The Genesis GV60 brings something new to the market for mid-sized EV crossovers. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
Ten Second Review
This the car that should properly establish the Genesis brand, the all-electric GV60. It's yet another mid-sized EV with premium aspirations. But in this case, there's some really clever technology to back up the hype.
Background
You might by now have some vague recognition for the Genesis brand, the Hyundai Motor Group's premium car maker. But it's probably quite unlikely that you can picture one of its products. The company needs a definitive model; and this is it, the GV60.
Originally launched back in 2022, it was the Genesis brand's sixth European market model and its third EV offering - the others are the slightly larger GV70 electric crossover and the G80 electric large luxury saloon. The GV60 though, is the model that aims to sell in the numbers Genesis needs for better European recognition. It uses the engineering already seen in the Hyundai IONIQ5 and the Kia EV6 - so e-GMP platform, advanced 800V electrical architecture and two years after launch was improved with a larger 84kWh battery pack. There's tough mid-sized EV crossover segment competition. But this GV60 also has a few extra tricks up its sleeve - as we're going to see.
Driving Experience
All models in the range now feature the same improved 84kWh battery pack, with the entry-level 'Pure' variant using it to drive a 229PS motor on the rear axle, this confection delivering a 348 mile range. Next up is the mid-range 'Sport' version, which has a 218PS motor on the rear axle and a further 100PS motor at the front, creating an AWD model with 318PS of total power output, 605Nm of torque and a 318 mile range.
The most sophisticated stuff is saved for the top 'AWD Performance' variant, which borrows its potent 490PS Dual Motor AWD powertrain from the uber-rapid Kia EV6 GT. As a result, a GV60 'AWD Performance' will sprint to 62mph in just four seconds, though if you exercise that acceleration frequently, you won't get anywhere near the claimed 311 mile range figure. Featuring on this top model is a 'Boost Mode' that you activate via a button on the steering wheel, which gives the car an extra 95Nm of pulling power for easier overtaking. The second unique 'AWD Performance' feature is a 'Drift Mode' - which you might think a little weird on an electric SUV. This alters the torque split of the All-Wheel Drive system to send more power to the rear motor and maximises the impact of the GV60's electronic limited slip differential.
A myriad of customisable drive settings of course are a feature of every GV60, as is the case with so many new EVs. We approve of the fact that, unlike quite a few other segment rivals, this Genesis trusts you to make wide-ranging brake regeneration force changes, via these steering wheel paddles. Using these, you can reduce the off-throttle energy harvesting on the highway where you don't need it; and increase it for town driving (where it's useful) via five settings, the most forceful of which is an 'i-Pedal' mode that slows the car so much when you come off the gas that you hardly ever have to use the actual brake pedal. You can separately alter braking force too - via 'Comfort' and 'Sport' settings, the latter rather over-sharp for our taste. The other thing to fiddle with is the 'Active Sound Design' system, which allows you to alter the volume of the artificial sound all EVs have to make at slow urban speeds; and, via a menu of 'Advanced Settings', enables you to introduce various fake drive sounds that rise and fall with throttle use - though you'll probably try them once and then turn the system off.
Design and Build
There's certainly the required family resemblance to other Genesis models here - the split-level headlamps are similar to those of the G70. But there's no imposing Bentley-esque radiator grille for the GV60 of the sort that features on the company's other models. Instead, this appendage is blanked off to improve aerodynamics. There's a clamshell bonnet; and door handles pop out, as do cameras which replace conventional door mirrors, these linked to a couple of screens inside.
The cabin feels airy and minimalistic; it can be quite up-market too, further up the range. Chevron and lozenge-shaped design themes dominate and the floating centre console is inset with kind of in-lit crystal ball - the 'Crystal Sphere'. Get in and it initially seems like a design feature but power up and this flips over to reveal the gear selector. There are two 12.3-inch screens, one in the middle of the fascia for the infotainment functions and the other for the instrument gauges. The car can also wirelessly receive upgrades, not only for media functions but for things like the suspension, the brakes, drive assistance technology, the steering system and the central 'brain' that controls the car's EV motors and charging set-up.
Rear seat passenger space isn't that generous, but a couple of adults would probably be fine for all but the longest journeys. Out back, there's a 432-litre boot and you don't have to clutter it up with charge leads because there's also a 53-litre 'frunk' compartment beneath the bonnet where you can put those (though that reduces to 20-litres in size with the All-Wheel Drive model).
Market and Model
It's a pretty simple pricing structure. At the time of this test in early 2026, prices started at just over £54,000 for the base rear-driven 'Pure' model, from around £58,500 for mid-range AWD 'Sport'-spec and from around £67,500 for the top 'AWD Performance'. All variants use the same 84kWh battery. Most customers will probably prefer to acquire the car on some kind of PCP finance or subscription deal. You can sign up for one with Genesis that will cover you for everything in one inclusive payment.
Genesis doesn't have a network of UK dealerships. Instead, everything is done via so-called Genesis 'Studios' - which will be shopfronts in upmarket shopping centres. One has already been opened in London and others will follow. But you don't have to go to one of those. You simply connect with Genesis online, then you'll be allocated your own Genesis Personal Assistant who'll take you through the sales process, from test drive to delivery - and they'll deal with after-care as well. This Assistant isn't won't be salaried on commission as an ordinary car salesperson would be, so you won't get any hard sell.
Cost of Ownership
We gave you the 84kWh battery pack's driving range figures in our 'Driving Experience' section; 348 miles for the rear-driven 'Pure'-spec model, 318 miles for the All-Wheel Drive 'Sport' variant and 311 miles for the top 'AWD Performance' derivative. 350kW rapid-charging is possible from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes. Hook up to a conventional 11kW wallbox and you'll need 7 hours and 35 minutes for a 10-80% charge. Genesis is also talking about introducing a wireless charging mat (for the whole car, not your 'phone) during this model's production life that you just drive over to charge it, removing the faff of attaching leads. Like every Genesis, this one is covered by a 5 year Care Plan which includes scheduled servicing for 5 years or 50,000 miles.
With each service visit, Genesis will collect and return the car to your door. This also applies to any necessary work required, including warranty work. You simply contact your Genesis Personal Assistant to make it happen. Who can also arrange a courtesy car. The 5 year Care Plan also includes updates to in-car navigational maps. And there's complimentary subscription to Genesis Connected Services, which will allow you to access information services from your 'phone to digitally enhance your ownership experience.
Summary
This, as intended, will surely be the car that establishes Genesis in the European market. Though it shares so much with Kia and Hyundai EVs we've seen before, it also feels very much its own car, different, interesting and innovative.
And there's a real opportunity for Genesis here given that EV customers have far more of a clean slate perspective and are far less likely to simply default to the old established brands. Certainly, for those wanting to try something new, the GV60 really does deliver. If you're going to switch to EV, why not make a completely fresh start? This car provides exactly that.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)