With the cancellation of the New York International Auto Show that was scheduled to happen this week, we are seeing staggered dissemination of new model previews and introductions. The latest model to be previewed is the Genesis GV60.
Genesis, which is Hyundai Motor Group’s premium brand to compete with Lincoln, Cadillac, Lexus, and the German trio in the USA, will be marketing the GV60 with a unique design identity called “Athletic Elegance”.
Destined as the model with the smallest numeral in the current Genesis lineup, the GV60 will emphasise athleticism and dynamism. Being their first fully electric product, it is no surprise that the Genesis GV60 will use Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which currently serves the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Should the dimension of the Genesis GV60 not deviate much from the mass market siblings (4.7 m length with 3.0 m wheelbase), then models like Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes EQC and even the next-generation Porsche Macan group of fully electric premium SUVs will see the Genesis GV60 as a threat.
Genesis says the exterior design of the GV60 highlights its high-performance image along with a dynamic and smooth appearance. Thanks to just the cooling requirement for the batteries and relatively minor electrical systems, the huge grille associated with Genesis models is shrunken on the GV60.
Called the Crest Grille, it is placed below the quad headlamps and also allows the fitment of a clamshell-type hood. Being a significantly smaller model than the current line-up, Genesis is also creating a new wing emblem for the grille, with the thickness reduced by nearly 80% from previous models. It still features the same unique Guilloche pattern often seen in many luxury watches.
From the side, the silhouette is similar to the Kia EV6, featuring a sloping roofline that gradually bows steeper to the rear windshield, rear spoiler and tail lamps.
Similar to the larger GV70 SUV, the C-pillar on the GV60 features a decorative trim to emphasise design, which for this fully electric car, embodies the image of electric or spark.
One feature that should make the GV60 stand out from the competition is the sleek side cameras that replace the traditional mirrors. The image from the cameras are feed to dedicated screens at the top corners of the doors to project a virtual side mirror, which offers a lot more information with better vision in the dark and poor weather conditions.
Inside, the Genesis GV60 promises plenty of space and craftsmanship. The most noticeable feature in the interior is the Crystal Sphere, a sphere-shaped Shift-by-wire controller that intuitively informs the driver when the GV60 is ready to drive. Almost every surface in the interior is lined with high-quality materials, with the dashboard being more compact and slimmer thanks to the absence of an engine.
No mention of the performance figures, but expect the Genesis GV60 to have similar ballpark numbers with the E-GMP products such as Ultra-fast charging (100 km range in under 5 minutes), 585 hp/740 Nm output for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds and over 500 km range.
GALLERY
