Genesis sets a cracking pace as it gets fully charged

For a marque that didn’t produce its first stand-alone model until just six years ago, Genesis is certainly not wasting any time.

The luxury arm of Korea’s dynamic Hyundai brand, Genesis has built an impressive and very successful range of luxury sedans and SUVs since the company surfaced here in 2017.

Since launching the brand’s flagship, the now defunct G90, in 2017, it has rolled out a handful of all-new models, each lifting the bar a bit more.

Having built a strong footprint with its handful of conventional internal combustion engined models, Genesis has switched its focus to emissions-free motoring – with a goal of replicating its entire fleet of luxury sedans and SUVs with electrified drive trains.

Genesis rolled out its first purpose-built electric model, the very smart and pretty GV60 urban SUV and it has since been joined in showrooms by an electric version of the flagship G80 limousine and now, the GV70 EV luxury SUV.

That has all happened in about three years – a cracking pace in anyone’s language.

Not that the company is making a big fuss about it.

Along with its parent brand Hyundai, Genesis simply keeps turning out ever-more impressive machines, lifting the bar on style, technology and driving dynamics.

In fact, the Genesis arrived for testing after a sublime few days driving a car from the very top drawer of the EV cupboard – Mercedes-Benz’s sleek, silent EQE 53 AMG – and the big Korean generally held its own against the German giant’s box of tricks.

While not matching the Benz for outright performance, the GV70 Electric punches out a rather gaudy 360 kilowatts, plus 700Nm of low-down torque – delivered via all four wheels and with a battery capacity of 77.4kW/h.

That, in turn, translates into an unexpectedly rapid thing – whizzing to the speed limit in just over 4 seconds and with a claimed electric range of 445km.

In practical terms, that’s as much distance as most people are likely to travel in a day – and it’s also as quick as virtually any SUV on the road.

As unobtrusive as it is beautiful, it is a treat to burn off rivals at the traffic lights with barely a chirp from the tyres. Swift and silent, like being stalked by a big cat.

There is also a boost function on the steering wheel which adds enough zing for the GV70 to hit 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Impressive.

And for those who, heaven forbid, want to take this shiny, sexy looking machine off road, there’s an “E-Terrain” mode to keep all four wheels working together on soft surfaces.

There’s also an electronically controlled suspension system which assists in that task. Strange, then, that in comfort mode it delivers a ride that you’d be more likely to find in an American car. More Lexus than BMW, shall we say.

The GV’s equipment list is long and impressive – to the point where matte paint is the only optional extra – and that can be had for a very reasonable $2000.

Among the included kit is a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seating, rear and side privacy glass, leather-clad dashboard and door trims, suede head linings, three-zone climate control and massage seats with heating and ventilation.

It almost makes you forget about the shortcomings – real or imagined – with electric vehicles. But just in case, Genesis has jumped onto the front foot by focusing on a few key selling points.

For instance, Genesis offers a guaranteed future value plan, which blunts any concerns buying an electric vehicle will leave you stranded with a car worth a lot less than what you paid for it.

There’s also a comprehensive roadside assistance program which alleviates any fears of the Genesis failing to proceed at any point – including those miscalculating their driving range.

The style and quality of the Genesis brand is evident every time you step into the vehicle – plush but minimalist interior styling with a generous helping of technology.

The rotary gearshift dial in the centre console is welcome, putting to shame the push-button system in several comparable Hyundai models.

In the Genesis, one dial is for gear changes (along similar lines to Range Rover and Jaguar). Then, a second rotary control guides you through a range of apps and functions, all accessible via a 14.5-inch colour screen.

There’s also a 12.5-inch screen for driver information. A heads-up display is a welcome inclusion.

With prices starting at $127,800 it’s not cheap – although it still offers plenty for that price.

You’ll pay almost twice as much for this variant as you would for the GV70’s entry-level version, which hits the road at $66,000 plus statutory costs.

Perhaps the most impressive facet is the calm and quiet way the GV70 goes about its business – ample torque meaning it dashes away from the lights and power is available whenever you feel the need to overtake.

Those two whisper-quiet motors, of course, complete their work in complete silence.

Styling wise it ticks all the boxes – a reminder of Maserati’s flash Levante (yes, high praise indeed) from some angles and an Audi Q5 from others.

With the arrival of the EV version the GV70 range expands to five configurations – with three engine choices and the option of two-wheel or all-wheel drive in the base model.

The GV70 will swim in the same pond as established favourites such as BMW’s X3, Audi’s Q5 and the Benz GLC – all of which it substantially undercuts on price in electric guise.

GENESIS GV70 ELECTRIFIED

HOW BIG?

It sits in the mid-sized category alongside BMW’s X3 and Benz’s GLC, but despite its sporty looks it’s quite roomy.

HOW FAST?

Impressively so. It will reach 100km/h in a dazzling 4.2 seconds.

HOW THIRSTY?

Driven sensibly, it will cover almost 450km on a single charge.

HOW MUCH?

At $127,800 it’s almost twice as much as the entry-level GV70. But hey, life is short.