Flash Drive: 2023 Genesis GV70 EV AWD

Flash Drive: 2023 Genesis GV70 EV AWD

American-Built Electric Luxury

Genesis is on an electric roll. The introduction of the all-new 2023 GV70 EV (or Electrified GV70 in Genesis talk to distinguish it from the gas-powered GV70) follows stablemates G80 EV and GV60 EV, giving the seven-year-old company a compact and midsize EV SUV, along with a midsize sedan powered only by electricity.

Beginning as upscale models in the Hyundai line-up, Genesis has created its own identity with unique styling and making the commitment to only offer all-electric cars and SUVs by 2030. A major step to becoming a leader offering luxury EVs, Genesis started production in February 2023 of the Electrified GV70 in Montgomery, Alabama. To demonstrate its growth, there are currently four stand-alone Genesis dealers in America, but 100+ will open their doors within the next year.

Silent Propulsion

The all-wheel drive GV70 EV comes with twin electric motors, front and rear, each producing 160 kilowatts (kW) of power. These motors produce a combined 429 horsepower (hp) and 483 pound-feet of torque. But for some serious fun and speed, depressing the Boost Mode button on the steering wheel gives a 10-second blast of 100 kW, raising the output to 483 hp. It is a true “whoosh” moment, and advance notice to your passengers is recommended.

The shift-by-wire transmission has five driver-selectable drive modes–Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and the customizable My Mode, which affect the drive feel through the accelerator and steering adjustments. The driving range is affected by driving style, the drive mode and how often the temptation occurs to activate the Boost Mode. The GV70 EV’s all-electric range is rated at 236 miles.

After driving in-and-around Atlanta for several hours, we averaged a respectable 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Driving mostly in the Comfort or Sport modes (and refraining from depressing the Boost button too often) we returned to our starting point with a 7% battery charge. No worries, we had it all the way! When Clean Fleet Report has the Electrified GV70 for a full week, we will do a deeper review that includes more details on the real world driving range.

Acceleration in Comfort was strong, but select Sport and it becomes much more interesting. For excitement, 0-60 mph times are about 3.9 seconds while using the Boost Mode. Whoosh!

Smooth Ride

The GV70 EV ride is balanced and confident, with the 5,038-pound weight (1,063 pounds from the under-floor battery) low and centered. The Michelin Primacy Tour 265/45 all-season tires, mounted on 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, provided ample grip, even when pushing corners to their limit. The all-wheel drive system automatically senses grip level and undetectably sends power front to rear and side-to-side. The electronically controlled suspension has Road Preview from front-facing cameras reading road conditions, and automatically controls the damping force of the suspension to provide for a smooth ride. There was limited body roll and the ride was comfortable and confident.

Wind and road noise were reduced partly due to acoustic laminated glass and sound-deadening insulation. Genesis also uses technology to affect the cabin noise experience. Electric-Active Sound Design pumps virtual driving sounds through the audio speakers that fluctuate with the drive mode, speed and accelerator pedal pressure.

Charging and Regeneration

There are three charging speed options for the 77.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Utilizing both 400 and 800 volt charging, the slowest is by a standard 120V household plug that delivers a full charge in about two and a half days. Most owners will opt to install a 240V Level 2 charger at their home that will replenish 10% to 100% in about seven hours. For faster charging, owners can take advantage of three years of complementary unlimited charging at Electrify America stations, where with a 250 kW charger the GV70 will get from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, or add 64 miles in five minutes. At 150kW, which is a more commonly found charge speed, it will take about 50 minutes.

It is important to note cold weather can affect the charging time and driving range. The Genesis GV70 EV comes standard with a battery heating system that will warm the battery to a temperature that will take a faster and higher charge. Here are some helpful tips on charging the GV60, which are the same for the GV70.

Range can also be added through powerful motor regeneration. When coasting or braking, it converts kinetic energy into electric energy and returns it to the battery. Regeneration can be set to three levels of force with steering wheel paddles. Using i-Pedal, or one pedal driving, makes it possible to do most driving without relying on the brakes.

The Genesis GV70 EV also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), where power (maximum 1.9 kW at 16 amps) can flow out of the battery and charge e-bikes, camping and outdoor equipment, or run your office while traveling. It can also power your home for two days during a power outage.

Distinct Exterior

Sharing a platform with the gasoline-powered GV70, Genesis engineers were able to use the same platform for both power plants without sacrificing interior space for people or cargo.

Wendy Orthman, executive director of marketing, said the GV70 EV is “distinctly Korean that offers styling that is bold but progressive.” The exterior styling is unique to Genesis, but at the same time readily identifiable as a Genesis. The signature aerodynamic reverse G-Matrix grille sits below a clamshell hood that features Genesis’ iconic two-line LED headlight design. The power charge door is hidden on the right front of the grille. The sides are gently sculpted, aiding in the low .29 coefficient of drag.

The smooth body surfaces are unencumbered with chrome except tasteful strips around the side windows, the low profile roof rails and the very bottom of the front and rear fascia. The rear continues the two-line LED tail light design that wraps the lift gate. The glass sunroof and rear window spoiler complete the exterior’s clean design.

Spacious Interior

The car’s 6.9-inch ground clearance provides seating height for good visibility. The interior is open, spacious and comfortable with the substantial center console allowing for storage and a soft surface for an arm rest. The padded dash is divided into two horizontal spaces. The lower handles the three-zone climate control with the upper for the 14.5-inch high-definition horizontal color display touchscreen and an 8-inch or 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument screen. The infotainment system includes AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD radio with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bluetooth connection for up-to two devices, 12-volt outlets, USB power and data ports, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi Hotspot complete the cabin technology roster.

Interior comfort begins with heated and ventilated leather front seats, with memory and power adjustments, including side bolsters and massage. The driver gets the Genesis-exclusive Ergo Motion Seat, designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. Checkout this video to see the technology that will make your journey even more relaxing and enjoyable.

The heated rear leather seats have ample leg room for three adults. Rear seat occupants get adjustable head rests, a center folding armrest with cup holders, door cup holders, charge ports, ventilation vents and side window shades. Rear cargo storage is good, plus there is a front trunk, or frunk, for stashing smaller items.

As to be expected on a luxury car, the Genesis GV70 EV has power everything. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go and Auto Hold. The radio can be controlled by the touchscreen with volume and channel selection wheels on the center console. There was a very short learning curve for this outstanding entertainment system.

Other features are driver-selectable ambient lighting, rain sensing windshield wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a color head-up display, heated and power side mirrors with turn signals, panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging.

Technology

Technology features include the Digital Key, which provides access to vehicle systems, including lock/unlock and remote start. Remote Smart Parking Assist can move the GV70 forward and reverse by using the key FOB. This helpful feature comes in handy when someone parked too close and you can’t open the doors.

The Surround View Monitor is an important safety feature when parking or backing in an area where there may be vehicles or pedestrians appearing suddenly.

Safety and Pricing

The Electrified GV70 comes with an extensive and standard list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that begins with eight airbags. The semi-autonomous driving system, the Genesis Highway Driving Assist, worked well. A helpful feature is when using the right or left turn signal, a camera comes on showing the sides of the GV70, depending on which direction is being turned.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the gasoline GV70 a Top Safety Pick+, their highest safety rating. It is expected the electrified version will earn the same rating.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 EV comes in two models, with these base prices that include the $1,125 destination fee.

Advanced              $66,975

Prestige                 $73,775

The GV70 is available at select Genesis retailers in 15 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Observations: 2023 Genesis GV70 EV AWD

Son Him in Korean translates to “Honored Guest,” which is how Genesis considers its current and future customers. This extends to the valet sales and service programs, where Genesis will bring the GV70 EV to your home or place of business for a test drive or service.

If you are ready to forever forego stopping at a gasoline station, and want your family and friends to ride in quiet luxury, then the 2023 Genesis GV70 EV AWD should be added to your shopping list. If you haven’t experienced it yet, there is something very satisfying about driving an electric car. The lack of sound as it moves down the road is wonderful, and the instant torque from a stop, or while already at highway speeds, is something to enjoy.

While not initially sold in all 50 states, the Genesis GV70 EV AWD will most likely be rolled-out to the full country in the coming years as its production ramps up at the Alabama assembly plant. For those in the initial states where it is sold, treat yourself to a test drive at your local Genesis dealer.

Genesis is just now hitting its stride with a line-up of sedans and SUVs, all of which are getting rave reviews. By 2025, they will come out with no new internal combustion engine models. By 2030, Genesis will only sell cars and SUVs powered by a battery. Clean Fleet Report has been impressed with all Genesis models. When we slid behind the wheel of the GV70 EV, we were not disappointed.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Genesis.