INDIANAPOLIS — I’m as much into modern minimalism as anybody, but sometimes I’d like a little less being less and a little more being more. Take, for instance, a popular electric luxury compact crossover bearing a name that starts with the last name of a 19th century innovator and ends with a letter we last explored on Sesame Street. I appreciate Tesla’s style but might prefer a dose of classic elegance combined with all the latest technology. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 may be that car.
The GV70 was already debonair with its big grille, flowing forms, deep arching swage line in the bodysides and rear window treatment that echoes the Porsche 928. The only clue this one is electric is the mesh-molded silver insert with a hidden door for the plug where a grille normally resides. The long hood, quad front light strips and equally thin taillamps continue. It looks especially fetching over 20” wheels and under a power panoramic sunroof.
Large screens for gauges, infotainment, and dual-zone automatic climate control glass up the cabin, but Nappa leather seats, sueded headliner, stitched dash coverings and lush door panels dish deep class. Add fingerprint authentication juxtaposed against heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Wireless phone charging and Lexicon audio, same as in a Rolls-Royce, provide sweet tunes. Safety is enhanced by a head-up display, adaptive cruise, blind-spot intervention and safe exit assist that prevents passenger from stepping into traffic.
Few will complain about the GV70’s performance. Its electric drive sends 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque to the road through all-gripping all-wheel-drive. A Boost Mode button on the steering wheel allows 10 seconds of up to 483 horsepower to zap 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Range is limited to 236 miles, but drivers can fast charge 10-80% in just 18 minutes. That’s not a lot of range for a luxury crossover, but at least drivers can replenish quickly.
It’s zippy but also sophisticated. The adaptive suspension system reads the road ahead to anticipate rough pavement so it can adjust before it even bumps. A switch in the console adjusts the Drive Mode Select system through Eco, Comfort, Sport and custom settings. The throttle is less sensitive in Eco, most sensitive in Sport. Steering adjusts accordingly, too. I drove in Eco and was impressed…until I clicked into Sport and the satin devil appeared. No matter the mode, the GV70 rides smooth and quiet.
The driving experience instills confidence, but the GV70 feels heavy when you put it into a corner. Some will like that, some won’t. Range is abysmal for a premium luxury electric crossover wearing the price tag you’ll soon see, but at least it can charge with the best of them. Beyond all that, it’s a handsome little fiend with an interior that pampers passengers in egregious luxury.
One thing for sure: It’s not cheap. Gasoline GV70s start at $44,900, but Electrified versions rise from $66,450 to our vehicle’s $74,350 sticker. Given that lofty outlay, also check the Tesla Model Y, Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes-Benz EQB, BMW iX, and Audi Q4 e-tron.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
Likes
- Sexy styling
- Quick acceleration
- Fast charging
Dislikes
- Limited range
- Heavy feel
- Hefty price
2023 Genesis Elect. GV70
Five-passenger, AWD Crossover
Output: 429hp/516 lb.-ft. torque
Suspension f/r: Adapt. Ind/Ind
Wheels f/r: 20”/20” alloy
Brakes f/r: regen disc/disc
0-60 mph: 3.8s
Range: 236 mi
Fuel economy: 98/83 MPGe city/hwy
Assembly: Montgomery, AL
Base/As-tested price: $66,450/$74,350
