Genesis, Hyundai's luxury vehicle division, plans to bring the Genesis GV60 electric vehicle to market during 2022 as part of its efforts to strengthen its growing product portfolio Billed as a sleek crossover SUV, the EV boasts striking looks on the outside and promises ample luxury on the inside
In the same way that Lexus offers a high-end step up from the regular Toyota brand, Genesis is on the right track when it comes to premium, especially when it comes to the interior, as recently witnessed with the new ICE-powered G80 and GV80
Of course, Genesis is already a well-established premium automotive brand in the US, with a promising portfolio of high-quality models including the G70, G80, electrified G80 and G90 It also has two sophisticated SUVs, the GV70 and GV80
Meanwhile, the release of the Genesis GV60 can be seen to appeal to a whole new audience by mixing its luxury edge with EV credentials
According to Genesis, the GV60 is targeted for a 2022 release, but the company has yet to reveal a specific launch date
Pricing details have also not been confirmed However, given the pricing of the Kia EV6, which is set at around $55,000 in the US (£40,895 in the UK, or about A$75,000), it is likely to be more than that given the brand's premium appeal
The Genesis GV60 will be built on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the soon to be launched Kia EV6 At the time of this writing, however, details on the Genesis GV60's range, battery, and performance are sparse, to say the least
In the absence of official statistics, we were forced to estimate its potential based on the two models mentioned above
Given that all three vehicles are based on the same E-GMP platform, the Genesis GV60 is likely to follow the performance of the very attractive Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, which is expected to be launched in early 2022
Thus, the GV60 could be available with 58 kWh and 778 kWh battery options It is also possible that the lower-end model will produce 167 bhp and the top-of-the-line model 310 bhp
On the other hand, the range could be around 300 miles, which, if correct, could make the Genesis GV60 a very attractive car in terms of usability Furthermore, the Genesis GV60 may be able to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes, and this convenience will be one of the Genesis GV60's most attractive features
Indeed, 350 kW charging may also be featured in some models, thanks to the high-voltage architecture that is said to be a large part of the mix
If the powertrain follows the same plan as the Kia EV6, the Genesis GV60 could be available in two different powertrain configurations using the battery options mentioned above That is, either a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model could be available If it is anything like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which goes from 0-62 mph in just 52 seconds, the performance should be just as powerful, if not more so
One of the obvious advantages of purchasing the Genesis GV60 would be its premium feel Outwardly, this all-electric model has a lot of neat features, albeit built into its design that may provoke mixed reactions
According to Genesis, the GV60's design focus is based on "athletic elegance," and the two-line quad lamps and funky crest grille certainly give it a unique look
There is also a clamshell hood, which means that the hood and fenders are all part of the same panel, keeping the lines simple but effective The seamless design thinking is also carried over to the digital door mirrors, which are less cluttered on the sides of the car The rear lamps and fixed wing spoiler are more subtle and decorative
However, as far as the interior is concerned, the press shots shown here strongly suggest the interior design features that adorn the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 Being a Genesis, however, means that we can expect more plush seats, more embellishments in terms of design, and, of course, infotainment that ticks all the boxes
Interestingly, one of the key features in this aspect is the so-called Crystal Sphere, which allows the driver to select a drive mode or to be advised on driving conditions: one is the main instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel, the other is the central infotainment panel The screens at either end of the dash, on the other hand, are displays for the digital door mirrors
Since premium appeal is a major feature of the Genesis brand, it is reasonable to expect a reasonable amount of interior space This is obviously thanks to the flat floor provided by the E-GMP platform and underfloor battery pack
Genesis also expects to add both facial and fingerprint recognition to the car, allowing drivers to start the car without a key However, it remains to be seen how this will be incorporated and whether it will provide additional security against unwanted use
Rumors circulating on the web suggest that the Genesis GV60 may also include a wireless charging system as part of its specifications While such a feature is expected to increase the price, the ability to charge the GV60 at home, free from the hassle of an electrical outlet, would be a very attractive selling point
Reaction to the Genesis GV60 has so far been mixed, and its quirky appearance has failed to win enthusiastic support from some of the more critical sectors of motor journalists But there is no doubt that the Genesis GV60 has all the bells and whistles one would expect from a luxury carmaker It may also be the model that will help Genesis expand its appeal in Europe
However, the Genesis GV60 may be fighting a close relative, given the enthusiasm for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 Nevertheless, once specifications and pricing are finalized, the GV60 may find its own niche with buyers looking for a touch of refinement when purchasing their first fully electric vehicle
Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis, plans to introduce the all-electric Genesis GV60 to the market during 2022 as part of its efforts to strengthen its growing product portfolio Billed as a sleek crossover SUV, the EV boasts striking looks on the outside and promises ample luxury on the inside
Just as Lexus offers a high-end step up from the regular Toyota brand, Genesis is on the right track when it comes to premium, especially when it comes to interiors, as recently witnessed with the new ICE-powered G80 and GV80
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