Genesis GV70 Electrified Review: Luxury, Performance, and Electric Power

The 2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified is the latest addition to Genesis’ impressive lineup, bringing the luxury, refinement, and performance the brand is known for into the electric era. After winning Luxury SUV of the Year at the Texas Truck Rodeo, this electrified version of the GV70 has cemented itself as a serious contender in the growing luxury EV market. Having driven nearly every Genesis model over the years, I was eager to see how the GV70 Electrified stacks up, both as an EV and as a luxury SUV.

Exterior: Sleek, Bold, and Sophisticated

The exterior of the 2024 GV70 Electrified stays true to Genesis’ bold, elegant design language, but with subtle touches that reflect its EV nature. The reimagined Crest Grille, featuring an inverted G-Matrix pattern, hides the charging port behind it—an intelligent and seamless integration that maintains the sleek front-end look. The absence of a tailpipe and a streamlined rear bumper further highlight its electric nature, giving the GV70 a minimalist yet sophisticated profile. Sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels, the GV70 Electrified strikes a perfect balance between luxury and athleticism. The signature two-line LED headlamps and taillights add a modern touch, while premium paint options like Vik Black and Makalu Gray make the vehicle stand out even more on the road.

Interior: Pure Luxury with High-Tech Features

Stepping inside the GV70 Electrified is like stepping into first-class. The Prestige trim I drove boasts Nappa leather seats with a stunning quilted pattern, a microfiber suede headliner, and heated second-row seats—features you expect from a luxury SUV priced at $72,650. The cabin feels open and spacious, with premium materials everywhere you look. A massive 14.5-inch HD infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, while the 12.3-inch digital 3D instrument cluster offers a futuristic driving interface that tracks eye movement and enhances visibility.

Genesis has done an excellent job blending technology with comfort. The fingerprint reader allows for quick, personalized driver profiles, while the head-up display keeps critical information in your line of sight. Every touchpoint inside the GV70 feels refined, and the active noise control ensures a serene ride, especially on the highway. It’s clear that Genesis aimed to make every journey in the GV70 feel like a special occasion.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth, Powerful, and Engaging

Electric powertrains are known for their instant torque, and the GV70 Electrified does not disappoint. The dual motors produce 429 horsepower, with an extra Boost Mode that bumps it up to 483 hp for 10-second bursts of exhilarating acceleration. While not the fastest SUV on the road, it’s certainly quick enough to impress. The all-wheel-drive system distributes power intelligently, providing confidence in cornering and a responsive, dynamic driving experience.

On the road, the GV70 Electrified feels smooth and composed. Steering is well-weighted, and the added heft of the controls gives it a sense of substance that many EVs lack. One drawback I noticed, however, was the slight awkwardness in the transition between regenerative braking and the use of the actual brake rotors. It takes some getting used to, especially when coming to a full stop, but it’s a small issue that doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Once you’re acclimated, the driving dynamics are thoroughly engaging.

Range and Charging: Manageable but Not Class-Leading

One area where the GV70 Electrified could improve is in its range. The 77.4 kWh battery offers an estimated 200-225 miles of real-world range, which, while adequate for daily driving, falls short of class leaders like the Tesla Model Y. For someone like me, with a 35-mile one-way commute that involves an hour of stop-and-go traffic, the range is manageable. I was able to get through several days without needing to recharge, but that nagging feeling of range anxiety is always in the back of your mind, especially on longer trips or when charging stations are sparse.

However, the GV70’s 350 kW fast charging capability makes up for this to an extent. Charging from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a compatible charger is a real plus, especially for road trips. Still, as with any EV, the availability and reliability of public charging infrastructure can be a concern, and it’s something to consider if you don’t have a home charging setup.

Cargo and Practicality: Versatile Enough for Daily Use

Though the 2024 GV70 Electrified prioritizes luxury, it doesn’t skimp on practicality. The SUV offers 503 liters (17.8 cubic feet) of trunk space, with an additional 22-liter frunk for small items like charging cables. The rear seats fold down to accommodate larger loads, giving you flexibility when you need to transport bulkier items. It’s not the largest cargo capacity in its class, but it’s certainly enough for most day-to-day tasks.

Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

In the luxury electric SUV market, the GV70 Electrified faces stiff competition. Rivals like the Tesla Model Y offer a much longer range at a lower starting price, while options like the BMW iX and Audi Q4 e-tron bring their own blend of luxury and performance. That said, the GV70 Electrified excels in areas where many competitors fall short: interior quality, refinement, and overall driving experience. It’s a luxury-first vehicle that just happens to be electric, rather than an EV with luxury as an afterthought.

Final Thoughts: A Top-Tier Luxury EV SUV

Overall, the 2024 Genesis GV70 Electrified is an exceptional entry into the electric luxury SUV market. It combines Genesis’ signature design language and craftsmanship with the cutting-edge technology of a modern EV. The driving experience is smooth, powerful, and enjoyable, even if range anxiety occasionally creeps in. While it doesn’t have the longest range in its class, the fast charging capability helps alleviate some of that concern. For those looking for a luxury electric SUV with top-notch materials, excellent tech, and solid performance, the GV70 Electrified is a top contender. It’s safe to say that Genesis’ first fully electric SUV lives up to the brand’s growing reputation in the luxury market.