Genesis GV60 2026 review: Advanced RWD | BMW iX1 rival tested

“Wow, is that a Bentley?”

Our week with Hyundai Motor Group luxury brand Genesis’ GV60 provided its fair share of surprises.

Read More About Genesis GV60

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Recently facelifted with a substantially lower starting price, the new base GV60 Series II enters a busier class of small electric SUVs from when the original launched in 2021.

How does it play out today?

The cheapest Genesis, for now

Kicking off from $88,300 (all prices are before on-road costs), the GV60 Advanced rear-wheel drive (2WD) is now the most affordable new Genesis in Australia.

But it remains a bit more expensive than most direct and more popular premium small electric SUV rivals, despite enduring a dramatic power cut from 234kW to 168kW.

This includes the BMW iX1 AWD (from $77,900), as well as the substantially cheaper Mini Countryman SE, Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX40 and Zeekr 7X.

The Advanced claps back in a number of ways, however.

For starters, it’s one of the few electric SUVs in this class (along with the Renault and Zeekr) using a dedicated EV architecture (E-GMP), instead of sharing a platform with an internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling. This cuts compromise and pays dividends for efficiency.

Secondly, the GV60 features 800-volt electrification rather than almost every other rivals’ 400V system, substantially speeding up charging. This is a remarkably sophisticated machine.

And, thirdly, convenience items abound, with walk to/away central locking, heated front and rear outboard and vented electric front seating, a toasty steering wheel and powered tailgate.

Other GV60 features include:

• A (bigger) battery at 84kWh offering 561km of WLTP range
• A (significantly larger) widescreen display at 27 inches
• A heat-pump heater with driver-only zoning to help range
• Multi-level single-pedal drive using regenerative braking via paddle shifters
• Vehicle to Load (V2L) external appliance powering
• Five years free servicing
• Backup Light Guide – a reverse-gear light projection on to the gutter to help avoid alloy wheel rash

The consensus is the Advanced neither looks nor feels like an entry-level proposition. Expensive, but worth it.

In the shadow of its sisters

The facelifted GV60 remains an attractive, rounded compact SUV/crossover with a sporty premium hatch look.

For 2026 it ushers in redesigned lighting elements, reprofiled bumpers, more body coloured trim, revised alloy wheels and a new underbody cover for improved aero efficiency.

But the GV60 has always lived in the shadow of its somehow more glamourous E-GMP siblings, the elegant Hyundai Ioniq 5 and racy Kia EV6. Particularly as they cost significantly less.

At least Genesis has been able to meet brand expectations inside.

Worthwhile interior updates

The GV60 seems more compact inside than other electric SUVs in its class, and even against the Ioniq 5 and EV6.

However, the new elongated touchscreen with its improved graphics (whilst retaining button access functionality), sumptuous front seats, lovely steering wheel and quality materials do elevate it.

Again, there’s nothing base about the Advanced.

Genesis also provides plenty of surprise and delight items, like that anti-gravel-rash kerb illuminator, drawer-style glovebox, tunnel storage under the centre console, strange swivelling gear-lever ball and secret storage thanks to a compartmentalised boot floor.

Cargo capacity is limited by the coupe-like styling, so can’t match a BMW iX1, though with 432 litres VDA (expandable to 1460L), it is far better than, say, a Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla.

However, the lack of a spare wheel is a disappointment.

Where the really good stuff lives…

Under the bonnet is 53L of additional ‘frunk’ storage, so that’s also helpful.

That’s because the 168kW/350Nm electric motor is on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. This layout gives the Genesis an unexpected athleticism, which in turn makes it fun to drive fast.

Acceleration is still very brisk despite the power downgrade, and in Sport throttle response is downright rapid, while the smooth power delivery is matched by the linear, controlled steering, that provides a decent degree of feedback. In the wet it’s easy to momentarily break rear-wheel traction.

And while the suspension possesses a sporty edge, the Advanced’s ride quality is also supple enough when comfort is a priority. The E-GMP’s chassis sophistication really shines through. If you’re a driving enthusiast, the small premium you pay for a GV60 is worth it for the dynamic flair delivered.

Easy on the wallet

Being an E-GMP EV, the efficiency’s not too bad at all, especially considering how much we enjoyed the Advanced out on our rural road drive. Our average was 15.8kWh/100km (indicated), and were on track to achieve about 485km range from the big 84kWh battery. The WLTP range is 561km. More sedate commuting would see that improve markedly.

Security sorted

Scoring a five-star ANCAP rating in 2022, the GV60’s update saw the addition of a broader amount of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tech – namely improved lane-support capabilities.

Along with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), the Advanced includes 10 airbag, surround-view cameras, safe-exit assist and what Genesis calls Full Micro Lens Array LED headlights for better nighttime illumination.

Still on security, Genesis offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (130,000km for fleet buyers) with roadside assistance, trailing Kia and Hyundai’s seven-year guarantee. Why not all for one and one for all?

On the other hand, servicing is free for the first five years.