Genesis is the first book of the bible – it was also a rock band to those of a certain age – and means the origin, creation, or beginning of something. I’m pretty sure the bible played no part in Hyundai’s decision to create a luxury arm for their cars. Genesis is though, a pretty good name for a new marque.
Launched in Europe back in 2021 the company still has a long road ahead, if you’ll excuse the pun, when you look at Toyota and Lexus and the time it took them to gain a foothold. Genesis sales in Europe haven’t hit any high numbers but then five years in the overall scheme of things isn’t a long time.
The company has announced a new performance model, the GV60 Magma and is moving towards more advanced electric and hybrid models. In GV60, which was the first Genesis model designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, there’s much to praise with a very useable kilometre/mileage range across all model versions and a sensible rather than exhaustive list of model options. As with all Genesis models the premium quality and feel puts many more established car makers to shame.
Three versions are on offer – Pure, Sport and Performance – with prices starting from €62,568/£54,115. Power outputs range from 229PS up to 490PS with corresponding times of 7.8 seconds to a mere 4 seconds to pass the benchmark 62mph. The lead-in Pure car has a single motor rear wheel drive configuration with the Sport and Performance versions opting for dual motors and all-wheel-drive.
Standard equipment across the board is excellent and includes heated seats and steering wheel, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, navigation, keyless entry and start, auto dimming rear view mirror, wireless phone charging, dual zone climate, power tailgate, auto lights and wipers, smart cruise, power seats, Android Auto and Apple Car Play plus a heat pump.
Inside there’s good space even if the rear is a little cosier than some rivals, the super comfortable quilted seats offer good adjustment and support and the whole interior oozes premium quality. Externally the GV60 is a good-looking car, to this writer, and is not the usual rather formulaic designs that seem to pervade the showrooms nowadays.
On the road the refinement is again top notch and while my GV60 was the lead-in Pure the handling and general performance doesn’t leave you feeling short changed. It’s no sports machine but offers all you need with the added bonus of comfort and a hushed interior that would put a library to shame. If you’re looking for a thinking person’s EV then the GV60 ticks all the boxes.
Facts at a glance
- Model: Genesis GV60 Pure
- Engine: Rear wheel drive, single motor, developing 229PS, 84kwh battery
- Gears: Automatic
- Price: €62,568/£54,115
- Performance: 0 – 100kph/62 mph 7.8 seconds Max’ speed 185kph/115mph
- Range: 560km/348 miles
- Emissions: 0 g/km
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
