Genesis GV60 Review – Premium without the posturing

GENESIS has never approached the premium market with any hesitation. From the outset, the brand positioned itself not as an alternative, but as an equal — offering distinctive design, high specification and a level of customer care that quietly challenges the very best.

Unlike the Electrified GV70, which adapts an existing combustion platform, the GV60 was conceived from the outset as a dedicated electric vehicle. It sits on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP architecture, shares underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and packages that technology in a compact premium SUV body with unmistakable Genesis character.

In Pure specification, it produces 229PS from a single rear-mounted motor and promises up to 348 miles of WLTP range. The version tested here – the very latest 2026 model – finished in Storr Green metallic with the Innovation Plus and Comfort Packs, comes in at £62,605 on the road .

That places it directly against the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA. The question is whether it feels like a credible rival — or something more interesting.

Overview

The GV60 Pure uses a single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout producing 229PS and 350Nm . Power delivery is smooth and progressive, with a 0–62mph time of just over seven seconds. It is not positioned as the performance variant — that role belongs to the dual-motor Performance model — but it offers more than enough pace for everyday driving.

An 84kWh battery sits beneath the floor , delivering a WLTP combined range of up to 348 miles . Thanks to the 400V/800V architecture, DC charging capability stretches to 240kW , enabling rapid top-ups under ideal conditions.

Genesis includes a generous level of standard equipment across all versions. Highlights include a 27-inch panoramic OLED display, fingerprint recognition, Highway Driving Assist, over-the-air updates and the distinctive Crystal Sphere shift-by-wire controller .

The car tested added several packs. The Innovation Plus Pack introduces features such as Digital Key 2, Digital Centre Mirror, Face Connect and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 . The Comfort Pack adds ventilated front seats, an 18-way Ergo-Motion driver’s seat with massage and heated rear seats .

The result is a compact SUV that feels comprehensively equipped before options are even considered.

Design

The GV60 is immediately recognisable as a Genesis, yet it has a softer, more youthful character than the larger GV70.

The clamshell bonnet, split headlight signature and smooth surfacing give it a distinctive front end. Unlike many electric SUVs that lean heavily on blanked-off panels, the GV60 integrates its grille area in a way that feels deliberate rather than decorative.

In profile, the proportions are tight and athletic. The relatively short overhangs and strong shoulder line give it a planted stance, while the gently sloping roofline adds visual dynamism.

At the rear, twin light bars mirror the front signature. In Storr Green metallic, the design feels modern but restrained — a colour that suits the car’s understated premium positioning.

It does not shout for attention, but it carries itself with bags of confidence.

Interior

Inside, the GV60 demonstrates where Genesis believes it can differentiate itself – albeit with a nod to a certain super-premium British design. Yes, there’s no escaping the inspiration behind the Genesis winged logo or that diamond-stitched leather interior . . .

The cabin is centred around the 27-inch integrated OLED display that combines infotainment and driver instrumentation . The graphics are sharp, the interface intuitive and the system responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included , and over-the-air updates ensure ongoing refinement.

Beneath the screen sits the Crystal Sphere — a translucent orb that rotates to reveal the gear selector when the vehicle is powered on . It could easily have been a gimmick. In practice, it feels like a carefully considered design flourish that adds to the car’s sense of occasion.

Material quality is impressive throughout. Even in Pure trim, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting with 64 colour options, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included as standard . The overall impression is one of clean, modern luxury rather than overt opulence.

The Comfort Pack significantly enhances long-distance comfort. The 18-way Ergo-Motion driver’s seat offers massage functionality and memory settings, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats extend comfort to all occupants . The seats themselves are supportive without being firm, and they remain comfortable over extended motorway journeys.

Rear space is generous for the class. Legroom is adequate for taller adults, and the flat floor — courtesy of the dedicated EV platform — improves flexibility. The boot is competitive, though not class-leading, offering sufficient space for family use without venturing into large-SUV territory.

Overall, the GV60’s interior feels practical and thoughtfully engineered. It balances technology and tactile quality in a way that feels mature rather than experimental. It may not have the Bentley wow-factor, but it does have a wow-factor. Fair play to the Koreans.

Driving Impressions

We took a trip to the home of golf – St Andrews – on a cold, moody and miserable winter’s day, but despite the weather the Genesis managed to put a smile on my face. It’s an impressive drive in any conditions.

The rear-wheel-drive layout gives it a balanced feel, and the 229PS output is delivered smoothly. Acceleration is brisk rather than dramatic, but the immediacy of electric torque makes everyday driving effortless.

The steering is precise and well weighted. It does not aim to be overtly sporty, yet it provides enough feedback to feel engaging on flowing roads. Body control is tidy, and the car feels composed even when pressed.

Ride quality is good to very good. The suspension absorbs imperfections well, particularly on motorway surfaces, and front acoustic glazing contributes to impressive cabin quietness . Road and wind noise are well suppressed, reinforcing the premium character.

Regenerative braking is highly configurable, including Smart Regenerative Braking with i-Pedal functionality . In its strongest setting, one-pedal driving is intuitive and easy to modulate, making urban driving especially smooth.

Highway Driving Assist 2 supports longer journeys with adaptive cruise control and lane centring . The system operates well without feeling intrusive.

While the dual-motor Sport and Performance versions offer greater outright pace, the Pure strikes a decent balance between efficiency, comfort and performance. It feels complete rather than entry-level.

Range, Charging and Ownership

With a WLTP range of 348 miles , the GV60 Pure is competitive within its segment. Real-world range will vary, but 280 to 310 miles in mixed conditions appears realistic.

The 84kWh battery supports 400V and 800V charging, with DC capability up to 240kW . Under ideal conditions, a 10–80 per cent charge can be achieved in under 20 minutes on a suitably powerful charger.

Battery Conditioning 2.0 allows pre-heating and cooling of the battery, including manual activation, improving charging efficiency in colder conditions . A heat pump is also standard , supporting energy efficiency in lower temperatures.

Genesis also includes Vehicle-to-Load capability as an option , enabling the car to power external devices — a useful feature for camping or emergency situations.

Ownership is further supported by Genesis’ customer service model, including collection and delivery for servicing, which continues to differentiate the brand experience.

Rivals

The GV60 Pure competes with established premium compact EVs such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA.

The Audi offers strong brand familiarity and a solid interior, though its charging speeds cannot match the Genesis. The BMW provides sharper handling but a firmer ride. The Mercedes majors on comfort but offers less dynamic engagement.

Where the GV60 distinguishes itself is in its blend of technology, charging capability and interior ambience. It feels thoughtfully executed and quietly distinctive.

Brand recognition is still developing compared with its German rivals, but the product itself stands comfortably alongside them.

Verdict

The Genesis GV60 Pure is a confident and refined electric SUV.

It combines competitive range, ultra-rapid charging capability and a high-quality interior in a package that feels cohesive and mature. The Pure specification delivers more than enough performance for most drivers, while maintaining impressive efficiency.

It may not carry the same badge familiarity as its European competitors, but judged on engineering depth and ownership experience, it makes a compelling case.