We’ll be spending the subsequent few weeks behind the wheel of the 2024 Genesis GV60, and we’ll want all of that point to investigate this newish all-electric pocket SUV from the Korean model. This is the primary a part of our long-term overview.
With a reputation like Genesis, how can we resist the temptation to try its… genesis?To start with, do not confuse this Genesis with the British prog-rock band that had its heyday in 70s. Nor with the NASA area probe launched in 2001 to discover the solar. Nor with a number of movies, knowledgeable wrestling present, a bunch of disparate corporations, video video games or a Christian fundamentalist motion.
Le tout nouveau Genesis GV60 2024 | Photograph: M.Crépault
Sweep all these confusingly homonymous entities apart; the topic of as we speak’s lecture is Genesis Motors, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Firm based in 2015.
The creation of a luxurious model by the mass-market auto firm was a logical and predictable transfer given what had come earlier than.
Honda began the ball rolling with Acura in 1986. Toyota and Nissan adopted in 1989 with Lexus and Infiniti, respectively. Mazda virtually adopted with Amati in 1991, however didn’t.
One after one other, Asian carmakers sought to show that that they had developed know-how permitting them to rival American and European producers specializing in luxurious automobiles.
Small stepsHyundai first examined the waters in 2003 with the Genesis Idea. Internally, the controversy was fierce. Ought to a Genesis be bought underneath the Hyundai banner or by way of an unbiased division? Ultimately, warning was the order of the day, with the launch of the Hyundai Genesis sedan in 2008.
However seven years later (on the finish of 2015), Hyundai modified course and created a brand new luxurious division, for the event producing a substitute for the EQ900 (its title in South Korea; it was the Equus in North America). That was the Genesis G90. Shortly afterwards, the G80 succeeded the Hyundai Genesis, adopted by the revealing of the G70 on the 2018 New York Auto Present.
One new model, three sedans.
That was inevitably going to vary, given the instances. SUVs had been within the playing cards. And certain sufficient, Genesis launched the GV80 and GV70 in 2020. One letter for sedans, two for SUVs.
2024 Genesis GV60, Genesis emblem, charging port | Photograph: M.Crépault
But in addition given the instances, electrification was virtually as inevitable. The model took the shortest route there at first, taking present fashions within the lineup to give you the Electrified G80 and Electrified GV70.
It doesn’t take a level in rocket science to see what these fashions run on – simply have a look at the names. However relating to a mannequin created solely new, from a devoted platform (the e-GMP shared by the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia EV fashions), mockingly, the title doesn’t reveal something about its powertrain. You simply must know. Meet the GV60 small SUV, launched in 2021.
I had the chance not too long ago to spend 5 weeks with the all-electric 2024 Genesis GV60, together with taking it on a 2,000-km street journey to Maine and again. Sure, 2,000 km in a BEV.
2024 Genesis GV60, profile | Photograph: M.Crépault
2024 Genesis GV60, entrance | Photograph: M.Crépault
Exceptional looksBoth entrance and rear, the lights within the corners of the GV60 kind slits which have change into a signature of the model. A purification that jogs my memory of the restraint with which some comedian guide authors draw their characters’ eyes: two little black dots and that is it (Tintin involves thoughts). But one way or the other, Tintin’s physiognomy by no means stops speaking completely different feelings, as a result of these two black dots are intimately linked to the remainder of the drawing. The identical goes for the GV60.
What’s extra, the GV60 dramatically adjustments its look relying on its color. The hue of its end both emphasizes or soothes the various particulars that run by way of the bodywork. Along with the LED slots, there’s the EV-like bulging steel nostril, and the more-or-less false grille, diamond-shaped and with simply sufficient holes to aerate the automobile’s innards. The little triangle that crowns the grille both provides dynamism when the color is pale, or goes unnoticed with a darker end.
2024 Genesis GV60, triangle design aspect | Photograph: M.Crépault
2024 Genesis GV60, entrance finish | Photograph: M.Crépault
The identical applies to the 2 stylized brackets flanking the grille. On a white background, they pop; on a darker one, they’re barely discernible.
Personally, I admit I do not dislike contrasts. They provide character to the physique hull, which, by the way, is fascinating virtually irrespective of the place your gaze lands.
2024 Genesis GV60, again finish element | Photograph: M.Crépault
I am pondering of the trim above the fenders and on the backside of the edges, which joins the entrance spoiler to encircle the physique with out letting go. Or the receding roof, which rapidly morphs right into a sensual tailgate with a sporty spoiler. The flush handles amplify the automobile’s aerodynamics. Lastly, one other triangular fantasy, this one trimmed in chrome, assaults the rear quarter window.
2024 Genesis GV60, wheel | Photograph: M.Crépault
And what to say concerning the wheels! The Advance model of the GV60 is fitted with 20-inch wheels, whereas the Efficiency model will get 21-inch wheels. In each circumstances, the designs comprise a formidable swirl of edges and geometric shapes.
All in all, a fantastic design. A credit score to Luc Donckerwolke, a Belgian design wizard skilled within the German faculty, like lots of the designers whom the Hyundai-Kia-Genesis triumvirate lured into its camp by opening large its very deep pockets.
2024 Genesis GV60, three quarters rear | Photograph: M.Crépault