Yahoo Autos 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 First Drive Review: Put this EV on your short list
ATLANTA, Ga. — There’s something interesting about the Genesis Electrified GV70, and even though it’s plainly obvious, it’s still worth pointing out: its skin and much of its chassis are basically shared with the regular Genesis GV70. Whereas most other EVs employ a dedicated platform intended to take full advantage of a battery-powered car’s inherent differences, Genesis engineers decided to employ a vehicle architecture that can accommodate both internal combustion and electrification.
This isn’t entirely unique to Genesis. The BMW i4, for instance, shares its modular Cluster Architecture platform with a slew of gas-fueled vehicles. But it’s noteworthy nonetheless, due in no small part to the much-heralded collection of other EVs in the Hyundai Motor Company’s portfolio: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6 and Genesis’ own GV60, all of which use a dedicated electric chassis known internally as E-GMP. Instead of simply making additional models off E-GMP, Genesis has seemingly invested in a second, bespoke vehicle architecture for itself.
The Electrified GV70 is a couple inches longer than the GV60 but has a wheelbase that’s exactly an inch shorter. The 70 has a little over a cubic foot more passenger space overall, but less front and rear legroom. The 60’s steeply raked roofline cuts into cargo capacity, leaving the 70 to take the stowage crown with 56.5 cubic feet (compared to 54.7) behind the first row and 28.7 behind the second row (compared to 24). Those numbers make the EV version a smidge smaller inside than the gas-powered GV70, in case you’re wondering.
Intriguingly, a look at the specifications between the GV60 and GV70 reveals there’s even more to the story. Both vehicles use a battery pack with a rated capacity of 77.4-kilowatt-hours, and the Electrified GV70’s 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque match those of the GV60 Performance model (the ponies can similarly be upped to 483 for 10 seconds at a time using the “Boost” button located on the steering wheel). The five-stage regenerative braking and highest I-Pedal modes carry over as well. Turns out there’s more sharing going on between the two vehicles than it seems at first blush.
Whatever the reasoning behind the decision to share some bits and pieces between models but not others, we’re quite pleased with the results. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is at least as attractive as the regular GV70, perhaps even more so due to its unique detailing, which includes a new grille, wheels and faux skid plates front and rear. Obviously, the exhaust outlets are also deleted. Its swooping bodysides and flowing roofline — Genesis calls them “parabolic-” and “athletic power lines” — look elegant, sophisticated, and unlike anything else on the road. Perhaps even better is the interior. As is the case with the standard GV70, the Electrified model boasts plenty of fluid lines, beautifully stitched leather and jewel-like switchgear that both make a luxurious statement and stands apart from its more staid German competitors.
Both inside and out, the Genesis Electrified GV70 certainly exudes the marketing keywords the brand aims for: audacious, progressive and distinctly Korean. We’re especially fond of the Glacier White interior color (copper accents are added with the optional Prestige trim), and Genesis designers hinted that more interesting colors, both inside and out, will follow in due time. That’s a good thing, considering that the only exterior shades at launch will be shades of black, silver, gray and matte gray. You can get the regular GV70 in purple, green and candy apple red.
Like the Electrified G80, which shares the same gas/electric platform, the Electrified GV70 (yes, we find this naming convention just as clunky as you do) features what we think is the coolest charging door in the EV kingdom. Since electric powertrains don’t have big radiators up front, Genesis fills in the crest-shaped grille with a diamond pattern, and one hidden bigger diamond on the driver’s side of the grille flips open to reveal the charging port. Its location at the front of the vehicle makes it relatively easy to plug in, too – you won’t have to back into spots as much and short charging cords won’t be as big of a hassle.
Due to its advanced battery and 800-volt electric architecture, the Electrified GV70 can take advantage of 350-kilowatt chargers (though its actual peak charging rate stands at 240 kW) and theoretically charge from 10%-80% in as little as 18 minutes, though real-world times will vary depending on a number of factors. A 5-minute charge on the fastest chargers can give a 64-mile boost. On a 240-volt home charger, Genesis estimates it will take around 7 hours to fully charge, meaning the car should be full every morning if it’s plugged in at night. There’s also vehicle-to-load capability that requires an accessory connector and allows the car’s battery to run small 110-volt appliances. It’s not exactly a generator, but it could save your food from thawing in an outage or run garage tools. Genesis estimates at full charge the Electrified GV70’s battery could power the average American household for two days.
