The beautiful and luxurious GV70 Electrified does many things right
2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified review with The Road Beat
Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman
If there is a weak spot with the Genesis GV70 Electrified , it's one of little surprise: range, perhaps the largest hurdle of any new electric vehicle. With its relatively paltry 77 kWh battery pack, expect a real world range to in settle around 200-225 miles. However, that doesn't tell the whole story, because the range it does manage to eek out, it's surprisingly efficient, averaging a consistent 3 miles per kWh in my testing. That figure is even higher than what I previously attained in tests of the super-aerodynamic Hyundai Ioniq 6 (admittedly tested in very wintry conditions) sedan and smaller Genesis GV60 crossover.. So, while outright range isn't anything worth bragging about, it at least doesn't require excessive battery storage to get there. The rest is predictably marvelous, as we've come to expect from the Genesis brand.
Marvelous has pretty strong connotations attached, and quite understandably. One simply doesn't call a crunchwrap supreme marvelous, despite the value and taste. However, the GV70 is pretty dang marvelous, and even decent value considering just how exceptional certain aspects are. For example, I find the standout feature of the GV70 to be the exquisitely luxurious interior accommodations. Exceeding expectations of the initially steep sounding $75,020 price tag, every drive is like flying first class. Okay, rear seat legroom isn't worth shouting about in this compact SUV, but the quality of the leather, controls, and touchpoints are fabulous. Not only does it knock its only marginally cheaper GV60 electric stablemate out of the water, but no Tesla even dares think it can approach this level of luxury. On the freeway, with the absence of a combustion engine under the hood, cruising is also serenely quiet. Just what a beautiful car to climb into each morning, afternoon, evening, and just drive.
Power impresses, with 429-horsepower available when needed and paired to instanateous throttle response. That kind of power doesn't set any kind of records these days, but it is more than powerful enough to scare unassuming passengers. In other words, this isn't the quickest SUV on the road these days, but it is very, very quick. Because this is a Genesis and part of the Hyundai and Kia family of brands, the GV70 Electrified is compatible with ultra-quick 350 KW DC chargers, though it must be said not every public charger is capable of these speeds, and the unfortunate general unreliability of charging stations can't be understated.
To top it all off, the GV70 drives really, really nicely, well most of the time. Steering and handling instill confidence when the road gets twisty, and I appreciate the added heft in the controls for extra tactility, also giving the impression of substance rather than a cheap toy. Grip can be effective, and with AWD and a smart way of distributing power, you can be rather aggressive on the throttle when exiting corners for a satisfying slingshot effect and a general lack of understeer. It's no secret that Genesis makes great handling vehicles, and the electric GV70 upholds that standard.
There is one slight problem, and that's during the transition from regenerative braking (which you can choose the level of via the wheel-mounted paddles) to physical braking via the rotors. You can acclimate to it, but even then there are some levels of uncertainties than can cause some uncomfortable jolts. Installing a degree of creep when idling, like most all automatic cars do, seems to be a culprit, too, as the regen will slow you down only to a point. Then the regen stops slowing you and the GV70 assumes a walking-pace idle, almost like it's 'getting away from you.' Unfortunately, getting used to it isn't the best excuse, and maybe this can be solved via firmware updates in the future to make for a smoother and predictable braking experience.
There really isn't a long list of complaints with the GV70 Electrified. The range isn't great, but it never caused me issues in my daily life, and averaging 3 miles for each KW is pretty impressive for a vehicle of this performance and class. Okay, maybe the doors don't stay open very well when on an incline, as they're prone to closing on you, and there's too many menus in the infotainment system. But, this is a very, very nice car and one of the most luxurious cabins of any car below $100,000. Electricity suits a luxury experience, but then again, the biggest issue with this exact car is the fact you can get the gas-powered version for thousands less. Is it worth paying extra for the Electrified version? Your individual charging situation and values may make that decision for you. But, any which way you go, Genesis' GV70 (in any form) ought to be at the top of your shopping list for a luxury compact SUV.
2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified Prestige
As-tested price: $75,020
Pros: Beautiful inside and out; Proper luxury; Awesome power
Cons: Range could still be better
2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified review and photos by The Road Beat.
All photography by www.mitchellweitzmanphoto.com
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