Genesis reveals GV60 electric coupé crossover

Genesis, the premium arm of the Hyundai group, has unveiled what it calls a coupé crossover utility vehicle (CUV) – a high-performance electric car that with luxury aspirations. It is the first Genesis model to be built on the dedicated electrified E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) and measures 4,515L x 1,890W x 1,580H x 2900WB.

The front end features a brace of stretched and stacked headlights, which sit above Genesis’ crest-style grille, lowered to deal with the cooling requirements of a performance EV. Echoing aesthetics from the award-winning Ioniq 5, the GV60 features a clamshell bonnet comprising a single panel that combines both bonnet and fenders, adding fluidity to the design. However, in contrast to the aforementioned Ioniq’s folded paper aesthetic, the GV60 is notable for its lack of creases and character lines, presenting a seamless minimalism emboldened by a wide stance and muscular curves. In essence, this is a jacked-up coupe with a long wheelbase (2900mm) tempered by a short overhang.

Genesis’ design team has paid close attention to detailing. For instance, there is a new emblem decorated with the Guilloché pattern common in luxury watches. At the rear, V-shaped chrome trim around the rear window resembles a voltage symbol – another nod to the GV60’s electric origins. Elsewhere, digital side mirrors and retractable door handles (the latter pop out when the driver approaches), add to the streamlined look. The swooping roofline ends with a wing spoiler while the rear shoulders underline the wide stance. Mirroring the front of the vehicle, the GV60’s rear lights are spilt and stacked on top of one another.

The key interior feature is what Genesis calls the ‘crystal sphere’, which glows in a colour of your choice (and to match the ambient lighting of the interior) when at rest before flipping upside down to reveal an ornate rotary gear shifter. The sphere is found on the floating centre console, which, allied with other details such as slim cockpit and flat floor maximises the open plan feel.

The infotainment system connects the cluster and navigation into a panoramic display. To liven things up, the design team has adorned the door handles, horn cover and side mirror controllers with circular patterns. The team has also paid attention in part to sustainably sourced and recycled materials using plant-based leather for the seats, door armrests, console armrests, and crash pads. Seat covers and door centre trims feature fabrics made from yarns extracted from recycled PET bottles and fishnets. The GV60 is available in a variety of 11 colours, including a new signature colour São Paulo lime and Atacama Copper and Atacama Copper Matte, another signature colour. The interior is available in a total of five colours: Obsidian Black, Torrent Navy, Ash Gray/Glacier White, Monstera Green/Camel Beige and Monstera Green/Glassier White.

“The GV60 is significant for Genesis, being the first to fully represent the brand’s vision statement as promised to our customers.” said SangYup Lee, head of Global Genesis Design. “This is the elegance of Genesis, when art and technology converge into perfection to present global high-tech luxury for our customers.”

As you might expect from Genesis, the GV60 is awash with technology with facial recognition software that engages the driver’s preferred settings – HUD, seat, steering wheel and side mirror positions. In addition, customers can choose between three different ‘engine’ sounds, which range from acoustic interpretations of EV motor sounds to mimicking a combustion engine.

The GV60 follows Genesis first foray into European markets signalled by the launch of the G80, GV80 and GV70 shooting brake.