We get behind the wheel of the Genesis Electrified GV70 – the refreshed flagship SUV from the upmarket South Korean brand…
I first tested the Electrified GV70 in 2022. It was one of the first models from Genesis, which was launched in the UK the year before.
To put Genesis into context – it’s the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia and Hyundai. So, think Lexus/Toyota or Infiniti/Nissan.
Starting at £64,405, the Electrified GV70 was on the pricey side at launch and it was up against everything from the Tesla Model Y to the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
That said, I was really impressed with the Electrified GV70, and it’s remained a hidden gem of the Genesis range.
Fast forward to 2025, and the GV70 has been treated to a makeover with tweaked styling, a bigger battery, new trim levels, and a more luxurious interior.
Genesis hasn’t used the facelift as an excuse to whack up the price either. The Electrified GV70 now starts at £65,915, which seems rather more reasonable a few years on.
Let’s start with specs. Previously there was just the Sport option. Now buyers can choose Pure, Dynamic, and Luxury.
Externally, the GV70 looks much the same, which is no bad thing, because it’s an elegant SUV.
Changes include slimmer LED headlights, new wheel designs, tweaked bumpers and rear lights. Some say it’s resulted in a baby Bentley look.
Perhaps the most important change is that the GV70 now has a larger 84kWh battery (up from 77kWh), which increases the claimed range to 298 miles.
And thanks to its powerful 800V architecture, it’s possible to charge at up to 350kW, resulting in a theoretical 10-80% top-up time of just 19 minutes.
All three models in the range are all-wheel drive with the same dual-motor set-up that delivers up to 483bhp when the Boost mode is engaged (the standard output is a still potent 429bhp).
Perfect for overtaking, boost mode gives a 10-second burst of maximum performance, taking you from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Inside, a lovely new panoramic 27-inch OLED display steals the show with its mix of essential driving information and infotainment functions. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for the first time.
The new system now also has the ability to run streaming services such as Netflix and Disney through the screen (ideal during rest stops or whilst charging).
Add the Dolby Atmos sound played through the B&O sound system and active noise cancelling in the cabin, and the effect is truly cinematic.
I’m just pleased that Genesis hasn’t gone totally minimalist. Prodding and swiping a touchscreen on the move is distracting, so keeping physical controls for essentials such as climate control is welcome.
Overall, the quality of the materials used, the mix of metals and leather, plus the superb cabin refinement, give the GV70 a luxury ambience.
There’s even a wireless phone charger next to a UV light-sterilised armrest storage compartment, so you can clean your phone as you drive.
The driving position at its lowest is still a tad high for my liking, but then that is one of my EV bugbears.
There’s plenty of space up front and for rear passengers, and the seats are super comfortable, while the boot expands from 503 litres to 1,678 litres with the rear seats down. Visibility is generally good, though the rear window is on the narrow side.
There are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport , plus e-Terrain mode which uses artificial intelligence to “read” the driving surface in real time and deliver the appropriate grip. You can also manually choose from Snow, Mud and Sand modes.
But perhaps the best feature of all is the new virtual gear shift function. While not as impressive as the system found in its sporty cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it is clever and allows you to use the regenerative braking paddles as gear shifters, complete with exhaust note and simulated engine braking.
On the road, the Electrified GV70 is very fast and surprisingly agile for a 2.3-tonne SUV, but it’s still a lot of car to control and bring to a halt on the twisty bits, which ultimately dents the driving fun.
But then this EV is more about luxury, comfort and refinement, so it’s at its best simply wafting along.
With accurate steering, strong grip and traction levels and a compliant ride, the GV70 is an impressive cruiser.
When driven sensibly, it’s efficient too, and a useful real-world range north of 250 miles is quite possible – more in city driving.
And if you’re looking for peace of mind, every Genesis model comes with a generous five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
A five-year Care Plan is also available, which includes at-home collection and return for servicing, a courtesy car, road assistance for five years, and free software updates.
Verdict: The Electrified GV70 is better than ever – and still Genesis’s best all-round car. Elegant, fast, luxurious, practical and easy to drive, it’s a leftfield choice if you’re looking for a large electric SUV.
