Genesis Electrified GV70 debuts: Mid-range SUV gets a facelift

More modern, especially on the inside - and presumably with a new 84 kWh battery

Photo by: Genesis

By: Stefan Leichsenring

Dec 3, 2024 at 9:33am ET

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At around 4.70 metres in length, the Genesis Electrified GV70 is the Korean brand's mid-size SUV. Located one class higher than the Genesis GV60, it is not based on an electric platform, but on the GV70 combustion engine model. The car is now receiving a comprehensive overhaul, as Genesis writes.

Almost three years after its debut in March 2022, the premium SUV is getting new equipment features and an enhanced design in the brand's typical "Athletic Elegance" style. Sales of the new model will start in the first quarter of 2025, initially in Korea.

Electrified GV70: The previous version

The Facelift

The visual changes are more profound on the inside than on the outside. This was already shown in prototype images from July from the Rüsselsheim area. At the front, there will be clip-shaped instead of vertical air intakes on the outside of the apron. The undercarriage guard also appears to have a slightly different design; the grilled intake above it takes up its shape. In the future, the headlights will work with "Micro Lens Array (MLA)" technology, which should improve the lighting performance. There are also new wheels: the 20-inch rims are in matt dark grey, and the 19-inch wheels also have a new colour.

The rear of the discontinued version

So far the only photo of the new rear

At first glance, no changes are recognisable at the rear. However, the indicators, which were previously located in the bumpers, have been integrated into the rear lights - this is intended to improve visibility for following vehicles. The indicators have also been adapted to the design of the front lights. The lower part of the bumper has been upgraded with two chrome lines.

In addition, the third brake light now appears to extend across the entire width of the roof spoiler. A camera has also been integrated here, which provides the images for the "digital interior mirror" (DCM). The colour range is complemented by the new Ceres Bluepaint finish, which is also available in matt.

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The previous cockpit

Neues Cockpit

The changes to the interior are more extensive. There is now a 27-inch OLED display, which looks much more contemporary than the cockpit of the discontinued model. This had a display under an old-fashioned hood that showed round instruments. There is also a 14.5-inch touchscreen.

The centre console looks more sophisticated in the picture than in the previous model. A new "Milky Way Pattern" for the ambient lighting is intended to provide a special elegance. The steering wheel has also been redesigned. There is also a new premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen with aluminium speaker covers. There is a choice of three colour themes for the interior, including the new two-tone option "Icy Blue/Glacier White".

Genesis has not yet revealed anything about the technology. So far, a 490 PS all-wheel drive system is responsible for the drive, which consists of two equally powerful electric motors at the front and rear. In boost mode, they each deliver 245 PS for ten seconds, but normally only 218 PS each. This enables the GV70 to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. But again, only in boost mode, otherwise it takes 4.8 seconds. If the front engine is not needed, it can be decoupled via the Disconnector Actuator System (DAS).

Previously, the power came from a 77-kWh battery; as this was replaced by an 84-kWh battery in the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, it can be assumed that the Genesis will be the same. The range is therefore likely to be slightly higher than the previous 283 miles. However, the battery should continue to operate at 800 volts. The battery in the discontinued model can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes. Prices for the Electrified GV70 currently start at £65,105.

Until recently, its competitors included the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes EQC, but both premium models have since been discontinued. Instead, there is now an 800-volt rival in the Audi Q6 e-tron, which offers significantly greater ranges. The SQ6 e-tron quattro, which has an equivalent drive system, can travel almost 370 miles, but costs £95,450. The Q6 e-ton quattro with 388 PS and a range of up to 390 miles is more comparable in terms of price at a list price of £71,475. Alternatives from the volume segment include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y.

The bottom line

In Germany Genesis sold around 100 units of the Electrified GV70 in the first ten months of the year, compared to around 250 units in the previous year. With such numbers, the question arises as to why the models are being offered at all. Perhaps the rather conservative appearance is one of the reasons. However, the facelift does little to change this; at least the cockpit now looks more modern. However, the new competitor from Audi will ensure that the Genesis remains a car for individualists, to put it positively.

Source: Genesis