One of my favorite test cars this year was the Kia EV6. While driving it, I realized the world had changed. It’s everything we expected in a future-think EV, but there’s always room for more style, more technology, and a total upscale makeover. For that, we get the 2023 Genesis GV60 from Hyundai/Kia’s luxury brand.
It sports twin strips of LED lights on each side of its facia echoing other Genesis models, but the GV60 adds a hint of Porsche in its curvy hood, arching roofline, and wrap-around taillamps. Accentuated fenders cosset 21” wheels for that concept car look. I especially like how the lower body appears to fold over the rocker panel and the rear glass tabs around to the side glass – all very nicely rendered.
When the car was delivered, the driver asked if I needed help setting up the facial recognition and fingerprint systems. I said, “The what?” Yep, there’s a camera in the door pillar and sensor on the starter that allows owners to enter and start the vehicle without keys. He should also have mentioned how the car can back into a garage while its owner stands outside with the key fob. That’s an indicator of more technology that takes luxury beyond Nappa leather seats with lime green stitching, aluminum trim, and microfiber headliner.
A big touchscreen accesses devices connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and are wirelessly charged. Bang & Olufsen audio, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel soothe travelers. Safety systems abound. Automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning with steering assist, and rear passenger alerts are a start. There’s also Safe Exit Assist that prevents passengers from stepping into traffic. Drivers will appreciate adaptive cruise and a head-up display too.
Beneath the skin, the GV60 shares much of its advanced architecture with the EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ5. That means the battery pack send power to all four wheels for 235 miles all-electric range and can rapid recharge 10-80% in just 18 minutes. It will take about 7 hours on a 240v home charger or 68 hours from a wall socket. I’d install a charger or scope out the local DC fast chargers.
Beyond quick recharge, the GV60 is a delight to drive with 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque underfoot. Step down for instantaneous response: 0-60 mph in a scant 4 seconds. You may not need that to get the kids to school or your friends to dinner, but it sure is fun to set grandma back in her seat. Heavy batteries sit low in the chassis and work with the electronic suspension for both a heavy driving feel on the highway and quick reflexes when requested.
Genesis is quickly developing its own brand of luxury for today’s upscale buyers. The vehicles are artfully styled, lavishly equipped, and perform like they were born in Europe. They can also be a lot of fun and remind you the future is going to be an extraordinary place where this may be my new favorite car.
A base price of $58,890, or $69,560 as-tested, puts the GV60 against the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Mercedes-Benz EQB, Jaguar I-PACE, and Lexus RZ 450e.
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