It’s happening folks. Whether we like it or not. The inexorable march to our all-electric future.
Genesis joins the fray with the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle model, the GV60 Performance, a high-performance, luxury electric in the shape of a sleek and athletic coupé crossover utility vehicle.
“GV60 will set a new standard for luxury electric vehicles with a powerful driving performance and various key features based on interactions with customers,” said Jay Chang, Global Head of Genesis. “It’s symbolic model that materializes the unique values and the sensibilities that Genesis stands for. It offers a satisfying experience to our customers who want something valuable, but different, he said.”
My tester was powered by two 160kW motors for the front and rear wheels, delivering 429 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Maximum range is listed a 228 miles, making it an ideal option for customers seeking a fun driving experience.
On top of that, GV60 comes with a “Boost Button” that provides and even more dynamic element. The mode immediately increases the performance of the vehicle’s maximum output, making the driving experience more dynamic. Located on the steering wheel, the button boosts performance for 10 seconds, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds.
i-Pedal mode allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just the accelerator pedal. This mode can be activated under the strongest regenerative brake stage, which can be selected by utilizing the paddle shift. It not only enables one-pedal driving, but also maximizes regenerative brake, increasing the car’s driving range.
But wait, there’s more! For drivers looking for an even more dynamic experience, the GV60 also features a “Drift Mode”. The feature provides athletic driving by optimizing distribution of driving power and the braking system.
The GV60 exterior also exudes speed and athleticism. Highlights include a clamshell hood, body surfacing that’s seamless and minimal, without undercuts or character lines, and a seamless silhouette with hood to spoiler with short overhangs and a long wheelbase.
In addition, the GV60 accentuates its cutting-edge look with digital side mirrors and electric door handles. The handles automatically pop up when the driver approaches the car with their smart key.
Comfort and convenience features abound once inside, coupled with healthy doses pf multimedia and technology. My favorites were the heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats, vision roof with power shade, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 17 speakers and active noise control, 12.3-inch navigation system, smart cruise control, fingerprint authentication, wireless phone charger, and head-up display.
The GV60 charged from about 10% to 80% capacity in approximately 20 minutes at the Electrify America charging station across from Everett Mall, enough time to do some damage at Wal-Mart.
An advanced safety a technology package completes the all-electric GV60. Features include forward collision avoidance-assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, parking distance warning, parking collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, smart cruise control, surround view monitor, intelligent speed limit assist, remote smart parking assist, and highway driving assist.
That’s a lot of assistance. It make it almost impossible to make a mistake. But it’s not self-driving, and that’s a good thing. Call me old school, but I prefer mistakes to be made by humans, not computers.
Base Price: $70,745
Price As Driven: $72,245
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