Genesis GV60 Review

You can change drive modes really easily thanks to a button on the steering wheel (as opposed to EVs that have drive modes hidden away in the touchscreen); there are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport. If you press and hold down the button there’s also a Snow mode. You can also disengage the lane departure warning system at the touch of a button on the steering wheel.

When you get in the GV60 you’ll see what appears to be a ‘crystal ball’ where you would expect the gear selector to be. When you start the car this crystal ball rotates and turns into a gear selector. You can also increase or decrease the level of regenerative braking by using steering wheel-mounted paddles.

There’s a wide central touchscreen, which also has shortcut buttons for its main features positioned under the separate heating and ventilation controls, and there’s a rotary dial located next to the gear selector – similar to BMW’s iDrive system. There’s a ‘Home’ button which brings up a large range of options on the touchscreen, including features such as ‘Quiet mode’, which turns down the volume of the rear speakers so front seat occupants can listen to the radio or other media while back seat passengers can listen to their own music in peace.

The driver seat grips you more tightly if you select Sport mode, and there’s also a (rather vigorous) massage function available.

One of the very few faults with the Kia EV6 is that you can’t fit a roof rack, so it’s good news that the GV60 features roof rails.

The Genesis GV60 168 RWD has an official combined WLTP electric driving range of 321 miles. A real-world range of 270-300 miles can be expected.

The GV60 has a maximum ultra-rapid charging rate of 233 kW. If you charge the car using a 350 kW ultra-rapid charger, it’s possible to achieve a 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes. A 50 kW rapid charger will provide a 10% to 100% charge in 73 minutes. The GV60 also has an onboard charger for 7 kW domestic charging and 11 kW three-phase charging (typically found at a workplace in the UK).

The GV60 has a 3-pin plug socket under the rear seat, so you can plug in laptops or other electrical devices. It also has vehicle-to-load capability; you can plug an adaptor into the external charging socket to power electrical items such as camping equipment.

GV60 Premium

The Premium trim may be the starting point of the GV60 range, but it does not feel like a base model. It uses a rear-wheel drive setup producing 226PS, with a focus on comfort, refinement and efficiency rather than outright speed.

In this configuration, the GV60 Premium delivers the longest range in the line-up, with a WLTP figure of up to 321 miles. Acceleration from 0 to 62mph takes around 7.8 seconds, which feels smooth and composed and suits relaxed, everyday driving.

Standard equipment is generous. Externally, the Premium comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, dual front LED headlights, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Inside, you will find leatherette upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, electric driver lumbar support, dual-zone climate control and a leather steering wheel.

Technology is a real strength here. Highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a head-up display, smart cruise control with stop and go, wireless phone charging, fingerprint recognition, keyless entry and an electric tailgate. Genesis’ full suite of safety and driver assistance systems is also included as standard.

The Premium trim is best suited to drivers who prioritise comfort, luxury and range over outright performance.

GV60 Sport

Stepping up to the Sport trim brings a noticeable increase in performance. A dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain boosts output to 314PS, delivering stronger acceleration and improved traction, particularly in poor weather conditions.

Range drops slightly to a WLTP figure of up to 292 miles, but acceleration improves significantly, with 0 to 62mph taking around 5.5 seconds. The result is a GV60 that feels more responsive, while remaining easy and comfortable to live with day to day.

The Sport trim builds on the Premium specification, adding larger 20-inch alloy wheels and subtle sportier exterior details. Inside, trim finishes are upgraded, while the cabin keeps the calm, high-quality feel found across the GV60 range.

For many drivers, the Sport trim will offer the best balance of luxury, performance and everyday usability.

GV60 Sport Plus

At the top of the pre-facelift GV60 range sits the Sport Plus, the most powerful and performance-focused version available. It retains the dual-motor all-wheel drive layout but increases output to 429PS, with a Boost mode that temporarily lifts power to around 482PS.

WLTP range is up to 289 miles, but performance is the clear focus. With Boost mode engaged, the GV60 Sport Plus accelerates from 0 to 62mph in around 4.0 seconds, placing it firmly among the quickest electric SUVs in its class.

The Sport Plus rides on larger 21-inch alloy wheels and adds aluminium interior trim and Nappa leather seats as standard. Performance-focused features such as a limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension help deliver confident handling, while multiple driving modes allow the car’s character to be adjusted.

Despite its pace, the Sport Plus remains refined and comfortable, retaining the premium feel expected from Genesis.

Comfort and Innovation Packs

While the Genesis GV60 comes very well equipped as standard, a selection of optional packs allows buyers to enhance comfort, technology and everyday usability.

The Comfort Pack builds on the GV60’s luxury credentials. It adds an ergo motion driver’s seat with adjustable side bolsters, a cushion extender and memory settings, making it easier to find a comfortable position on longer journeys. Front seats gain both heating and ventilation, while the front passenger also benefits from electric lumbar support.

A heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and a premium air filtration system are also included, helping to create a calmer and more relaxing cabin environment.

A separate Rear Comfort Pack is also available, adding heated rear seats, rear side curtains and laminated rear glass to improve comfort and insulation for passengers in the back.

The Innovation Pack focuses on driver assistance and parking technology. It upgrades the Highway Driving Assist system and adds features such as a surround-view camera, blind spot view monitor and remote smart parking assist, allowing the GV60 to be parked into tight spaces from outside the vehicle. Dual front LED headlamps are also included, improving visibility at night.

Hyundai and Kia were seen as budget brands in the UK a few years ago, but the Kia EV6 is now one of the best EVs you can buy. Genesis may be a new brand to many people, but the GV60 successfully builds on the base of the Kia EV6 and adds a luxury feel to the interior, along with lots of equipment. The GV60 is a very enjoyable and a very refined car to drive, and it’s a particularly comfortable vehicle to cover long distances on the motorway – which it can do with ease thanks to its 300-mile plus driving range.