Yahoo Autos 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance Drivers' Notes: Quirky, quick and how 'bout that orb!
The 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance is the top-level version of Genesis’ electric SUV. It unlocks the best acceleration and handling that this crossover has to offer, and it’s surprisingly fun to drive. With the Performance model, Genesis adds in a more powerful front motor, replacing the standard AWD model’s less potent front motor. This inherently makes the Performance quicker in all driving situations, but the model also adds a “Boost” mode. Press the “Boost” button, and it raises output by 40 horsepower for 10-second bursts, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of just 4.0 seconds.
Beyond the performance characteristics of the GV60, it comports itself as a lovely and comfortable electric SUV. Genesis took a chance with this vehicle’s styling by giving it a crossover coupe roofline, and it looks dashing in person. The GV70 Electrified will arrive soon for those who might want a more traditionally shaped SUV. On the inside, the GV60 is full of soft-touch and metal components befitting its luxury badge and price. Big, high-res screens for both the cluster and infotainment system work well. And let’s not forget the glowing orb! You see, the shifter is a glowing orb that rotates 180 degrees to reveal a rotary RND knob not unlike those found in other Genesis vehicles, and while it may look like complexity for complexity’s sake, it sure is a fun party trick.
The sticker for our particular test car is a simple one. Mauna Red paint is the only option, adding $575 to the final price of $69,560. The trend of Genesis simply making its cars in single fully loaded models continues here, as the GV60 Performance comes with every option you might want, and doesn’t offer any others.
Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore — The GV60 is the third in Hyundai Motor Co.’s lineup of electrified E-GMP triplets, and it’s perhaps the most well-rounded. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have love-it or hate-it designs -- that to their credit break new ground -- while the GV60 simply takes Genesis’ curvaceous styling and dispatches it in the form of an electric hatch. It works, as does Genesis’ design in most applications.
Speaking of style, how about the orb? It flips over upon startup to unveil the shifter knob. Interior design can be fun, perhaps frivolous and a bit showy. But that’s luxury. Way to go Genesis. I also like all of the buttons, which make the interface intuitive and easy to pick up quickly. The interior is a solid balance: There’s the orb and an expansive screen for the infotainment, yet there’s also plenty of traditional elements and handsome materials.
It’s fun to drive. The GV60 is a quick crossover that handles well. It’s comfortable, rather than particularly sporty, and it offers a mainstream feel for electric vehicle buyers. I logged quite a few miles running across town in this thing and it would work for a lot of people. Overall, I’m rather impressed.
