The Genesis GV60 Should Have Led the Brand's UK Launch From the Start
All three reviews agree on the same point: Genesis arrived in Europe in 2021 with combustion-turned-electric saloons and SUVs that struggled to stand out, and it wasn't until this dedicated, ground-up EV arrived that the brand finally had a genuinely compelling case.
Illustration for editorial purposes
The Car That Actually Justifies the Brand
Launching a new luxury brand without a clear signature model is a real risk. Reviewers keep agreeing that this is the car Genesis should have led with from day one — its first vehicle built as an EV from a blank sheet, rather than a retrofitted petrol design.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric crossover-coupé |
|---|---|
| Platform | E-GMP, shared with Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 |
| Versions | Pure (RWD, 226bhp), Sport (AWD, 314bhp), Performance (AWD, 483bhp) |
| Battery | 84kWh (all versions, post-2026 facelift) |
| Claimed range | Up to 348 miles official |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the GV60 as smooth, hushed and refined, rating it as mightily impressive against electric crossover rivals, though noted it isn't as crisp or alert to drive as a Ford Mustang Mach-E or Polestar 2. They found the available Drift Mode and Virtual Gearshift systems genuinely entertaining novelties, if placed a little high in the price range to feel truly essential, and praised the comfortable, attractive interior as the car's clearest strength.
What Car?
What Car? measured the Performance version's 0-62mph at four seconds with Boost engaged, rating it nearly as quick as a Porsche Taycan 4S, and recommended the entry Pure as the smartest buy given it's both the cheapest and longest-range version. They praised the crystal-ball gear selector and physical control wheel as genuinely more usable on the move than pure touchscreen rivals like the Tesla Model Y, and rated cabin quality as feeling like a concept car brought to production.
Autocar
Autocar's road test confirmed the GV60 represents roughly a third of all Genesis UK registrations, making this facelift a genuinely important update for the brand. They found the proven E-GMP platform delivers reliably efficient, fast-charging performance already demonstrated by the related Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and rated the enlarged 84kWh battery and new single-screen 27-inch display as worthwhile, if incremental, improvements over the pre-facelift car.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
Every GV60 shares the same 84kWh battery — the trim you pick determines the motor count and drivetrain, not the range headline figure alone.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GV60 Pure | Single rear electric motor, RWD | 226bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 7.8s |
| GV60 Sport | Dual electric motors, AWD | 314bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 5.5s |
| GV60 Performance | Dual electric motors, AWD | 429bhp (483bhp with Boost) | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 4.0s |
The Performance trim adds Drift Mode and a simulated gearshift borrowed from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. A broad exterior colour range is offered, with several premium metallic finishes available at extra cost. Check Genesis's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely luxurious, concept-car-like interior
- Comfortable, refined ride quality
- Fast, proven E-GMP charging and efficiency
- Distinctive styling that stands apart from platform-mates
Weak points
- Not as sharp to drive as some rivals
- Genuinely expensive once options are added
- Modest rear headroom given the sloping roofline
- Limited UK sales volume means less established reliability data
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely distinctive, luxury-focused alternative to the Tesla Model Y or Audi Q4 e-tron and value comfort over outright driving sharpness. The entry-level Pure is the version every review recommends as the smartest overall buy.
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Genesis GV60 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)