Genesis GV60 and GV70: Discovering Scotland

In mid-July, at the invitation of Genesis Canada, I had the chance to fly out to ScotlandI to attend the Genesis Scottish Open ( Genesis is also the automotive sponsor of the Presidents Cup that will be in Montréal in September 2024) and to drive Genesis’s first all-electric vehicle, the GV60, and to be the co-pilot for the Electrified GV70. I must admit right off the bat that cruising through many roads in Scotland was immensely enjoyable, due to its beautiful landscapes. What a memorable sight! However, it required some adaptation on my part since the road rules in the United Kingdom differ from ours. Gentlemen, follow us on our journey with the Genesis GV60 and GV70!

Article published in Gentologie Magazine Issue 12, subscribe here to receive future issues.

Explore Scotland’s rugged landscapes with the Genesis GV60 and GV70

The Electrified GV70: The Genesis of Performance and Comfort

My journey commenced not behind the wheel, but in the passenger seat of the Electrified GV70. My companion on the road, Mr. Justin Mastine-Frost of Sharp Magazine, piloted our first leg. Sitting on the “driver’s” side without a steering wheel before me felt pretty nerve-wracking. The Electrified GV70 is a symphony of dashing interior and premium comfort. Its heart throbs with 429 hp, a figure that leaps to 483 in Boost mode, or even to 516 lb-ft of torque with the Prestige TI version. Although we were mostly on small roads, the drive was comfortable as the car responded swiftly to our every command, such as additional speed power when you need to overtake. Furthermore, the vehicle has a range of around 380 kilometres, and is fast charging — up to 80% battery capacity takes about 20 minutes if you use a proper 350 kW charging station.  

Despite its large size, the Electrified GV70 weaves very well on small paths and responds perfectly to every steering input. We were cocooned in a haven of safety features. Whether it’s the forward collision-avoidance assistance, blind-spot view monitor, lane driving assist, driver attention warning or highway driving assistance, this luxury model offers peace of mind.   

As for the seat of comfort, my colleague really appreciated the ventilated and heated Nappa leather Ergo Motion driver’s seat, which, as its name suggests, is an ergonomic seat. It features air cells that enhance comfort depending on the selected driving mode or vehicle speed. Plus, a stretching mode is available via an independent control of the seat cushion’s air cells. Recognized by the German association Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. — a campaign for back health — for its ergonomic design, this feature reduces fatigue and provides optimal lumbar support.

The infotainment system is easy to set up for both Android and Apple phones. Thanks to the touch controller, you can easily keep your eyes on the road. Its 14.5-inch screen is well integrated and doesn’t take up too much space. We loved the power of the premium Lexicon audio system with Quantum Logic Surround Sound. This system, which includes over 15 high-efficiency speakers with an external 14-channel Lexicon digital amplifier, delivers power up to 1,050 watts. It’s almost like being at the Glastonbury Festival! For charging your devices, don’t worry, there are four USB ports, two for the front passengers and two for the rear, as well as a charging tray at the front.

The GV60: A Nimble Knight of the Road

We swapped our steed for the more compact GV60 just as we ventured into the narrow veins of Scotland’s roadways, much narrower than North America’s that’s for sure. It is also the first — and certainly not the last — model in the Genesis collection to be exclusively electric. 

It has a clean, sporty profile that fits into Genesis’s visual identity of athletic elegance, the brand’s defining point in the world of sustainable luxury. The signature grille found on various models in the range is positioned lower to meet the cooling demands of the high-performance platform designed specifically for electric vehicles.

The GV60 is easily recognized by its style, but also because of its dual-stripe lighting system design on both the headlights at the front and the taillights at the rear. The door handles of the GV60 are also different from other models. They actually pop out as soon as you approach the vehicle with your key fob, making opening the doors easier than ever. The car knows you, not just by the fob but by your face and fingerprints, so your unique self becomes the key to your journey with the GV60. It should be noted that these data are stored locally and not in some cloud server. 

The Crystal Sphere: A new technology that impress

Settle into the driver’s seat, grip the wheel, and prepare for liftoff by simply igniting the Crystal Sphere. No, this isn’t Vegas showmanship—it’s GV60 wizardry at your fingertips. The Crystal Sphere isn’t just a standout technological feature in this ride; it’s a jewel in the crown of automotive innovation. When the engine is off, the Sphere becomes a beacon of ambient light, infusing the cabin with an otherworldly glow. But the real show begins when you’re ready to roll. With a smooth, simple turn, the Sphere pivots, revealing the electronic shift dial, transforming your cabin into a scene straight out of a sci-fi fantasy.

The GV60’s centre console stands out starkly from the Electrified GV70’s setup. You won’t help but notice the infotainment system, which fuses the instrument panel and navigation into a single, sweeping panoramic display that radiates high-tech sophistication with unparalleled user-friendliness. That said, I think it could have been more seamlessly integrated; it seems to hover inside the cabin, somewhat detached. Plus, the sport seats — with Ergo Motion for the driver — are equally inviting in both front and back, offering ample legroom that’s sure to please.  

When it comes to safety, the GV60 builds on the GV70’s already impressive list. It introduces additions like the safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, guide lamps, multi-collision brake, and more, laying out a comprehensive safety blanket that puts peace of mind front and centre.

On the power front, the GV60, being smaller and nimbler, its potential is multiplied. It flexes its electric muscles from 429 hp to 483 hp in Boost mode, running neck and neck with its sibling, the Electrified GV70 with its 516 lb-ft engine. Though the GV60’s 380-kilometre range might seem a touch shy compared to the Electrified GV70, its driving comfort is wonderful and the vehicle is noticeably more energy-efficient when braking. Whether you’re cruising down the charming, narrow lanes of Scotland or cutting through the hustle of Glasgow or Edinburgh during rush hour, this ride handles it all with smooth grace.

And when it comes to the sound system, it can deliver absolute bangers! The 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is a sonic dream, custom-crafted to fill the cabin with lush, top-tier sound. At the touch of a finger, drivers and passengers alike can dial in the mood, choosing from four soundscape options — whether you’re in the mood for mellow, energetic, bright or warm beats, there is something in the box for everyone. 

The price of the Genesis GV60 and GV70 Electrified

Pricing starts at $84,650 for the GV70 Electrified , with the GV60 hot on its heels at $80,650.

To find out more about the Genesis range, take a look at Marc Bouchard’s review of the GV80 or visit the brand’s Canadian website.

The fees for this trip were paid by Genesis. Opinions remain those of Gentologie.