All The Luxury and Performance, and, it’s an Electric SUV: Genesis Electrified GV70
Scotty Reiss
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Quietly, demurely, subtly electric.
“Some customers don’t want the logo,” a sales woman at Chanel once told me. “They are confident in the product they are buying.” Of course, others want the logo for the instant conveyance of everything that a brand represents.
Many luxury buyers end up someplace in the middle: a demure logo and a bit of “if you know, you know.” And that’s the message behind the Genesis Electrified GV70, priced from $65,860 to $72,650: Subtle indicators distinguish this all electric luxury SUV from its gas powered twin.
In fact, the indicators are so subtle that it’s not easy to tell on first glance that this car is electric. There is no “electric” marker or model name to show that it’s a plug-in. Even the plug location is not easy to find (it’s hidden in the front grille).
But once inside the car it’s clear…something is very different here.
Related: Genesis GV70 First Drive Review: Simple, Modern Design that Elevates Your Life
The driver’s seat in the Genesis Electrified GV70. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Quiet Luxury Starts with a White Interior
The beautiful Glacier White interior — and yes, even the steering wheel is white — is unique to the electrified option. Look closer and you’ll see a power meter rather than a tachometer on the driver’s information screen. Paddles on the back of the steering wheel shift the car into iPedal one pedal driving (or, release iPedal) rather than shift the transmission into manual mode. On the multimedia screen Eco mode offers an interactive electric experience; scroll and click to find the closest charging station or use the vehicle-to-load reverse charging feature (an adapter is necessary for this); the image of the car also displays the amount of charge left on the battery.
And on the steering wheel you’ll see the “boost” button: This instantly delivers 54 more horsepower for up to 10 seconds of instant thrust.
This is the source of oodles and oodles of fun, even when you’re already going pretty fast (use with caution).
Related: Genesis GV 60 Electric SUV First Drive: The Tech Will Wow You, the Luxury Will Woo You
The rear end of the Genesis Electrified GV70. No tail pipes! Photo: Scotty Reiss
A Few Key Details Give Away This Car’s Electric Power Train
On the exterior of the Electrified GV70 there are a few clues that it’s electric. One, there’s no gas door and the charge port door is cleverly hidden. Then, there are no exhaust pipes. Instead, there’s a lower skid plate where the gas model has exhaust tips. And, the front grille is a diamond textured panel with a small air intake grille below it. This is where the charge port door is hidden; just press the “G” on the upper right side of the panel and the door pops open.
Aside of the subtle differences, the GV70 gas and electric versions look mostly the same. No matter the powertrain, the interior and exterior details are the same. You’ll find the familiar ‘jewelry for the hand’ dial gear selector and multimedia dial on the center console, as well as the sweeping oval surround on the dashboard holding the climate controls, and the multimedia touch screen above it.
On the exterior, the signature Genesis headlights and tail lights frame the corners of the SUV; each has unique but in-character 5 spoke wheels (20” wheels are standard on the Electrified GV70) and performance brakes.
Rear seat legroom and rear seat amenities, including air, USB power, heated seats, ambient lighting and seat controls that allow the passenger to move the front passenger seat. Photo: Scotty Reiss
No Compromise in Cargo or Passenger Space
The rear seat has good space for passengers, but it’s not oversized as it is in the Genesis GV60 or other electric cars from Genesis parent Hyundai. I found the rear seat to be comfortable but as with compact SUVs, snug.
That said, the rear seat and cargo space are not impacted by the battery, so interior space is nearly the same in the electric or gas versions of the GV70; the gas model has about one additional cubic feet of space.
Still with the panoramic sunroof, white interior and plenty of amenities such as standard USB ports, air vents and heated seats, the rear seat is comfortable. And, as is characteristic for Genesis, the front passenger’s seat can be moved forward or back with buttons on the interior side of the seat; all passengers can reach it to move the seat.
Related: Setting the Stage for Ultimate Luxury, Genesis Unveils its X Convertible Concept at Malibu Mansion
The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70. Photo: Scotty Reiss
How the Electrified GV70 Compares to the Gas Model
Comparisons to the gas version of the GV70 are a natural, especially for buyers trying to decide if they want to go electric in the Genesis. So here you are:
- Electrified GV70 has a horsepower rating of 429 HP, vs a 375 HP in the V6 gas model; the electric model also has boost mode to add an additional 54 HP for up to 10 seconds
- Electrified GV70 has a starting price of $65,860, compared to $55,250 for the V6 gas model
- With dual motors, the Electrified GV70 has all wheel drive; the 6 cylinder gas model also has AWD standard
- The Electrified GV70 has a range of about 236 miles, vs about 360 miles per tank in the V6 gas model
- Both gas and electric models have a tow capacity of about 3500 lbs
- Both models are capable for light off roading — gravel, snow, hills, uneven ground and mud
Charging the Genesis Electrified GV70. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The Electric Car Bonus? It Could Be the Better Value
The electrified GV70 carries a $10,610 premium over the V6 gas model, but with tax and other incentives, plus free charging, it could be the better value:
- The V6 gas model is estimated to get 21 MPG; the average driver will pay about $2000 per year for gas
- The electric model comes with 3 years of free 30 minute charge sessions at Electrify America stations, so fuel is potentially free
- Buyers who charge at home are estimated to pay about $60 per month, or $720 a year (but, this depends on many factors including your own power costs, rates at the time of day the car is charged and cost of an at-home charge system if one is installed)
- The electric model is built in Alabama and qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit; it may also qualify for additional incentives
- Filling the gas tank should take about 5 minutes; charging the Electrified GV70 up to 60 miles of range should take 5 minutes at a DC fast charger
- Charging the Electrified GV70 to 80 percent should take 18 minutes at a DC fast charger
- The Electrified GV70 can fully charge in about 7 hours at a level 2 240V charger (the same as a household clothes dryer)
Driving all electric has its caveats and learning curve. Most won’t have an issue with daily driving and daily plugging in at home. But those with long commutes, who live in cold climates or have a vacation house a few hours away may find the range isn’t enough to deliver the confidence needed to go electric.
However, iPedal regenerative braking will help drivers to add miles to the battery while driving by simply driving in iPedal and regulating acceleration. Many drivers will likely improve on that 236 range estimate.
Avoiding the gas station is a clear advantage. And free charging, well, it’s free and that’s a nice thing. But buyers will have to adapt to planning for charging times and stops, and using the free charging may be a challenge for owners who don’t have Electrify America stations nearby.
The Boost button is the source of a lot of fun. Photo: Scotty Reiss
What this Car is Like to Drive
This may be the best feature in the Electrified GV70: 429 horsepower. It takes off like a rocket; a very quiet, elegant rocket. You feel the pull in the seat of your pants as your head and shoulders are pushed against the seat back. It’s instant, and it’s fun.
Once you find a clear stretch of highway, free of traffic ahead and curves, tap the boost button on the steering wheel. Instantly and without further pushing the accelerator, you feel that extra 54 horsepower and see the front end of the car rise up a bit. It’s only for 10 seconds, but that’s plenty of time.
From there, the Genesis Electrified GV70 is quiet and elegant. Genesis worked to improve noise and the suspension for electric driving and it worked. As a luxury car should be, it’s quiet and elegant. Perfect for cranking up the Lexicon premium audio system, having a hushed conversation or just enjoying some peace along the route. We did notice a bit of wind noise on the highway, and you can hear the tires on some stretches of pavement, but overall, our drive was very quiet.
The Genesis Electrified GV70 inteiror. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Two Models: Better and Best— And Where to Buy Them
Genesis offers the Electrified GV70 in two trims: Advanced and Prestige.
- Advanced starts at $65,850 and includes all wheel drive, 20” wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated and vented front seats, 12” multimedia screen with navigation, an 8” driver information screen, surround view cameras, remote parking assist, blindspot monitoring, a wireless phone charge pad, multiple drive modes, adaptive driver and safety features, adaptive cruise control with machine-learning to learn how you drive, and vehicle-to-load reverse charging capability
- The Prestige is priced at $72,650 and adds Nappa leather seating, Lexicon premium audio, heated second row seats, a 12” driver information screen, head up display, “ergo-motion” massaging driver’s side seat and sun shades on the passenger doors
- Genesis has added more dealerships to its network and more that are selling the electric models. Until now, Genesis only sold electric cars in California, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Now, the company has added Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Virginia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Maryland to the mix
The profile of the Genesis GV70 doesn’t give away its electric soul. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Skipping the Gas Station May be the Greatest Luxury of All
At least in my opinion. I hate getting gas. I don’t mind plugging in a car in my garage, and I don’t even mind going to a charge station if it’s convenient. I’m happy to sit in my car and answer emails or just relax and listen to music while the car is charging … and in a glowing Glacier White interior lit by a panoramic sun roof? All the better.
Though, get ready for quizzical looks: is that really an electric car? It doesn’t look like one. But after all, what is an electric car supposed to look like? In this case, it looks like understated, elegant luxury.
The Eco screen in the Electrified GV70 is a one stop function to managing the car’s charge. Photo: Scotty Reiss