2022 Genesis GV60 detailed! Korea takes Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 to next level to bring fight to BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace

Genesis has detailed its first dedicated all-electric model, the GV60 mid-size SUV, ahead of an Australian launch in the first half of next year, when it will arrive with a host of cutting-edge technologies.

Much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 mid-size SUVs, the GV60 uses Hyundai Motor Group’s emerging E-GMP platform for all-electric models, meaning the three have plenty in common, although there are some key differences beyond their unique styling.

The GV60 goes its own way by offering three powertrain options from launch, starting with a 168kW/350Nm single-motor variant with rear-wheel drive (RWD). Then there’s the mid-range 234kW/605Nm dual-motor version with part-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

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Sitting atop the GV60 line-up – for now – is a ‘performance’ model with a dual-motor powertrain with AWD. It makes 320kW/605Nm in Sports Mode, but for up to 10 seconds in Boost Mode, its outputs can increase to 360kW/700Nm to hit 100km/h in four seconds flat.

Compared to the Ioniq 5’s equivalent variants, the GV60’s entry-level and mid-range versions are 8kW and 9kW more powerful respectively, while the EV6’s counterparts are as potent and 5kW punchier. Either way, the performance model is unique.

That said, the GV60’s performance model does pale in comparison to the EV6’s GT high-performance flagship, which has a 430kW/740Nm dual-motor powertrain with AWD, for a triple-digit sprint time of 3.5s.

So, will the GV60 get its own high-performance flagship? Speaking to Australian and US media this week, Genesis executives said the premium brand currently doesn’t have plans to launch “a separate model”.

However, it’s worth noting the Ioniq 5 is yet to get its high-performance flagship, although it’s all but confirmed to receive the N treatment soon, with it expected to have more power than the EV6 GT to keep Hyundai positioned above Kia in the pecking order.

And that suggests the door is well and truly open for the GV60 to get its own Ioniq 5 N down the line, likely with the same powertrain, but time will tell what does – or doesn’t – happen, so stay tuned. Either way, it already has a Drift Mode for tail-happy drivers, plus an e-LSD.

In the meantime, we know the GV60 is exclusively fitted the EV6’s ‘long range’ 77.4kWh lithium-ion battery, forgoing the Ioniq 5’s 72.6kWh unit. That means the Genesis won’t be offered with the ‘standard range’ 58.0kWh item that’s offered in both the Kia and Hyundai.

Speaking of range, the GV60’s entry-level variant lasts the longest on a single charge, offering an estimated 451km, while its mid-range version and performance model can travel 400km and 368km respectively.

When it comes to charging, the GV60 has a 400/800V electrical architecture that supports 350kW DC ultra-fast chargers, which can increase its battery capacity from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes.

For reference, 11kW AC chargers are also compatible with the GV60, and so too are wireless items, while regenerative braking helps to charge the battery while the on the move, with it including a strong ‘one pedal’ mode, dubbed i-Pedal.

Better yet, the GV60 keeps following the Ioniq 5 and EV6’s lead with V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality, meaning it can act as a 3.6kW charger for electronic devices, so owners can have access to electricity no matter where they are, such as when camping.

What else do we now know about the GV60? Well, its coupe-style exterior and spacious interior were revealed last month, so there are no further surprises on the design front, although it’s still worth calling out its futuristic ‘digital’ side mirrors and pop-out doorhandles.

That said, the GV60’s Crystal Sphere shift-by-wire gear selector deserves another mention because now we know it only spins into action when the ‘ignition’ is on, making it easier for the driver to know when they can get going, as it’s not always obvious in other EVs.

But before the driver even gets into the GV60, they can take advantage of its infrared facial recognition technology, which is baked into the B-pillar, so all they need to do is look at it and touch the handle to unlock the doors.

When inside, the driver can then turn the ignition on by using the fingerprint reader that’s placed ahead of the Crystal Sphere shift-by-wire gear selector. All of this can be done without the key job if a connected smartphone with a ‘digital key’ is present.

Interestingly, the GV60’s support for over-the-air updates goes beyond its multimedia system and satellite navigation, with the software behind its electric steering, adaptive suspension, brakes, advanced driver-assist systems even airbags able to be tweaked.

The GV60’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems is extensive, with front autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist (including emergency), adaptive cruise control, speed limit recognition, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit Assist, remote park assist, rear AEB and surround-view cameras all included.

For reference, the GV60 measures 4515mm long (with a 2900mm wheelbase), 1890mm wide and 1580mm tall, making it noticeably shorter in length than both the Ioniq 5 (4680mm) and EV6 (4635mm).

Local pricing and full specification details for the new BMW iX3 ($114,900 plus on-road costs), Mercedes-Benz EQC (from $124,300) and Jaguar I-Pace (from $137,832) rival will be announced closer to its release.