Genesis has been growing its EV lineup with additions like the Electrified G80 sedan and the GV60 crossover. What is likely to be the most popular EV in its lineup, is the new Electrified GV70. Just like the Electrified G80, the fully electric G70 looks almost identical to the gas powered version – which is a good thing.
The Electrified GV70 is a better execution than the Electrified G80, since there aren’t any interior space compromises in the GV70, compared to the G80. The space in the G80 is taken up a bit by the large battery, but luckily since the GV70 is a taller vehicle, there aren’t any interior space compromises. The floor is slightly higher in the Electrified GV70 compared to the gas powered version, but you won’t really notice the difference, since the seats are also lower to the floor. At the end of the day, the GV70’s interior cargo space is only 1 cubic less than the gas powered version.
The only issue we had with the interior, is the fact that you still have to use a cord to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
On the outside, the GV70 looks nearly identical to the gas powered version, with the exception of the different grille and lower front and rear fascias. If you’re a person that loves to show off to the world that you’re driving an EV, then the Electrified GV70 will likely disappoint you, but on the other hand if you love the GV70, like we do, then you’ll be happy that Genesis didn’t mess up the styling. The charging port is also hidden in the front grille and there are no EV badges, which hides the fact that it’s electric.
Moving inside, the interior is also nearly identical, with the exception of different gauges. So again if you love the GV70, but want an EV, then the Electrified GV70 is just for you. The interior is wrapped in the same high quality materials with comfy seats, just like the gas powered version. Cargo space is nearly identical as well.
Now for the performance specs. The Electrified GV70 is powered by two electric motors that generate a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s more power than you’ll get in the V6-powered GV70. As you can expect, this thing goes when you push it from a stop sign. The instantaneous torque gets you moving fast down the road. There’s also a Boost mode that adds an additional 54 horsepower for 10 seconds.
The GV70 EV also finds the perfect balance between sport and comfort on the road. The suspension does a great job of absorbing the impact from imperfections in the road and at the same time there’s limited body roll, which means you can carve up a mountain with ease. There’s also a Sport mode that adjusts the steering, dampers and accelerator response.
Now for the only downside, the Electrified GV70 only has a driving range up to 236 miles. That’s significantly less than you’ll get with a Tesla Model Y. While that’s lower than a lot of electric SUVs, the good news is that using a DC Fast Charger you can charge the battery from 10-80 percent in only 18 minutes – that’s actually faster than the Model Y.
Fortunately most drivers don’t need to have 300+ miles of range, but range anxiety always kicks in, which makes buyers try to find an EV with the longest driving range. If you’re mainly just commuting around town everyday, the Electrified GV70 has more than enough range to keep you from having to look for a charger.
The pricing for the Electrified GV70 starts at $65,850, which is quite a bit more than the Model Y, but the Genesis offers a much more luxurious interior.
At the end of the day, Genesis has created an electric SUV for buyers that don’t want everyone to know that they’re driving an EV. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 looks and feels pretty much the same as the gas powered versions, making it the perfect next step for buyers that want a regular looking SUV, but with an electric powertrain.
