Genesis GV60 to come in RWD, AWD & AWD Performance variants? [Update]

Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, is getting ready to launch the new GV60. Set up to be the company’s second electric vehicle, the exteriors and the interiors of the GV60 have been unveiled by the company.

2021 Genesis GV60 side profile
The new design language and naming scheme from Genesis places the GV60 as the most athletic model in the lineup. Image: Genesis

Design

Now, Genesis has finally unveiled the exterior and interior of their upcoming GV60 EV in a full photoshoot of both. The GV60 is based on the E-GMP platform, which means it is essentially the same as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, but that is just the architecture.

Apart from the size, everything from the exterior styling to the interior look is genetically Genesis. The company has employed their ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language on the GV60. Another new approach the company is taking is its naming scheme, wherein the numbers denote the car’s position within their lineup. For example, an 80 would signify elegance, whereas the 60 signifies athleticism. According to the press release, this also means the GV60 is their most athletic model yet.

This could be the reason the GV60 seems more sporty than luxurious. The front of the SUV sports the Two Lines headlamp units on either side with a flush face. A large ‘Crest Grille’ is positioned towards the bottom, which will cool the batteries. The bonnet, as well, is a single-panel clamshell shape combining both the hood as well as the fenders.

2021 Genesis GV60 rear
The tail lamps feature the same Two Lines theme as the front. The GV60 gets a black spoiler for added sportiness. Image: Genesis

Off to the side, you see the SUV’s coupe styling with clean lines and flush handlebars and wing mirrors that are essentially video cameras. At the rear, the tail lamps match the front with a continued Two Lines theme and a fixed spoiler to add to the SUV coupe design.

Interior

In contrast to the new exterior design language, the interior is Genesis through and through. A twin-screen setup housing both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system takes up one-half of the dashboard. In front of that is the two-spoke steering wheel complete with mounted controls. The large centre console appears as though it is floating and features all of the buttons, including the ‘Crystal Sphere’. This functions as the transmission controller and, Genesis says, also intuitively informs the driver of oncoming driving conditions. Finally, the interior is finished in blue with contrasting deep beige trim. The seats feature a similar blue with yellow piping and stitching to add a bit of sportiness.

2021 Genesis GV60 interior direct
While the exteriors showcase a new design language for Genesis, the interior features the luxury you expect from the brand. Image: Genesis

Crystal Sphere

The most interesting part of the GV60 interior, the ‘Crystal Sphere,’ is an LED filled ball that functions as the car’s drive selector and indicator for road conditions. A video recently surfaced showing how the sphere works. According to a report on carscoops.com, when the car is parked and in neutral, the sphere sits with the LED side facing up. When the car is turned on, the sphere flips 180 degrees showcasing the park button and the drive mode toggle. Additionally, the sphere has to be twisted to either side to shift between drive, neutral, and reverse.

Source: Youtube/Arabs Auto

Specifications

Genesis has yet to details the specifications of the GV60. However, thekoreancarblog.com was the first to present the specifications of the GV60, confirming that the car has passed through the Korea Emission & Noise Certification body. The power output is 226 horsepower (169 kW), while a mid-level AWD long-range and performance models have much higher specs. Take a look at the table below.

AspectGV60 RWD SpecsGV60 AWD SpecsGV60 Performance AWD Specs
LayoutRWDAWDAWD
MotorsOneTwoTwo
Motors LocationRearFront and rearFront and rear
Rear Motor Power229 PS (226 hp) at 4,600-9,200 rpm218 PS (215 hp) at 4,400-9,000 rpm245 PS (242 hp) at 5,000-8,400 rpm
Front Motor Power100 PS (99 hp) at 2,800-6,200 rpm245 PS (242 hp) at 5,000-8,400 rpm
Wheels19 inch19 inch/20 inch21 inch
Kerb Weight1985 kg (4376 lbs)2095 kg (4619 lbs)/2100 kg (4,630 lbs)2160 kg (4762 lbs)
Gross Weight2425 kg (5346 lbs)2535 kg (5589 lbs)/2540 kg (5600 lbs)2580 kg (5688 lbs)
Genesis GV60 specifications as listed on the Korea Emission and Noise Certifications System portal

Digital Key

We already spoke about the virtual exterior mirrors, but another significant feature expected on the GV60 will be the digital key. The digital key will be installed on the owner’s smartphone, allowing them to lock or unlock and even start and stop the car using the phone. NFC antennas in the handles will require you to tap the phone to unlock the car, and the wireless charging pad inside will be where the phone will have to be placed when driving.

Hyundai Kia Genesis E-GMP platform
The Genesis GV60 rides on the E-GMP platform, which offers a 10-80 per cent charging within 18 minutes. Image: Hyundai

Sitting on the Electric Global Modular Platform, the GV60 will have an 800V high-voltage charging system allowing 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes, while a 5-minute charge allows for 60 miles of range.

Genesis in the UK

In May 2021, Genesis confirmed its entry into the UK entry by Summer 2021. The company kept its word and started sales of the G80 executive sedan and GV80 executive SUV in June 2021. In August 2021, it launched the G70 mid-size sedan and GV80 mid-size SUV. Three electric cars are scheduled to arrive in the first year: Genesis G80 Electrified, GV60, and GV70 Electrified (TBA).

Customers in Europe can buy their Genesis cars entirely online, and even from showrooms in London, Zurich, and Munich. Genesis hopes to create a “transparent” pricing structure for the cars and a five-year care plan.

Price & Release Date

The Genesis GV60 will have its world premiere on 30 September 2021. You can watch the event live in the video embedded below at 9 a.m. KST (01:00 a.m. BST/02:00 a.m. CEST). The South Korean launch is likely to take place in early October 2021, and the European launch could take place in early 2022.

In the UK, the GV60’s main competition will come in the form of the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y will be available in three variants – Long Range, Dual Motor and Performance – and will start at GBP 35,500, going up to GBP 45,000. We suspect the GV60, too, will be priced in the same range.

Genesis GV60 FAQs

When will the GV60 be released?

The GV60 should arrive in the UK next year as the second Genesis electric car.

How much will the GV60 cost?

The GV60 should cost anywhere between GBP 35,500 and GBP 45,000.

What are the GV60’s main competitors?

The competition will come in the form of the Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Mercedes EQB.

Featured image source: Genesis