Few car manufacturers are currently stepping on the gas like Genesis. The noblest brand from the Hyundai Group wants to become a serious alternative to the German premium manufacturers in Europe as quickly as possible. The bestseller should be the electric mid-range crossover GV70 Electrified.
When it comes to design, Genesis has been in the top league since the brand was launched less than ten years ago. The vehicles are self-confident, emphatically elegant and always puristically designed. This seems to go down well with potential buyers, as do the elegant interiors and modern drives. Here Genesis helps immensely that you need to help yourself from the bulging Hyundai group shelf, which keeps the costs under control and pushes the limits. The fact that Genesis will focus on electric drives in the coming years may not come as a surprise. Of central importance is the new Genesis GV70 Electrified, which competes against models such as the BMW iX3 or a Mercedes EQC. Big advantage: the competition is currently even thinner than ever, apart from the electric X3 and the EQC there is not much. Most electric crossovers are a class below or above.
It’s no wonder that Genesis has some hopes of being able to score points here and win new customers with the GV70. Because the third electric model from Genesis not only looks extremely appealing, but also offers a drive that should hit the hearts of customers. The chic Koreans save not only numerous equipment, but also engine variants. If you want a GV70 Electrified, you will get this as a befitting all-wheel drive with 360 kW / 490 hp and 700 Nm maximum torque. With an unladen weight of 2.3 tons, the 4.72 meter long five-door is not a lightweight, but from a standing start it accelerates to 100 km/h in little more than four seconds. Unlike many competitors, the zest for action on the motorway is not restricted too early and so the electric crossover runs at speeds of up to 235 km/h.
The chassis tuning of the GV70 Electrified is decidedly comfortable, regardless of the selected mode. The steering is as direct as it is smooth-running, and anyone who wants to take it a little faster on the winding country road will quickly realize that the Genesis is not a sports cannon despite its lavish engine performance. The maximum 700 Nm provide powerful thrust when going straight, but the luxury model sways noticeably in ambitious gallops despite its comparatively low center of gravity. Most customers will hardly bother with such trivialities when driving at high speed and will be happy about the low noise level inside and especially the short charging stops. Because thanks to the 800-volt technology from Hyundai, the electric five-seater can be boosted from 10 to 80 percent of its capacity in less than 20 minutes at a 350-kW charging station. If the 77.4 kWh battery pack in the underbody is fully charged, this is enough for around 450 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. This is a standard consumption of 19.2 kWh / 100 kilometers.
The safety and comfort features of the GV70 Electrified should be as popular with customers as the short loading times. The digital displays and control units are large enough and always clear, the steering wheel feels good in the hand and, as with the larger models, the Koreans manage to spread a noble feel-good atmosphere that ensures relaxation. Comfortable leather seats with electrical adjustment, a magnificent sound system and numerous assistance functions make longer journeys just as pleasant as short hops into the city center. The fact that the dashboard of such a luxury model is covered with a low-quality artificial leather may be just as surprising as the seat heating in the rear, which is only offered as an option. This should be standard in an electric car costing at least 67,300 euros, where the interior needs to be warmed up quickly without major losses.
Only the rear comfort package offers this, which you should always treat yourself to with seat heating, insulating glass and manual blinds if people are traveling in the rear. The space in the rear is okay; but especially with three people it gets tight despite the missing cardan tunnel. The battery pack can be felt in the underbody at the front and rear, since the GV 70 Electrified is a mixed platform. You sit a few centimeters too high, which tall passengers in particular notice on their thigh support. It’s a good thing that the cargo space has at least 500 liters and the charging cable is ideally placed under the front flap. Finally, the charging plug is also perfectly hidden in the implied radiator grille.
Source: Stern
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