Is that this a Mercedes? It could possibly be. With clear surfaces and enormous screens, the cockpit of the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Status actually appears to be like the a part of a Benz. The Genesis echoes lots of the colour and contact thematics which have made Mercedes’ inside design so profitable over the previous decade. And arguably, with fewer badges and flashy accents, the GV70’s inside has a extra minimalistic aesthetic than that of MB, which has grown a bit blingy.
We’ve examined the Electrified GV70 twice already this yr, and its all-electric powertrain is the clear cause to contemplate shopping for it for those who reside in one of many 23 states the place it’s accessible. However diving deeper into the cabin, we discover an surroundings that’s on par with something within the phase, electrical or in any other case.
Our tester checks in at $75,275, which is a good chunk of change for a compact crossover. The Status package deal accounts for $6,800 — a fraction of the sticker, however an outsized a part of the GV70’s elegant really feel. Status provides Nappa leather-based seating surfaces, a microfiber headliner, a 12.3-inch three-dimensional instrument cluster (a worthwhile improve over the usual 8-inch), and Lexicon audio system. Good-to-haves like heated second-row seats and door shades are additionally a part of the package deal, as is a heated steering wheel, which ought to be commonplace at this value level.
Don’t underestimate the impression of the colour scheme, which is without doubt one of the few parts distinctive to the Electrified model of GV70. The Glacier White Two-Tone triggers the muscle reminiscence of the Mercedes EQS I drove again within the fall of ‘21. Perhaps that’s coincidental, perhaps not. Both approach, it really works.
The electrical GV70 additionally provides a few of Genesis’ get together methods, just like the digital keycard and the fingerprinting options. It’s an attraction to a youthful, tech-savvy crowd.
Pushing the Increase button within the steering wheel is irresistible. It summons an additional 54 horsepower for as much as 10 seconds. Do this, mash the throttle and chuckle as your passengers’ stomachs flip. The GV70 delivers 429 hp usually, which is loads; 483 is even higher.
Kudos to Genesis for providing this characteristic. Do you want push-to-pass in a compact crossover? In fact not. However surprise-and-delight options like this underscore the fun-to-drive factor EVs supply and may lighten the dialog, which frequently drifts towards charging infrastructure, value and politics.
In Genesis’ nascent days greater than 15 years in the past, when the model was only a single mannequin underneath the Hyundai banner, the outside design was acquainted but generic. From a distance the vehicles could possibly be a Lexus or a Mercedes, and Hyundai was principally OK with that. Worth was the promoting level. Pretend it till you make it. The interiors had an identical really feel. Now, Genesis is its personal model and aggressive in its personal proper. The electrical GV70 inside does appear like a Mercedes. However Genesis isn’t faking it anymore.
