Genesis Electrified GV70 (2023-2026)

A class leading luxury electric SUV that needs a little more range – It’s not just the bright matte copper paint that impressed me the most about this electric Genesis. I believe Genesis has just dropped one of the best midsize luxury EVs you can buy, and I’m not sure if anyone really noticed. Genesis offers impressive build quality for a relatively new luxury brand, but what else would you expect from a car this expensive?

The exterior build quality is wildly accurate with the placement of trim and body panels. Move onto the inside, and you could close your eyes and feel like you’re in something that could easily be double the asking price of this EV.

Priced from $127,800 before on-road costs and incentives, the GV70 is well within the realm of the luxury SUV and luxury EV segment. This matte paint will add $2000 to your price tag too.

It’s over $45,000 more than the equally brilliant GV70 twin-turbo petrol V6, but that’s only an option if you prefer gas stations over charging stations.

You also get the choice of 5 years complimentary charging with Charge Fox EV chargers, or a free installation of an AC fast charger for your garage. I’d pick the AC charger.

The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and 8 years/unlimited kilometres for high voltage parts. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

Servicing is complimentary for 5 years, and if you live within 70km of a Genesis Studio, your car will be picked up and a service loan car will be provided until your car is ready to be dropped back to you.

In addition, you’ll also get 10 years roadside assist and map updates, which is important, seeing as charging station locations are stored here.

The sound isolation inside the GV70 Electrified is next level.

Aside from the usual sound deadening and silent cabin you’d expect in a luxury EV like this, Genesis have added active sound cancellation. Just like a pair of over-ear headphones, the car will play opposite frequencies to the outside world to enhance cabin quietness.

On top of that, this Infinity-branded audio system is possibly the best complement to this cabin’s silence.

You have some presets to adjust the sound to how you want it to fill the interior, but it’s simply one of the best ways to listen to your music in the level of detail you could only get with a set of high quality headphones.

Miss engine sounds? Don’t worry, Genesis has got you covered with a selection of generated sounds to mimic the sound of a futuristic electric motor.

Regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel, and it operates perfectly. It’s not quite as aggressive as I’d have liked in its highest setting, but I preferred to leave it in Auto and let the car decide what's best.

Here’s the fascinating part: you get a max output from a set of dual electric motors of 360kW (482hp) and 700Nm. This power is reserved for Boost mode, which is activated for 10 seconds at a time via the large ‘Boost’ button on the steering wheel.

That’ll catapult this GV70 to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. It feels every bit as fast as that figure sounds. Power is dialled back for Eco, Comfort and Sport, but aside from Eco mode, you won’t feel like you need more power than what’s offered outside of Boost mode.

The presentation of the crystal rotary shift dial adds to the cabin look and feel; it has a great weight to it as you twist the car into gear.

A single forward gear is used in the GV70, and it's an intoxicating feeling to simply sail at a range of speeds without interruption from any gears.

The selection of drive modes in the GV70 really help transform this SUV from lounge room to performance SUV.

In Eco and Comfort, the car effortlessly coasts over the road and will neatly make its way through corners. That lower centre of gravity thanks to that battery pack really enhances the grip and body roll here too.

The car will also read the road ahead via a set of cameras onboard and prepare the suspension for any speed bumps or potholes in the road - something you don’t see often at this price.

The biggest benefit when buying this EV is its battery pack. It’s a 77.4kWh battery that runs on a 800V battery architecture system - the same tech you’ll find in something like a Porsche Taycan. It’s a more efficient battery, making it quicker to charge and slower to discharge.

The claimed consumption is 19.2kWh per 100km. Around the city you’ll see figures as low as 17kWh per 100km, while on the highway you’ll be cresting 20kWh per 100km.

The claimed range is 445km (WLTP), with a real world range closer to 400km as indicated by the vehicle itself.

Charging can take as little as 18 minutes when charging from 10 to 80% from a 350kW charger. There aren’t many of those, so if you encounter a 50kW DC charger instead, it’ll take you just over an hour to recharge to that same level.

A massive 12-inch touchscreen sits atop the dashboard, and the driver gets a traditionally designed 3D capable digital display. You can interact with the infotainment with a dial or by reaching just a little further forwards to physically touch the screen.

You’re also getting a heads up display and a display for your climate controls.

There’s 503L of boot space with the second row up, and 1678L with that row folded. There’s another 22L under the bonnet thanks to the inclusions of a frunk (or a froot, if that's what you prefer to call it).

And guess what, there’s a spare tyre! Under the boot floor you get a space saver spare, which is very rare to find in modern day EVs. It’s plenty of space to fill up for a road trip and move around any bulky items (like a push bike) if needed.

Need an electric SUV that feels like a normal car, but doesn’t compromise in any form? Well, the GV70 Electrified gets the highest recommendation for me.

Yes, you are spending more money than a standard GV70, but you’re an early adopter of EV technology. It’s a somewhat future-proofed setup that also comes with stress free aftercare support too.

You can get less expensive EVs that come close to how luxurious this feels, but they can’t quite compete with the overall package Genesis is presenting with this - dare I say - class-leading family electric SUV.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.