The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Is Yet Another Knockout
If you've been paying attention to the rise of Genesis, it should come as no surprise that the Electrified GV70 is excellent. It is, as the name implies, an all-electric version of the GV70, Genesis's Audi Q5/BMW X3/Mercedes GLC competitor. The gas-powered GV70 was already at the top of its class—this electric version just makes it even better.
Unlike the smaller GV60, the Electrified GV70 doesn't ride on a dedicated EV platform. It's also decidedly less avant garde than its little sibling, with more conventional luxury-car styling and a more traditional interior. The GV60, Genesis says, is for EV purists; the Electrified GV70 is for luxury crossover buyers who just so happen to want an EV. A subtle, yet key distinction.
A 77.4-kWh battery mounted under the floor powers a 214-hp motor at each axle and provides 236 miles of range. Total system output is 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, though a boost button on the bottom spoke of the steering wheel ups this to 483 hp for 10 seconds, available multiple times in a row until the battery dips below a 25-percent charge. Prices start at $67,550 for the very-well-equipped Advanced package, while the ritzier Prestige commands $74,350. As it's built in Hyundai's Alabama plant—a first for a Genesis model—it qualifies for the up-to-$7500 federal tax credit for new EVs.
This is one of those cars that'll wow you within the first mile. The interior is better than anything you'll find for under $100,000, and the electric powertrain brings effortless performance and refinement. The Electrified GV70 is fast, and even without using the Boost mode, it rockets up to highway speeds with total ease. From a standstill with Boost mode, all four Michelin 265/45R20 Primacy Tour all-seasons momentarily break traction, and if you're on a decently cambered road, you even get a bit of torque steer. It's a riot.
To accommodate the extra weight of the electric powertrain, Genesis made a number of chassis tweaks resulting in more torsional rigidity. This strength allows Genesis to tune the ride-handling balance to perfection and provides a wonderful feeling of solidity. We drove this car in the Atlanta metropolitan area, on a route that didn't involve many rough roads, yet on the few bigger bumps we found, the GV70 smoothed everything out. On a country road, the GV70 isn't quite as eager or engaging as a Porsche Macan, but it's more than competent. You can set a great pace, and the composure is such that it's easy to drive way too fast.
Like the GV60, the Electrified GV70 primarily uses the rear motor in Eco and Normal drive modes, whereas in Sport, the front is much quicker to come online, giving it a more distinctly all-wheel-drive feel. I think I actually prefer using Normal mode, for that reason, but you don't get as much instant acceleration. Either way, it's enjoyable and relaxing to drive. Also aiding relaxation is Hyundai's excellent Highway Driving Assist, which follows the car ahead and keeps you centered in your lane. This comes as standard and gets a number of improvements for the Electrified GV70, including the ability to steer you away from a car crowding your lane. The system is intuitive to activate, coming online with a simple steering wheel button.
While I can't speak to the interior quality of the base Electrified GV70—none were on hand for sampling—given Genesis's track record, it should be great. The cabin of the Prestige model is superb, with no cheap materials to be found, no matter how hard you look. It looks and feels far better than its price and all its rivals. Especially in the optional white, which gives it an open airy feel. The infotainment system isn't the slickest out there, but a rotary control wheel in the center console makes it super easy to use on the move. It makes you wish the Germans hadn't abandoned this sort of interface. Also lovely is the digital gauge cluster, which has a layered 3D effect that makes it so much better than a typical boring screen.
What's nice here is that the addition of batteries hasn't made a meaningful impact on interior space. Second-row legroom shrinks a tiny bit—and unfortunately, it wasn't great to begin with—as does trunk space, but you'll have a hard time noticing. A comparison chart provided by Genesis shows the compromise of the Electrified GV70 compared with the GV60. That car's dedicated EV platform allows for damn near as much interior room in a smaller package. Despite the extra weight and size, however, the Electrified GV70 is basically just as efficient as the GV60 Performance, which uses the same battery and motors.
These drawbacks feel fairly negligible, though—you've really got to nitpick to find more problems with the Electrified GV70. Among things I noticed; the passenger seat in the Prestige model has no massage function; there's no wireless CarPlay or Android Auto; and the color palette is limited to white, two grays, and black as a result of having to use the same paint booth as other Hyundai models built at the same plant. The range of 236 miles isn't quite class-leading, especially if you compare the GV70 to the large, 307-mile Cadillac Lyriq, which costs about the same. Still, the 800-volt electrical architecture allows for some of the fastest charging speeds around, whether you're at home or using a DC fast charger.
Perhaps the GV60 makes a better case for offering very similar driving dynamics and passenger space in a more affordable package. Yet the traditional style and vibe of the Electrified GV70 has more mass appeal. It's more mainstream, yet no less cool for it. A Tesla Model Y is an obvious rival, though Genesis trounces it on interior quality; the Lexus RZ costs a bit less, but it doesn't feel nearly as nice, and offers less range and charging speed; the Cadillac Lyriq is much larger and offers more range for similar money, though we'd have to drive both back-to-back to render a final verdict on which is better.
In any case, the Electrified GV70 isn't just one of the best small luxury electric crossovers on the market, it's one of the best regardless of propulsion. Maybe the best. The mix of gorgeous exterior and interior, excellent driving dynamics, and powerful, refined electric drivetrain makes the Electrified GV70 a deeply compelling proposition.
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