The luxury crossover segment is certainly one of the most hotly contested ones, and it is no surprise that most of the manufacturers have a fully electric compact version to go along with the usual gas-powered (hybrid or not) models.
Genesis has made big inroads in this segment, and the GV70 EV puts them squarely in the hunt for these discerning customers. With its design, performance and technology, it makes a compelling argument.
The design is as appealing as the gas-engine GV70 is, because it is essentially identical, right down to there being no external identification of this being an EV. Even the charging port is cleverly concealed, in the front grille, which is not a great location for it if you like to safely reverse your car into your parking spot, with the charger on the wall behind you. Genesis has created a unique design language that won’t be mistaken for being from another manufacturer or country. Just the size and shape of that front grille (which is non-functional, of course) makes the GV70 recognizable from a great distance.
Inside the GV70, Genesis has created an environment that few would not consider to be amongst the most visually appealing and comfortable in its segment. The 14-way adjustable driver’s seat (and 12-way passenger seat) are swathed in nappa leather. The electric cushion extension assures under-thigh support for those of us longer of leg. And the ventilation ups the comfort on those hot days; it is something all leather seats should have.
Cargo space is typical for a two-row SUV in this size class, with easy fold-down of the second row yielding all the space the front row occupants are likely to need for that weekend trip. Adding to the utility is the “frunk” under the hood, with 22 litres of secure cargo space.
Technology is abundant in the GV70. On the entertainment side, there is the Lexicon audio system, with 15 speakers of surround sound, and 1,050 watts of power driving them. Information is displayed on the 14.5-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius/XM satellite radio are standard. Navigation and head-up display help the driver get to the destination.
Safety is well taken care of, with a long list of active and passive features in the Advanced Driving Assistance System, including every electronic assist one could want, such as Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Rear, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist. The less-than-attentive driver has every chance to avoid a collision in the GV70.
We can’t discuss a two-motor EV these days without discussing its power and the resulting acceleration. This GV70 boasts 429 horsepower, (or, with Boost Mode engaged for ten seconds at a time, 483 horsepower) and, more importantly, 516 lb-ft of torque, which is accessible from the first millimetre of throttle pedal depression. In the world of luxury EVs, this is mid-range output, but even so, one can’t overstate the pure speed available, relative to what we have come to expect of gas-engine cars these days. Zero-to-100 km/h in 4 seconds. Quarter mile in 12.3 seconds. The numbers are plenty stout, but again, not quite as quick as some others. For off-road sojourns, there is the E-Terrain system that optimizes the all-wheel drive chassis for snow, mud or sand.
Indeed, Genesis is not positioning the GV70 EV as any sort of overt performance car, which may appeal to some who like “sleepers” on the road. Their promo material describes the driving experience as “dynamic and pleasant.” That, it is, as its chassis and tires are clearly geared to comfort in urban and suburban settings over track day entertainment. Still….in Sport mode, some fun can be had.
Performance comes in many forms, and charging and consumption of electrons is now the language of the EV segment, no matter the level of luxury and comfort. The range on a full charge is said to be 383 km, although the readout on our tester said 470, on a very hot summer day. Either way, the distance is very good, but there are other compact crossovers that go further. In any case, Genesis claims 18 minutes of charging time, from 10 to 80 percent, on a DC fast charger that you will be hard pressed to find one of. A more realistic scenario will see the GV70 owner charging up over several hours on a Level 2 charger.
The 2025 GV70 EV models start at $74,150, but the Prestige model we tested goes for $85,150, which, it must be said, is some $20k more than the equivalent gas-engine GV70. That includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for 5 years or 100,000 km.
