Genesis GV60 EV SUV revealed, 430kW dual-motor expected

The Genesis GV60 has been revealed as the brand’s first electric SUV ahead of an Australian arrival early in 2022.

The new GV60 – which has been spied testing in Australia – represents the beginning of a growing electric lineup for the fledgling luxury brand that is fast expanding its lineup and has previously confirmed the upcoming G80 EV.

The first battery electric SUV from the Hyundai-owned brand, the GV60 is a boldly-styled crossover that rides on the E-GMP architecture that also underpins the soon-to-arrive Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

Many details are still to be revealed about the new GV60 – Genesis is calling this early release of information a “preview” – including its dimensions.

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However, the GV60 is believed to be slightly smaller than the Ioniq 5. And, given Genesis has a mid-sized SUV that’s just gone on sale called the GV70, the name alone suggests it is smaller than that vehicle.

So it’s likely the electric crossover will in some way compete with the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric and Mercedes-Benz EQA, each of which is priced well below $100,000. It will also likely fight with the Tesla Model Y due late in 2021 or early 2022.

However, it’s believed to be slightly larger than those compact SUVs, so could also cross into the EV territory so far occupied by the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-Tron and upcoming BMW iX3.

Like the size of the vehicle, best guesses are that the price could split those two categories. Think somewhere around $100K as a start.

The five images Genesis has released so far – more details are due soon – show a crossover-style five-door boasting the now-signature split quad headlights and tail lights of the Genesis brand.

It has a clean, rounded shape with some distinctive design elements, such as the triangular gouge on the roof pillar above the rear wheels.

Grey wheel arch flares and lower side sills also create the impression of an SUV stance, despite the GV60 appearing to ride relatively low to the ground.

And door handles are recessed, only emerging as you approach the vehicle.

There’s also a clamshell bonnet, similar to those used on cars such as the Mini hatch and Range Rover. And on the bonnet is a new winged badge said to be 80 percent thicker than before, to ram home the branding and add to the perception of quality.

There are also camera in lieu of side mirrors, similar to those used on the Audi e-Tron. They include individual screens on either side of the dash to display what’s going on outside the car.

However, like the e-Tron, also expect to see regular mirrors on the GV60, as has been seen on development prototypes testing.

Inside, there’s a broad screen that incorporates the central infotainment unit and the digital instrument cluster.

A floating centre console incorporates a crystal circular control dial known as the Crystal Sphere. Almost sounds a bit Harry Potter…

While there will no doubt be various colour and trim options – Genesis offers a broad choice on its existing models – the blue looks like a similar hue to that available on the Hyundai Nexo hydrogen-powered fuel cell EV.

Genesis hasn’t released any details on power or performance of the GV60 for now.

But it’s safe to assume it will share plenty with the Ioniq 5 and EV6.

The GV60 will be offered as both a rear-drive single motor version and a dual-motor all-wheel drive.

It’s that more powerful dual-motor one that is expected to make an appearance at Australian dealerships when the car goes on sale early in 2022.

That dual-motor model is expected to get the drivetrain from the Kia EV6 GT. That means two motors teaming to produce a combined 430kW and 740Nm, which would allow 0-100km/h acceleration in around 3.5 seconds.