American-Built All-Electric Luxury SUV
The elegant 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 is the second all-electric SUV in the Genesis line-up joining the sporty GV60. Genesis has a goal of giving owners the best possible luxurious experience, including Son-Nim which in Korean translates to “Honored Guest” which is how Genesis honors their current and future customers. The GV70 stands out its ultra-fast charging speed makes it a differentiator from other compact electric SUVs.
[Ed. note: Genesis uses the term “Electrified” to denote its EV lineup. Since that term is often used in the automotive industry to denote hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as EVs, we will use the term EV within this review.]
Silent Propulsion
The all-wheel drive GV70 EV comes with twin electric motors, front and rear, each producing 160 kW of power for a combined 429 horsepower (hp) and 483 pound-feet of torque. Added speed (and a thrill!) is brought on by pushing the steering wheel-mounted Boost button that gives a 10-second blast of 100 kW raising the output to 483 hp. Zero-60 mph times are about 3.9 seconds. Whoosh!
The shift-by-wire transmission has five selectable drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and the customizable My Mode, with each affecting the accelerator and steering feel. The most fun mode is the Sport setting where the steering and accelerator pedal responses sharpen, and the power driver’s seat bolsters engage to grab the driver tighter for spirited cornering.
Driving range is dependent on the driving style, the drive mode, and how often you are tempted to activate the Boost mode. The GV70’s all-electric range is EPA rated at 236 miles. After driving in-and-around Southern California for a week, we averaged a respectable 3.3 miles per kilowatt hour over 337 miles. Here are some tips on getting maximum electric driving range.
The GV70 EV’s ride is balanced and confident, with the 5,038-pound curb weight (1,063 pounds from the under-floor battery) low and centered. The Michelin Primacy Tour 265/45 all-season tires, mounted on 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, provided ample grip even when pushing corners to their limit. The all-wheel drive system automatically senses grip level and undetectably sends power front-to-rear and side-to-side. The electronically controlled suspension has Road Preview, with front-facing cameras reading road conditions, automatically controlling the damping force of the suspension to provide for a smooth ride. There was limited body roll for a very comfortable ride.
Wind and road noise were low, reduced in-part by acoustic laminated glass and sound deadening insulation. Genesis also uses technology to affect the cabin noise experience. Electric-Active Sound Design pumps virtual driving sounds that fluctuate with the drive mode through the audio speakers, based on the speed and accelerator pedal pressure.
Charging and Regeneration
There are three charging rate options for the 77.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Utilizing both 400- and 800-volt charging, the slowest is by a standard 120V household plug that delivers a full charge in about 68 hours. Most owners will opt to install a 240V Level 2 charger at their home that will replenish the battery from 10-percent to 100-percent in about seven hours.
For faster charging, owners can take advantage of the three years of complementary unlimited charging at Electrify America stations, where with a 250 kW charger the Genesis GV70 EV will go from 10-to-80 percent in 18 minutes, or 64 miles in 5 minutes. At 50kW, which is a more commonly found charge speed, it will take about 70 minutes.
It is important to note cold weather can affect the charging time and driving range. The GV70 EV comes standard with a battery heating system that will warm the battery to a temperature that will take a faster and higher charge. Here are some helpful tips on charging the GV70 EV, which are the same for the GV60 EV demonstrated in this video.
Charging is also through powerful motor regeneration that when coasting or braking converts kinetic energy into electric energy and returns it to the battery. For i-Pedal, or one-pedal driving, the regeneration can be set to three levels of force with steering wheel paddles, making it possible to do most driving without relying on the brakes.
The Genesis GV70 EV also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability where power (maximum 1.9 kW at 16 amps) can flow out of the battery and charge e-bikes, camping and outdoor equipment, or run your office while traveling. It can also be a home electricity source for two days during a power outage, but additional equipment is needed for this possibly life-saving feature.
Distinct Exterior
Sharing a platform with the gasoline-powered GV70, Genesis engineers were able to use the same platform for both power plants without sacrificing interior space for people or cargo.
Wendy Orthman, executive director of marketing, said the Genesis GV70 EV is “distinctly Korean that offers styling that is bold but progressive.” The exterior styling is distinctive and readily identifiable as a Genesis. The signature aerodynamic reverse G-Matrix grille sits below a clamshell hood that features Genesis’ iconic two-line LED headlight design. The charge door, where the charge cord is plugged-in, is hidden on the left front of the grille. The sides are gently sculpted, aiding in the low 0.29 coefficient of drag.
The smooth body surfaces are unencumbered with chrome, except tasteful strips around the side windows, the low profile roof rails and the very bottom of the front and rear fascia. The rear continues the two-line LED tail light design that wraps the power lift gate. The glass sunroof and rear window spoiler complete the exterior’s clean design.
Spacious Interior
The 6.9-inch ground clearance provides seating height for good visibility. The interior is open, spacious and comfortable with a substantial center console that opens for storage and has soft surfaces for arm resting. The padded dash is divided into two horizontal spaces. The lower handles the three-zone climate control with the upper for the 14.5-inch high-definition horizontal color display touchscreen and an 8-inch or 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument screen.
The Genesis GV70 Prestige we drove had the superb 14-speaker, 1,050-watt Lexicon premium audio system that included AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD radio with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Bluetooth phone connection was for up to two devices. Twelve-volt outlets, USB power and data ports, wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot complete the technology.
The interior comfort begins with leather heated and ventilated front seats, with memory and power adjustments including side bolsters and massage. The driver gets the Genesis-exclusive ERGO Motion Seat designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue. Checkout this video to see the technology that will make your journey even more relaxing and enjoyable.
The heated rear leather seats have ample leg room for three adults. Rear seat occupants get adjustable head rests, a center folding armrest with cup holders, door cup holders, charge ports, ventilation vents, and side window shades. Rear cargo storage is good, plus there is a front trunk (frunk) for stashing smaller items.
As to be expected on a luxury car the GV70 EV has power everything. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel has controls for audio, telephone and the smart cruise control. The radio can be controlled by the touchscreen, or with volume and channel selection wheels on the center console. There was a very short learning curve for this outstanding entertainment system. The Genesis Connected Services app is a convenient feature for handling several services.
Other features are driver-selectable ambient lighting, auto hold, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a color head-up display, Homelink, heated and power side mirrors with turn signals, panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging.
Technology
Technology features include the Digital Key, which provides access to vehicle systems, including lock, unlock and remote start. Remote Smart Parking Assist can move the GV70 EV forward and reverse by using the key FOB. This helpful feature comes in handy when someone parked too close and you can’t open the doors.
The Surround View Monitor is an important safety feature when parking or backing in an area where there may be vehicles or pedestrians appearing suddenly.
Safety and Warranty
The GV70 EV comes with an extensive and standard list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that begins with eight airbags. The semi-autonomous driving system, the Genesis Highway Driving Assist, worked well. A helpful feature is when using the right or left turn signal, a camera comes on showing the sides of the GV70, depending on which direction is being turned.
The GV70 EV comes with these warranties.
- New Vehicle – Five years/60,000 miles
- Powertrain – 10 years/100,000 miles
- Battery – 10 years/100,000 miles
- Ant-Perforation – Seven years/Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance – Five years/Unlimited miles
Pricing
The 2024 GV70 EV comes in two models, with these base prices that include the mandatory $1,350 destination fee.
- Advanced $67,800
- Prestige $74,600
The GV70 EV is available at select Genesis retailers in 37 states.
Observations: 2024 Genesis GV70 EV AWD
Genesis started production of the GV70 EV in Montgomery, Alabama, in February 2023. This says a lot about the Genesis commitment of going all-in with electric vehicles and investing in America.
If you are ready to forever forego stopping at a gasoline station and want your family and friends to ride in quiet luxury, the 2024 Genesis GV70 EV AWD should be added to your shopping list. If you haven’t experienced it yet, there is something very satisfying about driving an electric car.
The lack of sound as it moves down the road is wonderful, and the instant torque from a stop or at highway speeds is something to enjoy, as is the extremely smooth operation that a gasoline-powered car cannot match. And for the 2024 Genesis GV70 EV AWD, its ultra-fast charging speed makes it a differentiator from other compact electric SUVs.
Genesis is just now hitting its stride with a line-up of sedans and SUVs that get rave reviews. Starting in 2025 they will come out with no new internal combustion engine models, and by 2030 will only sell cars and SUVs powered by a battery. Clean Fleet Report has been impressed with all Genesis models, and when we slid behind the wheel of the GV70 EV, we were not disappointed.
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
The Genesis “Electrified” (i.e., EV) Line-up
Flash Drive: 2023 Genesis GV70 EV
News: 2023 Genesis GV70 AWD
Road Test: 2023 Genesis GV60 EV
Update: 2023 Genesis G80 EV
Sneak Preview: 2023 Genesis GV70 EV
News: Genesis Reveals GV60 Crossover EV
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
