Genesis GV60

The arrival of the first electric Genesis, the Electrified G80, is only a prologue to Genesis' road to electrification. In fact, they have just gotten started. This is the true beginning of Genesis' electrified vision; an electric crossover that promises the same dynamics as expected for a Genesis, it's called the GV60.

With prices starting at 63,793,499 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever GV60 electric crossover promises dynamics that you would expect for a Genesis in a compact crossover sizing and electric drivetrain that reflects on the new normal, whatever the reason.

As the naming implies, the GV60 is surprisingly the smallest of the Genesis crossover range but it's wider and taller compared to the G70. As for the design, the GV60 looks more like a Kia EV6 with the face of the Citroen C3 Aircross, which is outlandish for a luxury crossover of this size. Whatever the reason, a car with no grille is better than a car with monster grilles. I'm talking to you, BMW.

Speaking of the interior, the GV60 is not what you called a spacious crossover, but it's almost as spacious as the Tesla Model Y, which is its main rival. Like the Model Y, the GV60's interior adapts to the minimalist lifestyle, which spells bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel. Touch screen, am I right? Anyway, as speedo boys are lamenting about the GV60's dashboard because of the touch screen minus the buttons, it comes with a signature feature that is more of a show-off to some; the Crystal Sphere. This flashy, crystal-like object turns into a rotary gear selector if it's ready on the move. Quite an accessory, I dare say.

What's also showy on the GV60 is the addition of the digital side mirrors similar to the ones used on the Lexus ES and the Honda e. It uses cameras and OLED monitors in place of traditional side mirrors, giving them a clear and wide rear view angle.

The touch screen is the least of the speedo boys' problems because the GV60 poses the biggest problems of all; facial recognition system and fingerprint authentication system. While such features are done to prevent the bad case of Grand Theft Auto, it will become problematic if it's pre-owned. It's like the one Gamertag per account rule and if you make a mistake, there's no turning back.

As told, the GV60 is almost as spacious as a Tesla Model Y in terms of passenger comfort and boot space, and although it is small for electric crossover standards, it's still sensible enough to accommodate up to five people and carry heaps of stuff for work or for another courtesy visit to the relatives.

Now, let's talk about performance. In its default rear-wheel-drive layout, the GV60's electric motor produces 168kW of power, 350Nm of torque, and a range of 451km in one full charge. Add another electric motor to the front, it will become AWD and it will churn out a total of 234kW of power and 605Nm of torque but the range is cut to 400km.

Opted for the Performance AWD powertrain, which is the equivalent to the one seen on the Kia EV6 GT, it comes with the Boost Mode located at the steering wheel. Push it on and you'll have 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque at your disposal. You can also engage the secret Drift Mode to give the GV60 the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car you can't get enough of. Cheesy for a crossover but it's worth trying out.

Coupled with the e-LSD, Active Road Noise Control, Regenerative Braking Control Paddle Shift, and the Preview Electronically Controlled Suspension, the GV60 is all about adapting itself through the roads of the new normal. Rear-wheel-drive alone, it's a good car to drive on the streets, but if it's AWD, it's good on almost everywhere, especially when you take it to the track with the Drift Mode on. Again, cheesy.

The Digital Side Mirror mentioned above is one of the many safety techs offered in this crossover. The GV60 features Highway Driving Assist 2 with Lane Change Assist Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Side Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear side Monitor, Multiple Anti-Collision Automatic Braking System, Reverse Guide Lamp, Intelligent Headlamp, Safe Exit Assist, Advanced Rear Seat Passenger Notification, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Whether you like it or not, for tech or for performance, for ecology or for pleasure, the GV60 is all about being the best of both worlds and you should give credit to the Koreans behind this curiosity.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company