The base price in Canada for the 2023 Genesis GV60 is $71,000 in Canada, and $58,890 in the US.
The GV60 is the luxo version of the Kia EV6 and IONIQ 5.
This EV is almost faultless.

This review’s title is a little rough, but it very briefly summarizes Genesis’ incursion in all luxury vehicle segments. Although serious volume eludes them still, their products are not at fault – blame the lingering and lacking brand recognition. The all-electric GV60 is Genesis’ chance to rise out of relative obscurity.

2023 Genesis GV60 Performance | Photo: Olivier Delorme

And they will. In my career, I’ve driven vehicles that have garnered serious attention be it for their exotic nature, ridiculous price tag, or legendary status. The all-new Genesis GV60 has hoisted itself among the McLarens, Lamborghinis, Nissan GT-R (back in 2008), and Mercedes-AMG SLS as having made the most heads turn and generating the most questions.

This kind of attention comes with some risks for the automaker. In nutshell: Will the vehicle live up to expectations? The short answer to this concern vis-à-vis the Genesis GV60 is that, yes, yes it will.

Handsome, unique, and premium

Based on styling alone, the GV60 will slay. I don’t believe that the auto industry has ever witnessed a car company create, deliver, and have its signature design language be so widely recognized in so little time. And while the new G90 and GV70 are stunning, the GV60 leads the pack visually. Every line, curve, and physical adornment caters to the eye. From the short overhangs, funky 21-inch wheels, chrome highlights, and dual front and rear lights combine to create a crossover that is both classy and sporty.

The cabin is equally enticing. The piece-de-resistance is the rotating drive-selector wheel and, although noteworthy, becomes ho-hum by the end of the first week with the GV60. A real grievance with the interior is the two-spoke steering wheel. Said spokes are ridiculously large and make it impossible for an average hand to properly grasp the wheel. Another issue, for some, is the lack of a wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. My experience has shown that only about one in five wireless connections work without fail so this isn’t a problem.

Nor is the remainder of the Genesis GV60’s luxurious interior. The tested Performance’s quilted Nappa leather is sublime, there’s suede everywhere else, while fit and finish are exemplary. Ergonomics, menus, and controls are clear and straightforward.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable while the rear bench, thanks to its reclining seatback, is a good place to be with more room than expected. The trunk is rated at 680 litres of volume however I doubt the number. It’s not quite deep or wide enough to back the claim but it’s still very usable.

The level of equipment is massive. Essentially, the base Advanced ($71,000) has everything (cooled front seats, 2x 12.3-inch displays, heads-up display, heat pump, Nappa leather, and more). Stepping into the Performance ($79,000) adds a B&O premium audio system, 21-inch wheels, an electronically-controlled suspension, and more power.

Fast like boost

The new 2023 Genesis GV60 is only delivered with a dual motor layout. As with other E-GMP-based Hyundai EVs, this means that it is fitted with the larger 77.4-kWh battery. The Advanced GV60 benefits from a total system output of 314 horsepower and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. The Performance, however, is a little more gifted. Its more powerful front motor increases total horsepower to 429 without affecting torque. That is unless the yellow button on the steering wheel is activated.

As tested, the GV60 tipped the scale at about 4,900 lbs but you’d never know it when “BOOST” is on. For 10 seconds at a time, the powertrain finds an extra 54 horsepower and 70 torques to dive into and take off with. When on, from a standstill, the small crossover will clip the 0-100km/h sprint in about 4 seconds, and not without a smirk-inducing dose of 4-wheel-spin. It also serves as a push-to-pass button as, no matter the drive mode, it will slingshot you forward.

Although the power is superb, the Performance’s electronically controlled suspension with road preview is the main reason behind spending the extra $8,000. The self-adjusting dampers use info gathered by the front camera and navigation system to pre-adjust damping force. In short, they are brilliant as they always find the ideal balance between comfort and handling.

About electric things, the only “issue” I have with the drive is the regenerative braking. And this is only an “issue” because I’ve recently driven the 2022 Kia EV6. Under i-Pedal or one-pedal driving, the GV60 coasts to a full stop while the EV6 will stop with more intensity – this is basically a matter of the driver adjusting to the vehicle.

Compact luxury SUV

This segment is the fastest growing in the business right now. With the Audi Q4, Volvo XC40 (C40, Polestar 2), Tesla Model Y, and many more on the way like the Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQC, BMW iX3, Lexus RZ 450e, and others, there will be no shortage of options.

Of the currently available crop, the 2023 Genesis GV60 is easily tops for value, design, and performance. I personally like the XC40 Recharge but I think even it would take a backseat to the Korean offering. If anything, I wouldn’t even bother with a Model Y no matter how enticing it might be.

Despite the incoming new models, it’s clear in my mind that the GV60 will shine. Despite legacy automakers’ best efforts, the GV60 is the equivalent of a blunt force trauma in the segment, and for years to come.