Genesis – Pulpaddict

Getting up to speed with Genesis

We discover the latest Genesis model updates – and take the GV60 and Electrified GV70 on some unusual manoeuvres…

Time flies. It’s just two years since Genesis (Hyundai’s upmarket brand) launched in the UK and Europe. Already, eight models have been launched – three of which are electric.

I was among a group of journalists invited to Berlin recently for the chance to have some fun in the GV60 and GV70 EVs at a proving ground, and to be given a demonstration of the enhanced technological features of the latest GV60.

I opted to drive an Electrified G80 to the test facility about half an hour outside Berlin. Not just an opportunity to arrive in style, but a chance to reacquaint myself with this zero emissions luxury saloon. Elegant and effortless, and with a claimed range of up to 323 miles, it’s a hidden gem.

The GV60 and GV70 tend to grab most of the spotlight for good reason. They are both excellent electric vehicles in their own ways, and now it was time to see how they perform in challenging conditions in a controlled environment under the guidance of instructors.

Our first test was to pull an empty horsebox weighing 1,200kg in a GV70 SUV. This may not sound impressive (thought the Electrified GV70 can tow a maximum of 1,800kg braked), but one of the great myths is that electric vehicles can’t tow at all.

Sure, EV towing capacities are currently not in the 3,500kg top league of big petrol/diesel SUVs and pick-ups, but 1,800kg braked means that trailers and smaller caravans can be towed.

We didn’t just pull a horsebox at regular speeds, we were given the chance to see how the combo copes in extreme conditions.

First we drove the GV70 at speed on a freshly soaked track – the kind of slippery surface that would worry a car driver without a horsebox hooked up.

Then we tested its acceleration and braking capabilities. No hanging about here – foot flat on the floor and full instant torque, followed by a stamp on the brake pedal from high speed.

Finally, a chance to tackle a slalom course – still with the horsebox in tow.

These are extreme scenarios for drivers with anything in tow. And to say the GV70 performed admirably would be an understatement.

Despite the slippery conditions, the GV70’s driving assistance and safety technologies kicked in, keeping the wheels from spinning and the horsebox in check.

The acceleration and braking test was equally impressive. Once again, the car was composed and the horsebox remained remarkably ‘stable’ in a scenario where alarming snaking and pitching might be expected.

Again, no swaying on the slalom course, where car and horsebox seemed in perfect harmony.

Overall, at no time did the horsebox feel or look out of control, while the GV70 performed as if the horsebox wasn’t there.

Next it was on to another smaller, artificially-soaked section of track (circular this time) for a fun test in a GV60 crossover, complete with all-wheel drive and a combined 429bhp.

There’s also a Boost button on the steering wheel that increases power the GV60’s power to 483bhp for a 10-second period, delivering 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque and a 0-62mph time of four seconds.

Crucially for our activity, we could also activate Drift mode, which gives the GV60 the more playful feel of a rear-wheel drive model.

As you know, drifting is (quite simply!) putting a car into oversteer and holding it there.

First I had a go with all the electronic aids switched on. The result was a car being driven around in a tight circle with no drama.

Next, the various features such as traction control and ESC Electronic Stability Control (all designed to keep the car stable) were switched off.

Easier said than done, especially in a confined space, but I think I finally managed a ‘circuit’ of drifting before I lost it and spun round as my speed increased.

All good fun, but there is a serious side to it all. Not only did the ‘workshop’ demonstrate how very capable and safe the GV60 and Electrified GV70 are, it also showed that EVs can be engaging and dynamic.

Finally, we got to test three clever pieces of security technology making their world debut in the Genesis GV60.

Using state-of-the-art facial recognition software and camera, Face Connect allows a driver to unlock the doors, prime the vehicle for starting and pre-load the user’s profile without using the key fob.

Setting the system up is a bit of a faff, but once it’s done you simply look into a camera on the B-pillar. It then scans your face, and hey presto!

As an extra layer of security, there’s Fingerprint Authentication via a touch sensor in the centre console. Not only will this allow you to start the car, it will automatically load your user profile, including settings for the multimedia, head-up display, seats and external mirrors.

This is a truly game-changing concept, but there’s more. Digital Key 2.0 allows owners to share access to their GV60 with up to three different smartphone users, each with their own individual profile.

Genesis is going places. Not just in terms of technology, but by 2025 all new Genesis models will be 100% electric. By 2030, it will be a completely zero emissions brand. And by 2035, it will be carbon neutral.

Electrified Genesis GV70 review

We road test the new electric version of one of the stars of the Genesis range – the GV70 medium-sized SUV…

Before we start, if you’re unfamiliar with the Genesis brand, then here’s a quick recap.

Genesis is the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia. So, think Lexus/Toyota or Infiniti/Nissan.

Genesis was launched in the UK in the summer of 2021 and the GV70 was one of the first models, though at the time it was only available with petrol and diesel engines.

Fast forward to 2022 and an all-electric variant of the GV70 has been added to the range, though it’s marketed as the ‘Electrified GV70’, which is a term more often associated with hybrids.

Starting at £64,405, it is on the pricey side and its main competitors include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model Y.

Currently only available with all-wheel drive, the Electrified GV70 combines a 77.4kWh battery with two electric motors, delivering 700Nm of torque and a range of up to 283 miles.

Most of the time it pushes out 436hp and can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 4.8 seconds.

However, if you hit the ‘Boost’ button on the steering wheel you get access to the full power (483bhp), for about 10 seconds, which is enough to reduce the 0-62mph time to just 4.2 seconds.

Apart from the instant torque and the refined, whisper quiet driving experience, the EV version of the GV70 is much the same as its ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) siblings – which is no bad thing.

The GV70’s classy interior has comfortable leather seats and it oozes quality. There’s a huge 14.5-inch central infotainment screen which can be operated by touch or via the rotary dial down by the gear selector.

Thankfully, it’s not too minimalist either. Instead, there are some accessible buttons and switches – and most importantly of all – physical climate controls.

There’s plenty of space for rear passengers, while the luggage capacity is a little smaller than the non-electric versions, but it’s still a decent 503 litres with the seats in place. Flip them down and there’s a useful 1,678-litre load space with good access.

For substantial 2.3-tonne SUV that wasn’t designed as a pure electric vehicle from the ground up, the GV70 handles surprisingly well.

The suspension is on the firm side, but the overall driving experience is a relaxing one. Unlike some competitors, it can be hustled on more challenging roads and it’s good fun – especially in Sport mode.

Naturally there’s a bit of body roll in faster corners, but it’s not excessive and the Electrified GV70 remains composed.

Add precise steering, good visibility and plenty of traction to the well soundproofed cabin (there are double-glazed windows and an acoustic laminated windscreen to help minimise tyre and wind noise), and it just keeps ticking the right boxes.

There are Eco, Comfort and Sport driving modes, plus a one-pedal driving option which can bring the car to a halt without having to touch the brake pedal.

It also features an e-Terrain mode, but we didn’t get to test it in anger. Let’s just say that it’s probably more than enough to get you out of a muddy field at a festival site.

Living with the Electrified GV70 is easier than some rivals too, because it comes with an ultra-fast charging capability, which can take the battery from 10-80% in 18 minutes when hooked up to a super rapid 350kW charger.

There is also a vehicle-to-load feature (V2L) for plugging in external devices, such as camping equipment, laptops or tools, for example.

It’s also worth noting that Genesis has a deal with the IONITY charging network which means five years’ of discount rates.

If safety is a priority then it won’t disappoint either. The Genesis GV70 range enjoys a five-star score from Euro NCAP, with high ratings in the occupant and safety tech categories.

The long list of standard safety and driver assistance kit includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and a reversing camera.

Finally, don’t forget that Genesis offers a completely different VIP ownership experience.

There are no dealerships. Instead, you visit a studio where you can interact with a Genesis Personal Assistant (GPA), who’s under no pressure to make a sale and is employed on a commission-free basis.

It’s hoped the GPA will remain a direct point of contact throughout the ownership experience, delivering cars for test drives and purchases, and collecting your car for servicing (providing a like-for-like Genesis while your car is away).

What’s more, Genesis’s 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.

Verdict: Handsome, generously equipped, safe, spacious, comfortable, packed with tech and a joy to drive, the Electrified GV70 is one of the best big zero emissions SUVs on the market. If that hasn’t convinced you, then add the VIP ownership experience and five-year warranty/care plan to the list.

Genesis UK

Genesis GV60 review

We road test the first pure electric car from the new, upmarket Genesis brand…

Before we begin, let’s start with a quick refresh. Genesis is the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia. So, think Lexus/Toyota and DS/Citroen. Only launched in the UK in the summer of 2021, its impressive stable of prestige cars includes saloons, SUVs and an estate.

Up until now, the range hasn’t quite matched up to the equivalents from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

The good news for Genesis is that we think the fully electric GV60 will go down as the brand’s breakthrough model.

Developed alongside its award-winning cousins, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 is arguably the most successful of the trio in the looks department.

Slightly shorter than the Ioniq 5 and EV6, it’s nicely proportioned with a curvaceously muscular stance and short overhangs. There are flush-fitting door handles along its flowing profile, plus the option of rear-facing cameras instead of conventional door mirrors. Slim, stacked headlights and a broad black grille are highlights up front, while its sexy derrière is a candidate for Rear of the Year.

Priced from £47,005, the new Genesis GV60 is available in three trims (Premium, Sport and Sport Plus) and all versions come with a 77.4kWh battery, but different choices of electric motor.

It’s not worth listing the differences between the grades when it comes to goodies. Let’s just say, the GV60 is generously equipped, though obviously you should compare. Perhaps more importantly, it’s the technical differences that matter.

The GV60 Premium gets a single 225bhp electric motor that drives the rear wheels, giving up to 321 miles of range.

Sport versions come with dual motors producing a total of 314hp. These cars are four-wheel drive, but range is down to 292 miles.

The top-spec GV60 Sport Plus we tested gets a more powerful dual-motor setup that produces an impressive 483bhp in total, though range is down again to a still decent 289 miles on a single charge.

It’s worth noting that there’s a boost button on the Sport Plus which unlocks a 10-second blast of gut-wrenching power. Oh, and those 0-62mph times range from 7.8 seconds for the Premium down to 4.0 seconds for the Sport Plus.

The Genesis GV60 also comes with a state-of-the-art 800-volt electrical system that lets you charge it using ultra rapid 350kw chargers from 10-80% full in just 18 minutes.

Alternatively, a 10-80% charge via a more common 50kW connection will take 73 minutes, while a 10-100% boost from an 11kw home wallbox takes seven hours 20 minutes.

The cabin is spacious and faultlessly finished, though it’s worth test-driving the GV60 is you regularly carry taller than average rear passengers because of the sloping roofline.

Two wide 12.3-inch digital screens take care of infotainment duties, but thankfully there’s also a good balance of traditional buttons and dials to easily access commonly used functions.

The interior’s party trick is the gorgeous crystal ball in the middle of the centre console (Genesis calls it a ‘Crystal Sphere’) which revolves to reveal a rotating dial with Drive, Reverse, Park etc when the GV60 is ready to go.

The boot has a useful 432-litre capacity to the parcel shelf, expanding to 1,550 litres with the rear seats folded down. There’s also space under the bonnet – the perfect spot to store your charging cables.

My only criticisms of the cabin are that the brushed metal effect used extensively has a plastic feel to it – not unlike a much cheaper Hyundai. Also, visibility through the small rear window isn’t the best, and there’s no wiper.

The GV60’s driving position is comfortable, if fairly high, and the car itself certainly feels substantial.

Obviously it’s quiet, refined and very fast. The Sport Plus we tested had adaptive predictive suspension, which uses information from the front camera and navigation system to adjust damping in advance, delivering an impressively comfortable ride.

There’s good body control in corners, but ultimately the GV60’s agility will always be compromised by its width and two-tonne weight. In other words, you’d need some track time to have the confidence to take it close to the limit.

That said there’s a serious amount of grip and traction from those epic 21-inch Michelin-shod wheels, so you can still have fun and a play with the various drive modes.

We found Comfort mode does just fine and the GV60 is at its best cruising effortlessly along at the legal limit. Oh, and a special mention for the steering wheel paddles which let you vary the amount of brake regeneration through five levels, from frictionless coasting to one-pedal driving.

Finally, the steering is light and accurate, but there’s not much in the way of feedback, while the brakes are progressive, unlike many EVs.

Before we sign off, it’s worth remembering that Genesis is no ordinary brand, offering a completely different VIP ownership experience.

It’s hoped the GPA will remain a direct point of contact throughout your ownership experience, delivering cars for test drives and purchases, and collecting your car for servicing (providing a like-for-like Genesis while your car is away).

What’s more, Genesis’s 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.

Verdict: The all-new Genesis GV60 is a class act. Big, practical, comfortable, safe and a joy to drive, it’s one of the best electric crossovers on the market with serious kerb appeal. Add the unique sales and aftercare package and it’s sure to appeal to buyers who prefer the finer things in life.

Genesis

Genesis G70 review

We get behind the wheel of the latest entrant in the compact luxury saloon class – the Genesis G70…

Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group (think Lexus/Toyota), only launched in the UK in the summer of 2021 and it already has an impressive stable of cars, ranging from saloons to SUVs, plus the G70 Shooting Brake.

So far, the range only includes traditional petrol and diesel powered vehicles, though plug-in hybrid versions of some models are on the way.

The big breakthrough will come later in 2022 when the 100% electric Genesis GV60 is launched. Developed alongside the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it should be a cracker. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to driving the GV60 this summer.

Meanwhile, we’ve been road-testing the G70 saloon, which has the tough task of stealing sales from the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60 and Alfa Romeo Giulia, to name but a few.

We’ve already driven the elegant estate version (marketed as a Shooting Brake) and we were impressed.

Competitively priced from £33,400, the four-door G70 is available with two turbocharged engines – either a 2.0-litre petrol (194bhp or 241bhp) or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

Our test car was diesel-powered, offering a top speed of 143mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.4 seconds. Fuel economy is 42.7-44.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are 166-173g/km.

The more powerful petrol engine is faster, with a top speed of 149mph and a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds, but fuel economy is 31.9-35.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 181-201g/km.

First impressions of the G70 are good. It’s a good looking sports saloon with an athletic stance and there’s no mistaking that bold ‘G-Matrix’ grille design.

Inside, there’s no shortage of kit, including a 10.25in landscape-oriented touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Unlike some manufacturers, it also offers a healthy mix of the modern and traditional with dials, buttons and proper air vents.

The G70 is packed with the latest safety kit too, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot collision avoidance tech.

The interior oozes quality and has been well put together. There’s ample space up front, but it’s slightly cosier in the back, especially for an adult passenger sitting behind a taller driver.

Overall, the cabin is a comfortable, plush place to be and the low-slung driving position is perfect. For the record, boot capacity is a reasonable 330 litres.

The Genesis G70 handles well and offers a composed, luxurious ride, even if it’s not as sporty as you might expect (you can experiment with the drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport ). More spirited drivers can still have fun on more challenging roads because it’s nicely balanced and there’s plenty of grip, but it’s no BMW.

Ultimately, it’s not a class-leading drive, nor will the engine set your pulse racing. It does the job and there’s plenty of torque on tap, but it’s vocal when pushed and real world fuel economy is short of 40mpg.

On the plus side, the steering is sharp and direct, and light when driving around town or manoeuvring into parking spaces.

So, the G70 is a mixed bag, but then Genesis is no ordinary brand and a completely different VIP ownership experience is on offer.

What’s more, the 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.

Verdict: The Genesis G70 should definitely be on your sports saloon shortlist, especially if you’d like to experience a VIP ownership experience. Luxurious, well equipped and delivering a smooth, composed drive, it stands out from the crowd and would probably come into its own as a plug-in hybrid.

Genesis UK

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review

We drive the latest model from Genesis – the new prestige brand from South Korea.

Genesis would probably rather we didn’t mention the ‘H’ or ‘K’ words, but it would be odd not to add some context to the arrival of Genesis in Europe.

Already well known in its home market, as well as the US, Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Australia, Genesis is the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, meaning its other sister brand is Kia. Think Lexus/Hyundai and Infiniti/Nissan.

Of course, in Europe it faces a tough task, especially when it comes to stealing sales from the German big three – BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

However, it does have a few tricks up its sleeve to entice buyers, most notably a unique buying experience, generous warranty and VIP aftercare package.

What’s more, the 5-Year Care Plan includes servicing, roadside assistance, courtesy car, mapping and over-the-air software updates.

Anyway, enough about the Genesis concept, what about the all-new G70 Shooting Brake? Well, not only is its name steeped in history, but it’s also one of the most elegant estate cars on the market.

Only available in Europe, it competes with the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Mercedes C-Class Estate, plus the Volvo V60.

Just like the Genesis G70/G80 saloons and GV70/GV80s SUVs launched in 2021, the G70 Shooting Brake is offered with a choice of conventional petrol and diesel engines. Yes, strangely for a new brand, there’s no hybrid assistance, let alone a pure electric version.

All that will change later in 2022 when Genesis launches its first fully electric cars, then from 2025 it will only roll out EVs.

The engine choice for the G70 Shooting Brake is between a 2.0-litre petrol (194bhp or 241bhp outputs), or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel.

All the units have four cylinders and a turbo, feeding their power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

We tested G70 Shooting Brakes fitted with the diesel unit and the most powerful petrol engine.

Competitively priced from £35,250 to £41,880 (the 5-Year Care Plan is included), there are three generously equipped trim levels on offer – Premium Line, Luxury Line and Sport.

It’s packed with the latest safety kit too, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot collision avoidance tech.

Inside, it oozes quality and it’s been well put together. There’s plenty of space up front, but it’s slightly cosier in the back, especially for an adult passenger sitting behind a taller driver. In fact, if the driver sits low in the car there’s no room for the rear seat passenger to place their feet under the front seat.

With that caveat, the cabin is a comfortable, plush place to be and there’s a decent 465 litres of luggage capacity (expanding to 1,535 litres with the rear seats flipped).

There’s a conventional layout for the driver, so thankfully there are still a few dials and knobs alongside the 10.25-inch touchscreen, while the seating position is superb.

Overall, the G70 Shooting Brake handles well. The combination of supple ride, sharp steering, balanced suspension setup, grip and body control are impressive.

The petrol’s 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds is quicker than the diesel (7.7 seconds) and respectable, rather than smile-on-your-face territory.

There are four driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport ). We spent most of our time in Comfort (perfect for cruising).

Sport adds a little more urgency, especially in the torquey diesel, which also benefits from a piped in engine growl when you put your foot down.

The eight-speed auto is fine, but it will frustrate more spirited drivers because it has a tendency to hold onto lower gears, especially with the petrol.

If the lack of any form of electrification is a surprise, then the economy offered by both the petrol and diesel engines is positively old school.

On paper the diesel can manage up to 41.8mpg, but we couldn’t get higher than mid-30s, while the petrol has a claimed high of 30.2mpg (real world early/mid 20s, unless driven like a saint). CO2 emissions are up to 182.1g/km and 217.4g/km respectively.

Verdict: The sleek, elegant Genesis G70 Shooting Brake combines plush materials and excellent build quality with a sporty yet comfortable drive. Go for it if you want a VIP owning experience and you like standing out from the crowd.

Genesis UK