After announcing an electric version of the G80 sedan earlier this year, followed by the all-new GV60 all-electric SUV, Genesis is expanding its electric vehicle offerings once again — this time in the form of a battery-powered GV70. Unveiled at Auto Guangzhou 2021, the electrified GV70 features familiar styling, an eco-friendly interior, a high-output “Boost Mode” and ultra-fast charging. While no U.S. specs have been revealed, Genesis confirms the SUV will be making its way to North America.
An EV Undercover
Unlike its futuristic cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the GV70 doesn’t flaunt its electrified persona. Looking at the GV70 from the side, it’s difficult to tell the EV apart from its gas-powered counterpart; it’s the SUV’s front and rear ends that oust it as a pure EV.
In front, Genesis’ familiar crest grille takes on a new “inverted G-Matrix” pattern. Since it’s relieved of its engine-cooling responsibilities, the faux grille is tasked with optimizing aerodynamics and housing the SUV’s hidden charging port. The electrified GV70’s rear end is simplified thanks to the absence of exhaust tailpipes, and Genesis’ signature two-line quad lamps make their return.
Clean and Green Interior
The interior layout of the GV70 EV also stays consistent with the gas model, utilizing what Genesis describes as a “Beauty of White Space” design concept. Befitting the name of this design concept, the vehicle debuts with a Glacier White interior and uses eco-friendly materials, like wool-woven seats and recycled nylon. The cockpit layout appears identical to the current GV70 with its standard 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen display, 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a shift-by-wire system dial in the center console.
Promising Performance
The estimated specs for the GV70 EV are provided only for the Korean market, but Genesis has confirmed that an electrified GV70 will be coming to the U.S. and those figures will be revealed closer to launch. Meanwhile, the global version of the SUV is expected to reach a maximum power output of 360 kilowatts with a Boost Mode setting, which translates to roughly 483 horsepower. Also found in the Genesis GV60, Boost Mode instantly increases the SUV’s power output with the press of a button; with the mode activated, the GV70 is expected to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Genesis says the GV70 will only be available with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. To maximize range (which remains undisclosed), a Disconnector Actuator System monitors driving conditions to automatically switch between two-wheel drive and AWD. A regenerative braking system further optimizes efficiency based on driving conditions and allows for one-pedal driving.
Ultra-Fast Charging, Power Generation
While Genesis has not revealed how far the GV70 is expected to travel on a single charge, we do know the SUV will offer 350-kW rapid charging that is also found in the electrified Hyundai Ioniq 5 and related Kia EV6. The 800-volt rapid-charging system allows the GV70’s battery to charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
With a vehicle-to-load feature, the GV70 EV can power various electric appliances outside the vehicle using a 3.6-kW charge. For comparison, our Best of 2021 winner, the Ford F-150 hybrid, can function as a 7.2-kW generator with its Pro Power Onboard system.
Competitors, Pricing and Release Date
The electrified GV70 will compete in a quickly growing field of electric SUVs, including the Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volvo XC40 Recharge. Genesis makes no mention of pricing or a U.S. arrival date but says more information for North America will be available at a later date. Currently, the gas-powered 2022 Genesis GV70 starts at $42,045.