Stomping on an EV’s go pedal by no means will get outdated. We’re hooked on the fun of prompt thrust, which will get even more durable to withstand when it may be amplified at any time. That is why the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 wants a warning label that reads: Increase mode might be habit-forming and will trigger bouts of spontaneous acceleration.
Hit the Increase button on the backside of the electrical GV70’s steering wheel, and the twin motors’ peak output jumps from 429 to 483 horsepower for as much as 10 seconds. That window is vast sufficient to dart previous different drivers dilly-dallying on the freeway. It is also nice for producing giggles however unhealthy for preserving the 77.4-kWh battery’s state of cost, as we not too long ago came upon on the freeways and roads round Atlanta.
The Electrified GV70 is the third electrical mannequin Genesis has launched within the final 12 months, becoming a member of the smaller GV60 SUV and the Electrified G80 sedan. The trio is at present bought in 15 states, with Louisiana, Texas, and Wisconsin not too long ago becoming a member of the ranks as availability continues to increase.
Overdosing on Overboost
The Electrified GV70 is not a performance-oriented mannequin, but it surely’s arguably extra enjoyable to drive than the gas-powered GV70 3.5T Sport Status. Whereas they appear nearly an identical, you’ll be able to establish the brand new electrical model by its closed-off grille (with a hidden opening to entry the cost port), in addition to particular 20-inch wheels and restyled bumpers. It additionally lacks tailpipes, as an alternative emitting unusual buzzing sounds to alert pedestrians of its presence.
Whereas this GV70 is an electrified copy of its gas-fed siblings, from behind the wheel, we found electrical means extra athletic. The EV shares Michelin Primacy Tour A/S all-season tires with the three.5T, and its floor-mounted battery pack lowers the middle of gravity, including a touch of additional stability. The brake pedal is not at all times reassuring, although—a byproduct of poor mixing between friction and regenerative brakes.
The Electrified GV70 makes up for that miscue with its 483-hp punch. Genesis says there is no restrict to what number of occasions the overboost operate might be triggered; the enjoyable is just finished when the battery runs out. Drive like we did (for some time) down south and plan on calling a tow truck earlier than reaching the Genesis’s estimated vary of 236 miles. That determine is notably decrease than the Tesla Mannequin Y (as much as 330 miles) however increased than the Lexus RZ (196 or 220 miles, relying on wheel measurement). It is also one mile higher than the EPA-estimated vary for the 2023 Genesis GV60 Efficiency, with which it shares its all-wheel-drive powertrain.
Intoxicated by the thrilling takeoffs it permits, we had been gratuitous with Increase mode initially of the drive however sobered up as we watched the Electrified GV70’s indicated vary dive at an alarming charge. Hooking as much as an 800-volt DC fast-charger can restore roughly 60 miles in 5 minutes or take the battery from 10 to 80 p.c in 18 minutes, a feat we have already verified ourselves with a GV60. Sadly, Genesis’s curated driving route did not embody any charging stops, so we needed to combat the urge to maintain hitting the Increase button and ground it.
A extra relaxed proper foot additionally ended our wrestling match with the electrical GV70’s steering wheel, which was riddled with torque steer throughout Increase mode’s exhausting launches. Our give attention to conserving electrons as an alternative had us toggling by means of 4 brake-regen settings whereas utilizing the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The strongest possibility supplied comfy one-pedal driving, however we may barely differentiate between the center two.
Value It to Move on Fuel?
In contrast with its gasoline counterparts, the Electrified GV70 has a stiffer construction and extra sound deadening, each of which enhance on what was an already serene cabin atmosphere. It would even be too quiet as a result of there was nothing to drown out the wind noise we seen coming from the A-pillars at freeway speeds.
Inside, there’s nearly nothing that differentiates this Genesis as an EV, except for the menus in its digital gauge cluster and vast infotainment show. We additionally want Genesis would add wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—the truth that they nonetheless require a twine is a bummer.
Fortunately, choosing the EV would not require too many sacrifices. Inside and cargo area are just about an identical between ICE and electrical, with the latter measure popping out to 29 cubic ft behind the rear seats for each. The 2 GV70 variants even have the identical 3500-pound tow score, however any trailering will considerably diminish vary. The EV additionally has vehicle-to-load functionality, so it could double as a small generator and provide as much as 1.9 kW to energy ancillary gadgets.
The Electrified GV70 is the primary Genesis mannequin to be in-built America and never in South Korea. Because it’s an SUV that begins beneath $80K and is assembled at Hyundai’s manufacturing unit in Montgomery, Alabama, it qualifies at present for the total $7500 federal tax credit score beneath the Inflation Discount Act. Nevertheless, that low cost may drop to $3750, relying on the federal government’s pending battery-sourcing guidelines.
The federal kickback is another excuse to decide on the Electrified GV70 over the extraordinarily related GV60 Efficiency, which is all however an identical to the GV70 in value, measurement, and powertrain. Genesis tells us that the funkier-looking GV60 is supposed to enchantment to these already all for an EV, whereas the GV70 will do a greater job convincing the ICE crowd.
Earlier than incentives, the Electrified GV70 begins at $67,550 for the Superior trim stage. We drove the fancier $74,350 Status mannequin, which provides a 3-D digital gauge cluster with a head-up show, nappa leather-based, heated rear seats, an upgraded Lexicon stereo, and extra. Attributable to manufacturing limitations, Genesis will solely provide 4 grayscale paint colours to start out (we dig the lone matte end).
Neither Electrified GV70 is a good worth, particularly in contrast with the sub-$45K four-cylinder mannequin. Issues look completely different when the 375-hp twin-turbo V-6 will get concerned. The V-6 model begins at round $56K, and choosing the flamboyant Sport Status trim provides almost $10K to the underside line, thrusting it into the EV’s (pre-tax-credit) value bracket.
The fuel-sipping GV70 is already one in all our favorites, evidenced by its spot on our checklist of the 10Best Vehicles and SUVs for 2023. We’ll have to spend extra time with the brand new electrical model earlier than bestowing equal reward. Nonetheless, its unexpectedly enjoyable persona helps its odds, and something that makes us giggle with out fuel will get further kudos.
Specs
Specs
2023 Genesis Electrified GV70
Car Kind: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: $67,550
POWERTRAIN
Entrance Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Mixed Energy: 483 hp
Mixed Torque: 516 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 77.4 kWh
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Peak DC Quick-Cost Fee: 240 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.2 in
Size: 185.6 in
Width: 75.2 in
Peak: 64.2 in
Passenger Quantity, F/R: 55/46 ft3
Cargo Quantity, Behind F/R: 57/29 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.8 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.3 sec
High Velocity: 151 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/Metropolis/Freeway: 91/98/83 MPGe
Vary: 236 mi
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s vehicle habit started earlier than he may stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to jot down information, evaluations, and extra for Automobile and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to turn into a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automotive assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is more durable than social-media influencers make it appear, so he prevented monetary success fully to turn into an automotive journalist and drive new vehicles for a residing. After incomes a level at Central Michigan College and dealing at a day by day newspaper, the years of principally burning cash on failed venture vehicles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automobile and Driver employed him. His storage at present features a 2010 Acura RDX, a guide ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.