Continuing its push toward electrification, luxury automaker Genesis has revealed its all-new Electrified GV70 crossover. Yes, “Electrified” is part of the name. It adds to the existing GV60 small crossover and Electrified G80 sedan, which covers its key markets.
Genesis has kept the design elements of the gasoline GV70, with the two main exceptions being the absence of tailpipes and the grille — in the grille’s place is now the charging port housed via seamless integration. There are still the signature two-line headlights and taillights, paired with clean and smooth design lines. The rear brings a large spoiler and if you decide to get one, opt for the classic five-spoke rims as they frame this EV quite nicely.
On the power side, Genesis uses the familiar 77.4 kWh battery that’s found in the smaller GV60. The difference is in the power output as the Electrified GV70 churns out 429 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. There’s a boost button available which sees power figures shoot up to 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque for 10 seconds — perhaps when you need to maneuver out of a potential collision situation. Realistically, I can’t see the boost feature being used on any street or highway as the as-is power figures are incredibly high for a vehicle of this size. Fun fact: the above figures are the same as the high-end Performance trim of the GV60, boost figures and all.
To keep this luxury EV in motion, charging times are respectable with a Level 2 charger. At 11 kW, it’ll go from 10 to 100 per cent in seven hours and five minutes. Bump up to a Level 3 charger at 50 kW and your 10 to 80 per cent fill comes in at 73 minutes. If you’re lucky enough to find a functional Level 3 fast charger at 350 kW, a mere 18 minutes is all you’ll wait to go from 10 to 80 per cent. If you’re driving an EV full time, there’s a high probability you’ll have a Level 2 charger at home, which makes the seven-hour charge time a realistic overnight number that would provide a fully charged battery every morning.
A big plus is the inclusion of both an indoor and outdoor V2L — vehicle to load — that lets you draw power from the battery to power smaller household appliances or larger items via the front charging port.
At the time of publishing, Genesis Canada did not have range information. The company says those figures will be released closer to when the vehicle is available, which is currently slated for late winter/early spring 2023.
Based on the GV60 Performance’s range of 378 km, as well as it having the same power output and battery as the Electrified GV70, I’d make an educated guess that the Electrified GV70’s range will end up in the 325 to 350 range — after all, this car is bigger and likely heavier. Again, these are not official figures; rather, a mild calculation given the similarity in power.
Inside, it’s predictable Genesis with high quality materials throughout, an excellent fit and finish and delightful digital decor. The oval shaped motif is consistent and used in the HVAC housing, armrests, door handles and seat bolsters. The infotainment system, based off a smart tile-style layout, is manipulated either via human touch or via the rotary controller, making it very user friendly. The digital dashboard follows suit with information easily extracted and can be clearly seen through the steering wheel.
Interestingly, the Electrified GV70 uses some eco-friendly materials, including yarn made from processing recycled plastic bottles and waste nets. With the battery laid along the floor, the openness in the cabin is maintained, similar to the gasoline version. There’s no cramped or narrow feeling up front and while the middle rear seat should only be used in a pinch, the outboard seats are comfortable.
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While the time I spent with it did not include a drive portion, Genesis says it offers a standard electronically controlled suspension and an e-Terrain drive mode.
Standard safety items are forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, intelligent speed limit assistant, advanced rear occupant alert, blind spot collision avoidance assist, highway driving assist, and more. Optional safety features are surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, as well as remote smart parking assist.
It’s puzzling that Genesis opted for a sedan and small crossover as its first all-electric options, rather than the GV70, but thankfully, it’s here — well, it should be here in six-is months. Canadian pricing and trim levels have not been announced yet, but remember that Genesis offers all-in-one pricing across its lineup, and I’d be shocked if the Electrified GV70 changed lanes.
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