SUV from Genesis. It’s since been joined by the Electrified GV70, another compact luxury SUV. There is a kind of method to this apparent madness, though. The Electrified GV70 is based on the same platform as the regular GV70, so it’s more of a conventional SUV with a higher ride height.

The GV60 employs the same foundation as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (one of our favorite electric vehicles) and Kia EV6, and it’s more exciting to drive than its Genesis stablemate.

We think the Genesis GV60 is a superb luxury electric SUV. It’s not available in every state, but most of the coasts are covered.

A new Standard RWD model is the new base trim of the GV60, which brings down the starting price and raises the maximum range of this electric SUV.

For some financial context, the Tesla Model Y starts at about $44K. We’re looking at the $50K region for the Audi Q4 e-tron, Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge. The Lexus RZ 450e and Cadillac Lyriq begin at approximately $59K. And a bit of Genesis competition comes from the Electrified GV70 at $66K. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 hardly feels like a cut-price alternative, starting in the low 40s.

Before buying a new GV60 electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

The new standard RWD powertrain produces 225 horsepower. The Advanced AWD version of the GV60 makes 314 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. That’s sufficient push to run from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. The Performance AWD variant has the same torque but a gutsier front motor, pushing total horsepower to 429 and enabling a 60-mph sprint of around 3.6 seconds. With any powertrain option, the GV60 is easily as zippy as any comparable rival.

We would add that acceleration and grip are both phenomenal, especially with the all-wheel drive (AWD) models. The steering also feels quick and precise, with a pleasant weight. The GV60 SUV is composed and controlled, particularly when brake regeneration starts slowing the vehicle. This action is taken to its logical conclusion with i-Pedal mode — the highest degree of brake regeneration that comes in eagerly and can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver stays off the throttle. It helps maximize range.

An adaptive suspension is fitted to the Performance model. In the Comfort setting on a rough road surface, there’s a tendency for the car to pitch, with the front end going up and down. We found Sport mode preferable in virtually every situation.

Boost mode in the Performance version brings a 10-second jump from 429 hp to 483, increasing torque to 516 lb-ft. Accelerate along a straight, hit the Boost button (set into the steering wheel), and the GV60 becomes cartoonishly fast.

We’ve already spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Genesis GV60.

Range and Charging

Maximum range is achieved by the Standard RWD variant: 294 miles. But 248 miles for the Advance AWD model and 235 miles from the Performance AWD model are still wholly respectable. The Electrified GV70’s best figure is 236 miles.

To compare, the Lexus RZ 450e manages 220 miles, the Audi Q4 e-tron can travel for 265 miles, the Cadillac Lyriq is rated at 314 miles, and the Tesla Model Y’s 330-mile range remains the most impressive.

Connected to an 800-volt/250-kW DC ultra-fast charger, the GV60’s battery goes from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes. That’s pretty much as good as the tech can get right now. A 400-volt supply does that same job in 73 minutes. A home charging setup fed by 240 volts (Level 2) takes energy levels from 10% to 100% in about seven hours. The 800-volt method can provide 64 miles of range in five minutes with a quick top-off.

Genesis calls it a “Crystal Sphere gearshift,” but if this crystal ball provides a vision into the future of the company’s interiors, then things are going to be intriguing. The shifter is in a floating center console.

This piece of tech is complemented by a single unit housing two high-resolution screens. A 12.3-inch display conveys driver information, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen communicates with the infotainment system. We’re not thrilled with how the round steering wheel obscures the top corners of the rectangular instrument cluster, but all the crucial information is visible.

The primary color schemes are black or white and gray. The simulated leather includes polymers extracted from corn, and some fabrics are made with recycled plastics and nylon yarn. Another interesting touch is that the glove compartment is more like a drawer.

Shorter than the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 E-tron, the GV60 electric luxury SUV still incorporates a relatively long wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) for a decent amount of occupant space in a compact vehicle.

The front seats can recline to a well-judged position for drivers to rest and relax while the GV60 is charging. The extendable under-thigh support is a welcome inclusion. The Performance model’s front seats also have a lumbar massaging function that automatically occurs after an hour.

Rear legroom measures 37.6 inches — respectable for the class. The main issue here is that if the driver’s seat is set low, it’s hard for passengers behind to slip their toes underneath. Space behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is 24 cubic feet. This increases to 57 cubic feet when both those seats are down. The Lexus RZ and Electrified GV70 enjoy more luggage space, but it all becomes closer regarding maximum cargo area.

A long wheelbase and short overhangs give the GV60 electric SUV a pleasing profile. Genesis has also created cool designs for the alloy wheels. The Standard trim has 19-inch wheels, the Advanced trim has 20-inch wheels, and 21-inch alloys are fitted to the Performance model.

The chrome window surround (not too shiny) kinks into a V (for volt) at the rear pillars. Unusually, this surround also goes across the top of the windshield. Double headlights are echoed at the rear by dual taillights.

More of an SUV body style than anything else, the GV60 follows the contemporary trend of having a sloping roof. This compromises headroom a bit but avoids the typical SUV boxiness. It drops down to a fixed rear spoiler.

There’s a choice of nine exterior colors, two of which are white. The more remarkable hues are Atacama Copper, Sao Paulo Lime, and Hanauma Mint (a green for people who don’t usually like green).

Crystal sphere gearshift
This is original. When the GV60 is at rest and systems are off, the rotary gearshift is a glass dome with the same kind of fractal diamond pattern as the Genesis badge on the hood. Turn the systems on, and the glass part rotates into the center console — like a high-tech beach ball in a swimming pool — to reveal something more recognizable as a shift control.

Facial recognition
The GV60 can recognize faces for functions like unlocking, as some smartphones do. It’s the first production car to include this feature. A camera in the B-pillar picks up on anyone who gets close enough to the door handle. There’s also a fingerprint reader inside to activate all the various systems.

Blind Spot View Monitor
Activate a turn signal, and a real-time view of the corresponding side is shown in the instrument cluster. It’s excellent for freeways when vehicles approach at speed and in the city if a cyclist is coming up the inside. This is standard equipment.

Highway Driving Assist
Accessed by a button on the steering wheel, this helps make freeway driving easier by keeping the vehicle in its lane when the road curves. It’s standard in both GV60 variants.

Vehicle to Load (V2L)
Users can charge laptops, run sound systems, or even charge another electric vehicle. Battery power can also be accessed from the exterior charging socket.

Digital Key
Standard in the Performance AWD model, this feature gives several users access to a GV60 through their smartphone or smartwatch. No keys are required. It even works when the phone’s battery is low.

Both versions of the GV60 have a 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, temperature-controlled for optimum performance. The number reflects how much energy the battery can store. The Lexus RZ has a 71.4-kWh battery, the Audi Q4 e-tron comes with 82 kWh, and one reason why the larger Cadillac Lyriq has such impressive range is its 102-kWh battery.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty from Genesis lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain and battery are both covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These terms are among the best in the automotive industry. Genesis includes three years of complimentary maintenance with a valet service.

Safety Ratings

The GV60 has earned a Top Safety Pick+ accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, as well as blind-spot monitoring.