First Drive: 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70

A third model joins the Genesis all-electric vehicle lineup

Having been named a finalist as the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle-of-the-Year, the 2024 Genesis GV70 is clearly among the finest compact luxury SUVs you can buy. Now, Genesis, part of Hyundai Motor Group, has taken a good thing and lessened its effect on the Ozone layer by swapping out the internal combustion engine for a battery pack and electric motors. This widens the Genesis Electrified GV70 ’s appeal by offering the same balanced personality as that of its fossil-fuel-sipping sibling.

That said, unless you pay attention to details, you might notice how its design differs from the rest of the family. Most noticeable is its grille, which is decorative not functional, as it’s closed off from any air intake, although it does house this SUV’s charging port. It also wears restyled bumpers, 20-inch wheels, and lacks a tailpipe.

Electrified GV70 part of growing EV family

It joins a growing Genesis EV lineup that includes the smaller GV60 SUV and the Electrified G80 sedan.

Opt for the base Advanced model and you’ll find it’s equipped with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. That should be fine, unless you’re spoiled, That’s when you opt for the Prestige model which goes a bit farther in tech department, fitting a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen with embedded navigation. While both models have the expected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it’s not wireless. C’est la vie.

Despite a screen that seems carelessly plopped above the instrument panel, this vehicle’s controls are housed in a dart-shaped background that’s exquisitely Mid-Century Modern and very sophisticated in appearance. The interior’s seating is suitably upscale and can be covered in leather, while offering heating and ventilation. Nevertheless, some might have a problem with the Electrified GV70, and it all comes down to numbers.

GV70 has less power and range than rivals

Powered by a 77.4-kWh battery pack, the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70  provides an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles, less than that of its competitors such as the Cadillac Lyriq or Tesla Model Y, but beats the Lexus RZ. Yet the Genesis Electrified GV70 ’s lack of range is partially due to its dual 160-kilowatt motor setup that provides 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels, reaching 60 mph from a stop takes but 3.7 seconds. Of course, that’s if you hit the Boost button, which unleashes the full fury of its electrons for 10 seconds. Otherwise, this puppy produces 429 ponies, producing more than enough power to keep things interesting, and uses up far less juice.

Surprisingly, it has a 3,500-pound tow rating, but expect to make frequent recharging stops.

Like all EVs, the Genesis Electrified GV70  has regenerative braking, its effort adjusted by the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. While it does allow for one-pedal driving at its strongest setting, it’s not as aggressive as competing systems. Whether you like that or not depends on how you feel about one-pedal driving.

Certainly, this is one pleasant ride, providing relaxed cruising and enough agility to keep things interesting. It possesses a balanced feel, avoiding extreme softness or extreme performance. The suspension soaks up the worst road abrasions with an ease that helps enhance its sophistication, while the active noise canceling ensures a blissfully silent ride. This is the essence of true luxury, a vehicle that’s a respite from the world, even as you travel through it.

Once you’re done having fun, and you will, you can refill its batteries as quickly as you accelerated. Using an 800-volt DC fast charger delivers 60 miles of range in a mere five minutes. Filling her up with the same charger from 10 to 80 percent takes but 18 minutes. Sadly, despite being built at Hyundai’s factory in Montgomery, Alabama, it’s ineligible for a federal tax credit.

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Pricing

Nonetheless, for a vehicle that starts at $45,700 in gas-powered form, the Genesis Electrified GV70 ‘s $67,550 Advanced model and $75,275 Prestige trim seem a bit dear. But that’s the case with all EVs, as saving the planet costs more.

The fact that you can drive such a wonderful vehicle while doing so is merely icing on the cake, making the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 a prime candidate to consider in this class.