Genesis GV60. Already in Israel
The new Genesis GV60 we talked about earlier is already in Israel! The electric SUV from the premium brand Genesis, owned by Korean automaker Hyundai, has been in mass production since 2022. Colmobil announced the start of deliveries of this luxury vehicle in the Israeli market. The electric SUV is offered in three versions (with different numbers of electric motors) and five trim levels. Prices start from 295,000 shekels (for the entry-level model) to 439,000 shekels (for the top version).
The "G" in the name of the GV60 stands for Genesis, the "V" stands for versatility, and the number "60" is a position in the Genesis lineup, which classifies the new SUV not only as an electric vehicle, but also as a sports car, it is also the most powerful model in the current range.
In June 2022, amid soaring gasoline prices, Israeli car importers announced that they would stop accepting orders for most electric car models, selling all products that were delivered in Israel before the end of 2022. Excitement also reached the premium class: Colmobil completely sold a batch of previously presented Genesis electric vehicles on the market in just 2 days, and even the price of 439,000 shekels had no negative effect. Well, the temporary absence of the Genesis GV60 does not prevent us from analyzing in detail its advantages (and, of course, its disadvantages).
Main features
The new Genesis GV60 is built on the same platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV, one of the leaders in the Israeli electric car market, and the Kia EV6. The premium SUV is 4,515 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,580 mm high, that is, it is slightly shorter than its E-GMP architecture counterparts. At the same time, the distance between the axles is 2.9 meters, like the EV6 (the Ioniq 5 has a wheelbase of 3 meters). The wheels have a diameter of 19 or 21 inches. The front of the SUV is elongated, and the rear, on the contrary, is shortened. Therefore, outwardly it looks more like an elegant raised hatchback with a stylized ‘lightning bolt’ on the rear pillars and rims. The exterior creates a sense of quality and attention to detail.
The interior offers a variety of colors (black and brown are complemented by dark blue upholstery with bright yellow contrast piping and stitching). Behind a large glass panel there are two 12.3-inch screens: the dashboard directly in front of the driver and the central touchscreen. The duo of screens is aided by a head-up display. For the first time, so-called digital side mirrors are used in the form of exterior cameras and a display at the base of the pillar. The central element of the interior is the Crystal Sphere switch, a glass ball of different colors, which turns into a gear selector by turning. The center console is a prominent ‘floating’ structure that hides a storage compartment. The glove box is retractable. There are up to 3 ‘soundtrack’ options that mimic engine noise: Futuristic, G-Engine, E-Motor. The ANC-R active noise reduction system fights unwanted sounds.
In Israel, 3 modifications of the Genesis GV60 2022 are offered. All are equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery. The battery can be charged from fast terminals with a voltage of 800 volts, it will only take 18 minutes to charge up to 80%. But it is also possible to charge the battery with a voltage of 400 volts. At the same time, the SUV itself can serve as an emergency power source of 3.6 kilowatts. Versions:
- A standard version is equipped with a motor on the rear axle (228 hp and 350 Nm). The range is 451 km.
- An entry-level all-wheel drive version is equipped with two engines (318 hp and 605 Nm) with the driving range of 400 km.
- A top-end all-wheel drive Performance version offers 435 hp and the same 605 Nm in Sport mode, but if you activate the Boost function, then the output will increase to 490 hp and 700 Nm for 10 seconds. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. Drift mode is also promised! But the range is 368 km (the indicators have not yet been certified).
Advantages
- Unique body
All vehicles built on the E-GMP platform have different body panels. Even the roof lines are different.
- Biometric authentication
The owner of the new Genesis electric SUV does not need keys, because the vehicle recognizes it from the video of the camera in the B-pillar. The SUV recognizes several profiles, and the vehicle will open the doors to one of them. For added security, there is a fingerprint scanner on the center console, which neither the Ioniq 5 nor the EV6 can boast of.
- Personalization possibilities
Everything can be personalized ‘for yourself’ and another driver: seats, steering wheel, exterior mirrors, head-up display and infotainment system. New profiles can be created using voice commands. In addition, the interior in a variety of colors looks unobtrusive, but very lively.
- Attention to detail
For example, the SUV has modular headlights, which can be changed into parts and not assembled. This not only reduces repair costs, but also the amount of waste. Even the nameplate on the hood of the vehicle is not made of painted plastic, but of metal. All exterior cameras are integrated into the surfaces. The mirror adjustment panel is located in a chrome circle above the door handle. By symmetry, we find the same circle on the passenger door: a cap that unscrews, opening access to the reusable room fragrance cassette.
- Great attention to design and new technologies
The unusual glass sphere is simply mesmerizing! By turning, the ball turns into a gearbox selector, which indicates that the vehicle is ready to go. The center console in the form of a prominent floating structure could only be seen in concept cars. It conceals a storage compartment, also accessible to passengers seated in the rear.
- Decent battery life and fairly fast charging
Depending on the version, the battery with a capacity of 77.4 kWh can cover 451, 400 or 368 km (according to the EPA method). The second level charger is capable of recharging from 10 to 100% in approximately 7 hours. The fast terminals charge up to 80% in 18 minutes.
- Excellent sound insulation
This is probably partly due to the active noise reduction system, which uses the sound system’s 17 speakers. Whether it’s noise cancellation, sound deadening or an aerodynamic package, the GV60 is a quiet vehicle, with sound levels below 64 decibels at 112 km/h. Even at full speed, the Genesis remains eminently quiet.
- Excellent dynamics, at least in the top version: the happy owners write that ‘the vehicle rushes forward like a rocket’
The GV60 handles curves in the road and corners with confidence thanks to responsive and quick steering. An electronic limited-slip differential intelligently manipulates traction from the rear, and power is distributed between the axles in such a way that it feels like driving a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. That being said, if you’re driving calmly, the quiet and refined GV60 plays the role of a luxury car convincingly. The system uses a camera to scan the road ahead, allowing the adaptive dampers to “prepare” for bumps.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately phone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) requires a cord, even as wireless systems become the norm, one of the GV60's few misses. When driving on rough roads, some owners note rear end instability during tighter turns, however, this may be due to the camera’s inability to “read” the road. Many people complain about the “ridiculous and headache-inducing” sound effects of the Jetsons cartoon, “howling and buzzing” depending on the position of the throttle (there are several options to choose from), but they can be turned off, thanks to which the passenger compartment will be almost completely silent, since there is no road and wind noise. The happy owners of the most productive Performance version write that they were able to drive 322 km on a single charge (with the declared 368 km), moving on the highway at a speed of 120 km/h.
