Genesis GV60 - FQ Magazine

The Genesis GV60 hasn’t been around long, but it’s already clear that it will be a formidable force.

In a short time, new manufacturer, Genesis, has come along to take on the big boys and, deservedly, is being taken seriously.

The GV60 aims to take a slice out of the crossover SUV market, promising lightning-quick performance, far-reaching range, fast charging speeds, and all the creature comforts you’d expect of a premium brand.

Although the vehicle is still new, it’s already raising eyebrows and is based on the same E-GMP platform as the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

A choice of three trims – Premium, Sport and Sport Plus – are available, the former being rear-wheel-drive and the other two being all-wheel-drive, producing 226, 314 and 483bhp, respectively. On the latter grade, ‘Boost Mode’ enables the power to reach this overkill level for ten seconds.

I drove the Sport Plus; it produces 516lb ft of torque, instantly bolting you off into the distance. The 77.4kWh battery, which provides 290 miles of range between charges, adds weight; however, the GV60 never feels out of puff, getting to 62mph in 4.0 seconds and topping out at 146mph.

Around bends, there’s a bit of body lean, but the tyres grip exceptionally well. And the Genesis turns in without a hint of understeer, while corner exits are tidy thanks to the rear electronic limited-slip differential.

The ride is geared towards performance, and the 21-inch alloy wheels mean it’s on the firm side, but it’s never uncomfortable. The car also does an excellent job smoothing out imperfections in the road, assisted by a camera that scans the surface ahead to prepare the suspension for what’s coming.

The steering is precise – light but firming up when needed in the bends.

Inside, the cabin is opulent – and can hold its own against the top German marques. It looks modern, with plenty of silver trim. And, on the floating centre console, a glowing, rotating glass orb, known as the ‘Crystal Sphere’, acts as the gear selector.

Important physical buttons are retained on the dashboard and steering wheel, with a control dial provided to operate the large infotainment screen, which is clear and responsive. The screen and identically sized digital instrument display blend into the same unit, sprouting from the dashboard like a tablet.

Space is plentiful, and even taller drivers won’t struggle for room, while the rear is equally as generous, providing lots of legroom and headroom. Meanwhile, you get 432-litres of boot space, 20-litres more in the front boot (called the frunk), and 1550-litres with folded rear seats.

Thanks to ultra-rapid charging capabilities, a 10-80 per cent charge can be done in 18 minutes.

Euro NCAP has safety tested the GV60, and awarded it the highest five star grade. It is packed with kit, including forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot collision-avoidance, intelligent speed-limit assist, smart cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.

When it first came to the UK, Genesis made waves – now, with the GV60 – and its growing number of other models, it’s blowing a force 10 gale into the face of its competitors.