Just when I thought I couldn't love the Genesis GV70 more. It goes electric. Yes, this week I bring you the first-ever electrified GV70 and it is amazing. The GV70 is Genesis' mid-sized sedan that slots below the GV80.
Exterior
WOW ,is the electrified GV70 gorgeous in $1500 Makula Gray Matte paint, that yes, I would option, in case you're wondering. It stuns from every angle. Genesis' hood ornament shines like a beacon.
The electrified version shares a platform with the gas-only model, thus shares many of the same design attributes, like the two-line LED headlamps, two quad tail and power folding mirrors with Genesis logo. In fact, you might not know it was the EV version, but there are a few things that give its EV status away. The electrified version rides on EV-exclusive and very distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels finished in a dark hue and paired with available white brake calipers and also features EV-exclusive bumpers. The grille is different in that it has a solid texture (and cleverly hides the charging port).
Also, because it shares a platform with the gas-only model, there's no "frunk".
Performance
The electrified GV70 is all about performance - with the specs prove it. Its dual electric motors - one in the front and one in the rear - paired with a 77 kW battery deliver 429 horsepower and an AMAZING 516 pound-feet of torque. I mean this thing flies! Thrillingly quick off-the line acceleration. And don't get me started about the BOOST button.
I could hit BOOST all day long. It adds a 10 second burst of 54-horsepower for a total 483-hp. Punch it and you'll quickly leave your worries in the rear view mirror. All-wheel drive is standard across the GV70 lineup.
The electrified GV70 also has Active Sound Design - different sounds you can pipe into the vehicle, S-Engine being my fav.
Range/Charging
The one area the electrified GV70 could improve upon is range. It offers a 236-mile range, which is on the low side for today's standards. Note, when you are in boost mode you loose range. You also lose range when you use the A/C.
Charging is fast though. Genesis cites a 10-80% charge time of 18 minutes using 800V DC Ultra Fast Charging. Charging time using a Level 2 240V is 7.9 hours. Genesis also does a great job displaying charging and range info in the infotainment system.
GV70 owners receive three years of 30-minute DC fast charging sessions with Electrify America.
The GV70 also offers Vehicle-to-Load Charging for small appliances electronics.
Regen Braking
In the multimedia system you can set the smart regeneration settings. There are three levels (faster, normal an slower deceleration) and you can feel the difference between the settings. You control the regenerative braking via paddle shifters or as what Genesis calls iPedal driving.
Interior
Inside, you find an impeccably crafted, luxurious and roomy cabin with exceptional switchgear and aluminum trim. We're not talking about subtle luxury here either.
The Prestige package's multi-toned Glacier White/Copper interior with Nappa quilted leather, copper piping and navy microfiber elements is exquisite. The dash is beautifully done as our the soft-touch door panels with detail-oriented stitching along with quality aluminum trim, door handles and switchgear.
The power driver's massage seat is beyond comfortable with cushiony side bolsters and a power cushion extender. The headrests feel awesome, too. Four-way power lumbar front seats, and heated and ventilated seats are standard. There's a power button on the side of the passenger's seat that can move it forward and back.
The steering wheel ranks as one of my favorite. It looks and feels very high end.
I found the haptic touch sensitive climate controls easy to use along with two dual-zone temperature control dials.
A floating center console houses a Shift-by-Wire dial imprinted with the iconic G-Matrix pattern as well as multimedia controller. It's also where you'll find a drive mode select and brake auto hold.
Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, colorful ambient lighting, carpeted floor mats and a wireless charger. Charging status shows up on the multimedia screen.
The reclining rear seats are just as luxuriously comfortable as in front. Even with slightly stadium seating there is still plenty of headroom. Carpeted floor mats is very high quality.
The drop-down armrest's cupholders are on the smaller side. Back seat passenger get their own climate controls and the Prestige has manual rear seat sunshades and heated rear seats.
A power hands-free lift gate opens to ample cargo space with a cargo cover to hide valuables. Genesis cleverly integrates an exterior power open button into the rear windshield wiper.
Technology
Technology shines in the GV70. The Prestige is equipped with two large digital displays. A spectacular 12.3-inch 3D color digital cluster features navigation instructions with symbols, and other easy to read information .
A standard 14.5-inch HD multimedia touchscreen display with navigation is one of the best I’ve seen, with exceptional high quality color graphics and screen resolution. It's also very responsive, though it's a bit of a reach for me. Dynamic voice recognition is exceptional. You can also control the system via the the dial on the center console, which also functions like a trackpad that recognizes swiping, handwriting and offers pinch and zoom capability. The screen also houses a high-resolution backup camera and optional Surround View Monitor.
The multimedia system includes Sounds of Nature and both Valet and Quiet Modes and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are two USBs up front and two for the back seat, but no USB-C's.
The Prestige package's upgraded Lexicon Premium Audio system is absolutely incredible.
The GV70 also features a fingerprint authentication system you can also find in the GV60. Check out Jerry Reynolds' GV60 review here.
Ride and Drive
The GV70's rides and drives like a dream. Smooth yet sporty, and it's SUPER FAST. An electronically controlled suspension with road preview gives you a smooth smooth ride that's also quiet thanks to the Prestige package's active noise cancellation. You can choose between five drive modes that vary throttle responsiveness, steering weight and suspension firmness. It's a pure joy to drive in the city or on the highway.
Prestige
The Prestige package includes the Nappa leather seating surfaces, a leatherette-wrapped upper instrument panel, a microfiber suede headliner, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, head-up display, Lexicon Premium Audio, Active Noise Control-road, heated 2nd row seats, a heated steering wheel and manual rear door shades
Safety
Safety is another selling point of the GV70. Genesis offers excellent driver's assistance features and the list is long. It includes all the standard ADAS you expect these days, and a whole lot more. The GV70 offers a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist (which is amazing), and Remote Smart Parking Assist (which is also amazing) along with things like Safe Exit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.
What You'll Pay and Availability
Price as tested is $75,275. Genesis says it qualifies for a federal tax credit. The electrified GV70 is only available in select states.
Verdict
If you're looking for a performance-oriented vehicle to get excited about driving and owning, you simply must get behind the wheel of the GV70.
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- What I Liked Most: Performance, Interior, Exterior, Audio
- What I would change: Needs more range.
- MSRP: Base price: $65,850. As equipped: $75,275.
- Fuel Economy: 98 MPGe city/83 MPGe highway/91 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,486 miles.
- Weight: 4,982.
- Spare Tire: No.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.6"long/75.2” wide/64.2” tall.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port on right rear fender.
- Official Color: Makula Gray Matte.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2023 Electrified GV70 in a few words: A stunning all-electric SUV with incredible performance and impeccable luxury.
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty & electric system warranty/7-year unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty. 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Montgomery, Alabama.
- Manufacturer's website: Genesis
