With it’s the launch of the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, the Korean luxury brand’s lineup of battery-electric vehicles grows to three. Unlike the earlier GV60, with its dedicated EV architecture, “Electrified” models share platforms with gas-powered models — in this case, the compact GV70 crossover that came to market a year ago.
While there are some minor compromises, the results proved impressive during a daylong drive from Atlanta to the scenic Georgian countryside. With 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of instant torque — before tapping the “Boost” button — the Electrified GV70 is quick, quiet, and comfortable.
In short: With three BEV models now in the lineup with the addition of the Electrified GV70, Genesis is positioning itself as a key contender in the emerging EV market. The 2023 model builds off an already solid base — the gas-powered GV70 — adding even more power and features at a reasonable price.
- Engine: Dual electric motors, one per axle
- Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion
- HP/Torque: 429/516; “Boost” mode bumps to 483 hp
- AWD Range: 236 miles; 98/83/91 mpg City/Highway/Combined
- Cargo: 28.9 cu. ft.; 56.9 cu. ft. max
- Towing: 3,500 lbs.
Pros
- Stand-out design, inside and out
- Large digital displays
- Plenty of high-tech content, including phone-as-a-key
- Solid performance
- Produced in the U.S. and qualifies for EV tax credits
Cons
- So-so battery range
- Base price significantly higher than entry gas GV70
- No frunk
Genesis Takes Aim at an Emerging Market
What began as a trickle of long-range battery-electric vehicles is quickly becoming a flood, with roughly 50 new EV models coming to market in 2023. Genesis deserves credit for contributing to that growth, rolling out three all-electric models in barely a year. And its latest, the 2023 Electrified GV70, takes aim at the popular midsize crossover segment.
Genesis plans to go entirely electric before the decade is out, and in its push to get that strategy into play, it’s taking an unusual approach. The small GV60 crossover relies on a unique EV-only architecture shared with products from the sibling Hyundai and Kia brands.
“Electrified” models, however, take a more expedient approach, sharing their underpinnings with the Genesis brand’s gas-powered models — in the latest instance, the GV70 crossover. While there are some drawbacks, the Genesis product development team has done a solid job of minimizing them. The Electrified GV70 offers solid performance, plenty of desirable features, and distinctive styling in an often look-alike segment — albeit with a mid-pack range.
Electrified GV70: Standing Out From the Crowd
Tesla made headlines recently when two owners wound up driving off with each other’s vehicles. Never mind the technical issues that made this possible, the EV pioneer’s vehicles are frustratingly generic in appearance, as are many new competitors.
The original gas-powered versions of the Genesis GV70 clearly stand out from the crowd, starting with the brand’s distinctive quad head and taillights, adding a pair of stylish character lines to the silhouette, and a coupe-like roofline.
For the most part, the Electrified model carries over these details. But even casual viewers will recognize something is different, clued in by the “Reverse” version of the familiar Genesis “G-Matrix” grille. With no reason to send cooling air under the hood, it’s sealed, with cross-hatching picking up on the traditional design. The other ready clue is the lack of tailpipes.
The GV70 platform has been modified to fit the 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery under the Electrified model’s load floor. That made essentially zero impact on the SUV’s overall dimensions. But squeezing the control electronics under the hood meant Genesis couldn’t fit in a frunk (front trunk).
A Roomy, Well-Equipped Cabin
That’s not likely to matter much to potential buyers. If anything, the interior has an advantage over the gas model. The load floor is virtually flat in the Electrified GV70, enhancing its already spacious cabin.
And in what has become the norm for the six-year-old brand, the Electrified GV70 boasts an assortment of luxury features — though you’ll need to upgrade to the Prestige model for Napa leather. The Advanced goes with less fancy leather seating surfaces and recycled materials that may actually be preferred by some EV buyers.
The 14.5-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen dominate the instrument panel. They’re complemented by slim air vents meant to look like the cross-section of the wing from the Genesis logo. The overall look was intentionally designed with a “Korean influence,” and it shows.
Genesis Electrified GV70: Tech, Tech, Tech
Along with the dual displays, a variety of other high-tech features carry over from the original Genesis GV70, including a 12-inch head-up display that projects arrows on the highway to make it easier to see where to make a turn. And you can program it using plain English commands — though the system isn’t quite up to Amazon’s Alexa or the voice assistants rolling out from competing brands, including Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. You also can navigate your way with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, if you prefer.
As with the original, gas-powered model, the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 lets you leave the keyfob at home. You can perform a variety of functions using a smartphone app, as well as a fingerprint sensor. Don’t be surprised to see other functions come aboard in the future. Genesis designed the crossover to allow wireless updates for almost all onboard software.
Giving Performance a Boost
Genesis engineers found ways to squeeze a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack below the load floor, along with twin motors, and all-wheel-drive is standard on both versions of the Electrified GV70.
The numbers they turn out are impressive, a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque — until, that is, you tap the “Boost” button at the bottom of the steering wheel. You’ll suddenly feel John Banner transform into the Hulk. While there’s no boost to torque, the extra 54 ponies deliver a burst of instant acceleration, even before you floor the throttle. The Boost mode lasts just 15 seconds, but after a pause, it can be repeated over and over until the battery starts to drain.
That pack delivers a reasonable but not overwhelming range, with the EPA rating the Electrified GV70 at 236 miles per charge. The crossover gets a rating of 98 MPGe in the City, 83 on the Highway, and 91 Combined.
Electrified EV70 Charging
Like other EVs from the Hyundai Motor Group, the Electrified GV70 has a novel electrical architecture that can operate at 400 volts — or 800 if plugged into the fastest of the new Level 3 public chargers popping up around the country. If you find one rated at 350 kW, it’ll get you from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 18 minutes. Using a conventional Level 2 public or home charger requires plugging in for around 7 hours, but that gets your charge to a full 100%.
Another nice feature of the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform is its V2L, or Vehicle-to-Load, capabilities. You can’t charge a whole house like the Ford Lightning. But it offers 120-volt outlets that can maintain home appliances in a blackout or provide power at a work or campsite.
Genesis Electrified GV70: Driving Impressions
Even without pressing the Boost button, the electrified crossover provides a fun-to-drive experience, especially when shifted into Sport Mode.
There’s no escaping the added mass from all those batteries, but they also lower the center of gravity, meaning less of a negative than I might have expected once I got a couple of hours away from Atlanta and could let loose through the Georgia countryside. It helps that, Genesis claims, the Electrified GV70 is about 24% stiffer than the gas-powered model.
One feature I truly enjoyed was the ability to ratchet up regenerative braking using the EV’s version of paddle shifters. That goes all the way up to “1-Pedal” mode, which works much like shifting a transmission down several gears. I could slow for curves, blast back up to speed on the straights, and then come to a complete stop at a light — without ever taking my foot off the throttle.
While they can increase regen, the 1-Pedal mode is missing from the new Lexus RZ and Nissan Ariya EVs.
Genesis: Safety First
Another plus: The electronically controlled suspension system uses the safety system’s camera to scan the road ahead of the vehicle. It automatically adjusts shock damping before you hit a bump or pothole.
There’s plenty more to like about the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, including the broad suite of advanced driver assistance systems. That should win over many family buyers who want technology like blind-spot assistance and emergency auto braking. Add evasive steering assist and a semi-autonomous highway driving assistant to help keep you centered in your lane and keep a safe distance from traffic.
In terms of more conventional safety gear, all versions of the Genesis GV70 add an airbag between front-row occupants to reduce the risk of head and torso injuries in a side impact.
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Pricing
As with any EV — especially in the luxury sector — you’ll pay a premium for the Electrified GV70. Pricing starts at $66,975, including $1,125 in delivery fees, for the Advanced trim. You can get into a standard, gas-powered 2023 GV70 for as little as $44,275. But that’s for the base engine and a shortage of features.
During this run, I spent my time in the most lavish package, the Prestige model, starting at $72,650. It’s got pretty much everything you’d likely need, including that Napa leather, seat heaters, and more.
The good news is that Genesis is building the Electrified GV70 in Alabama — making it the first model the automaker is assembling in the States. For now, that means buyers qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. The asterisk is that the final details of the new Inflation Reduction Act haven’t been released, notably guidelines on battery sourcing. That could impact the incentives at a later date.
On another plus, Genesis is providing three years of free, fast charging at Electrify America stations — for up to 30 minutes each time you plug in. If you drive a lot, the savings could be substantial.
20232 Genesis Electrified GV70: The Last Word
While many buyers might think of bargains when it comes to Genesis products, that’s not where they’re now positioned. By comparison, the closest competitor, the new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Premier edition, starts at $59,650 once you factor in destination fees. The Genesis Electrified GV70 luxury package takes you to a starting price of $67,590 before options.
But, with all rolled in, the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 really is the better deal, with more features, better performance, and better range than the new Lexus. And the Korean model stacks up well against most of its other competition. It’s a product EV buyers looking for a compact luxury crossover would be wise to check out.
