Genesis has unveiled the all-new electric GV60, its first bespoke EV
Genesis has revealed its first bespoke electric vehicle in the form of a midsize crossover/SUV called the GV60. Full technical details are yet to be released, but we do know the new quirky-looking model will share much of its underpinnings with Hyundai’s Ioniq and Kia’s new EV6 EVs, which both utilise a bespoke electric platform.
This is, technically, the second all-electric model from Genesis, the first being an all-electric variant of its 5-series-rivalling G80 saloon, but the GV60 takes a different approach both in design and development. Based on the new E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) architecture, the GV60 is a bigger step in the marque’s long-term electrification plan, and precedes a third EV model set to be revealed later this year.
While we don’t yet have firm details on range, battery size and powertrain configuration, we do know from the Ioniq 5 and EV6 that the E-GMP platform does support both single and dual motor configurations, with two battery sizes at 58kWh and 77kWh. Kia’s EV6 is also available in a high performance GT variant with a combined 577bhp output, but it remains to be seen whether Genesis will also adopt this setup.
For now, though, we can focus on the aesthetics, which are headlined by the removal of Genesis’s grille, instead opting for a more closed design for optimised aerodynamics. A lower grille with the marque’s trademark Guilloché pattern is still utilised for cooling and ventilation, but it’s a brave step to remove the brand’s defining graphic.
There are some parts of the distinctive design language in use, such as the unique twin-bar lighting front and rear, but the cab-forward proportions, clamshell bonnet, wraparound windscreen and bizarre zig-zag brightwork around the c-pillar are all new to a company that’s long used classic cab-rear silhouettes and elegant detailing to affirm its premium aspirations..
The GV60’s roofline has a quasi-coupe SUV slope, with the rear tapering down to a fixed lip spoiler. Combined with the clamshell bonnet, digital wing mirrors and flush door handles, it also helps keep clutter to a minimum while also reducing drag.
Inside, the Genesis’s cabin architecture also takes a distinctive approach, combining detailing found in other models like crystal applications on some switchgear and the gear selector, with a more modern cabin architecture. This is seen in the floating centre console and flat floor, increasing room thanks to the lack of a transmission tunnel. Intriguingly, among the steering wheel’s multitude of controls are prominent ‘driving mode’ and ‘boost’ buttons, similar in style to the kind found in Hyundai’s N products.
Specifics as to the GV60’s pricing, technical specifications and availability are still yet to be officially confirmed, but with Genesis’s aggressive European market launch hinged on distinctive forward thinking model lines like this, we suspect it won’t be long at all until we see it on the road.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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