First Look: 2022 Genesis GV60

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The Genesis brand was only itself invented six years ago, and here it goes re inventing itself already. Alongside the launch of its first-ever electric vehicle, the 2022 Genesis GV60, the brand outlined its intention to become a 100-per-cent zero-emission company by 2030.

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Through a two-pronged strategy involving a combination of hydrogen fuel-cell and battery electric vehicles, all new Genesis vehicles will be powered by electricity by 2025; and a total of eight electric sedans and crossovers will be launched by the end of the decade.

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First Look: 2022 Genesis GV60 Back to video

For the GV60’s part, some additional details were released through a virtual global launch this week. Here’s what we know so far.

For work and play

The GV60 joins the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the Kia EV6 as its brand’s first vehicle built on the Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) dedicated to electric vehicles.

At a global level, three GV60 models will be offered: a standard rear-wheel-drive model; a standard all-wheel-drive model; and a performance all-wheel-drive model. Canada-specific details are not yet available, and whether Genesis will opt to offer rear-wheel-drive to meet pricing requirements for the federal iZEV rebate program or will skip it for luxury appearances is yet to be announced.

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Converted from the figures released at the Korean launch, the RWD model is equipped with a single motor mounted to the rear axle with a maximum output of 168 kW (225 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). According to Korean testing cycles, the 77.4-kWh battery is capable of giving the rear-wheel-drive model a 451-kilometre range. (Canadian range estimates will vary from these figures, and have not yet been provided.)

On the standard AWD model, a 160-kW (214-hp) motor drives the rear wheels, and a 74-kW (99-hp) motor is mounted for the front wheels, providing a total output of 234 kW (313 hp) and a maximum torque of 605 Nm (446 lb-ft). This model – again, according to Korean testing cycles, and Canadian results will follow closer to launch – will have a range of 400 km per charge.

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The performance model achieves AWD through two 160-kW (214-hp) motors, one on each of the front and rear axles. This combination has a total output of 320 kW (429 hp), the same peak torque of 605 Nm (446 lb-ft), and a maximum Korean driving range estimate of 368 km per charge.

A Boost Mode is included, which when engaged increases the output of the 160-kW motor to 180 kW for 10 seconds, enabling the GV60 to go from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds.

Along with this, the engineers have tucked in a not-so-secret Drift Mode. From a stop, the driver is meant to hit the brake, change into sport mode, change the electronic stability control mode, then hold both the shifter paddles in for three seconds. (For ’90s kids, this sequence may bring the Konami Code to mind.) Once Drift Mode is engaged, the GV60 is said to be released of its mild mannerisms and made significantly easier to break into oversteer. It’s hard to imagine this getting much use, but at least the enthusiasts aren’t being forgotten in the EV revolution. Information on exactly which models will receive which features has not yet been provided.

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The GV60 will accept 350-kW DC fast-charging and will charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes. Level 2 charging speed is also faster than average due to an increase in capacity from 7.2 to 11 kW, and it will be equipped to power external devices at a rate of 3.6 kW.

Handling is managed through a MacPherson strut front suspension and five-multi-link rear, an electronic limited-slip differential, and an electronic suspension control system that uses forward camera and navigation data to adjust automatically to upcoming road conditions.

New tech

Perhaps the most forward-thinking innovation of all on the GV60 is the Genesis Crystal Sphere. This part-fashion, part-function feature starts as a backlit and die-cut crystal highlight on the centre console until the driver starts the vehicle, at which point it flips over to reveal a rotating gear selector. It’s showy and futuristic, but Genesis says it’s also a safety feature meant to indicate whether the vehicle is on or off, since there’s no engine noise or tachometer to provide other hints.

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In addition to the fingerprint recognition technology already present on the Genesis GV70, the GV60 will ship with a new facial recognition technology called FaceConnect. This builds a camera into the B-pillar that’s reminiscent of a Ring doorbell, which scans the facial features of an approaching human and grants access to those with permission to enter. Between that, a smartphone, and fingerprints, it will be possible to start the GV60 without ever needing to carry a key fob.

The GV60 will be capable of receiving a wide swath of over-the-air updates, not only to the infotainment system but also to other electronically controlled vehicle systems such as the suspension, brakes, steering wheel, airbags, and advanced driver assist systems.

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Unique design

As is the case with other Hyundai Motor Group vehicles, the GV60’s styling is only very lightly constrained by brand-wide standards and is mostly developed individually to let the vehicle stand out on its own.

Interestingly, the GV60 features a grille set wide and low on the front fascia. This is unusual on an EV, but Genesis representatives say it’s been positioned to make battery cooling more efficient.

The engineers have tucked in a not-so-secret Drift Mode — it’s hard to imagine this getting much use, but at least the enthusiasts aren’t being forgotten in the EV revolution

Genesis has incorporated its two-lines quad lamp lighting signature here, though the interpretation is slightly different than on the brand’s other vehicles, and a clamshell hood has been applied for the first time. A metal crest replaces the glazed version used on other Genesis products, and the side profile reveals a relatively long 2,900-mm wheelbase with very short front and rear overhangs, another side effect of the dedicated electric platform.

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The most distinctive exterior design feature is the DLO (Daylight Opening) chrome line, which starts at the top of the windshield and follows the tops of the windows around to the C-pillars, where it’s disrupted into a jagged edge meant to be reminiscent of lightning before tapering off at the sides of the rear spoiler. Eleven exterior colours will be offered, including four that are new to Genesis: lime green, mint green, copper, and copper matte.

One of the benefits of a dedicated platform is that the battery is positioned under the cabin floor and there’s no need to leave space for an internal-combustion engine or drivetrain, meaning interior designers have a fair bit more flexibility in their interpretation.

Early images of the interior reveal a centre console with a floating motif surrounded by plenty of open space. Genesis says eco-friendly materials are used throughout the cabin such as plant-based leather-like upholstery, and seat covers and door trims made from yarn made with recycled plastic bottles and fishnets. Five interior colour combinations will be offered: black, navy, gray/white, green/beige, and green/white.

Expect to see many more details about the GV60 as it’s launched in Korea later this year, with distribution in other markets globally to follow some time in 2022.