The electrified Genesis GV70 SUV

Reviewing the electrified Genesis GV70 SUV

Where electric cars are making considerable in-roads in the UK is with the growing volume of brands / manufacturers entering the mix. 2 - 3 years ago the “Genesis” brand was almost unknown and many would be surprised to find out that this is actually a luxury division of the ever-popular Hyundai brand.

In the same way that Lexus offers considerable quality and refinement to the Toyota brand, this synergy exists with the South Korean motor group, who are not content with just having the electric Kona, Ioniq, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6; they also want a robust prestige offering in the form of a GV60 SUV, G80 saloon and the more substantial SUV - the GV70.

As at 2023, Genesis are committed to these three great options, with more planned to follow in conjunction with developments at Hyundai. Since its official announcement in late 2021, the product arrived for sale in UK around mid-2022, with the “luxury midsize SUV” aiming to bring premium urban and sport designs which maximise elegance and dynamic driving experience (the brand’s words, not ours!).

Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD Electric Car Lease Best Deals

The good news is that the UK EV community, particularly for company car, business and salary sacrifice drivers, are engaging with these products with considerable enthusiasm. The superior driving ability, measurable running costs and considerable tax-savings are a digestible antidote to anti-EV rhetoric.

The reality for EVs is that they are facing considerable kick-back from a number of media sources, as mass-adoption is bringing to light pertinent issues with the electrification transition. One of the key observations is that many companies selling or leasing this product are not doing a good enough job of educating customers on the “EV-lifestyle”.

The move to pure electric driving must be done on a more balanced basis; there are advantages and disadvantages to EVs. This isn’t a put-off strategy; more of a lessons-learned approach from 7+ years of the electric car, and van, industry. With regards to these products there needs to be a closer analysis of range i.e. one which sets out the discrepancies brought about by weather, driving style and terrain; to be clear selling an EV on a one size fits all WLTP analysis is ridiculous.

As at 2023, any company using this as a metric needs to seriously question their approach, as this is not fit for purpose. In the same way, any company who is not telling a customer what the AC and DC charging capabilities of a vehicle are, also need to review their processes.

Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD Electric Car Lease Best Offers

The EVs ability to charge is AS important as the range; where many complaints arise are with the time it is taking to charge at home or on the public network. But many customers (or the businesses who sell them the car) don’t actually understand the connection between the car’s speed of charge and the corresponding speed of the charge point. Our latest innovation, the “EV EPC©” sets all of this crucial information out to customers, dispelling the myths that EVs are complicated, unusable or unviable transportation. Other tools like charging costs, kW and kWh explanations, charging time example and company car tax calculators also help.

But without the challenges above, Genesis are still facing stiff competition from a number of other key luxury electric SUVs including the new Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX3, Lexus Rz 450e, Mercedes EQC and the Tesla Model Y (to name but a few comparable cars).

But Hyundai have proved to be a powerful EV brand in the UK, with their affordable Kona already on a 2nd generation re-vamp plus the Ioniq 5 winning the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design Of the Year. This is true testament as to how this South Korean manufacturer is becoming an industry leader. The era of German dominance - Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW - could be coming to an end? And with Genesis offering that extravagance and finish which goes above and beyond, it could be the elite offshoot collecting a litany awards in 2023.

Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD Electric Car Lease Fleet

What Genesis GV70 can I order in the UK?

The configurator as at 2023 is offering one model only being the Sport (at £64,405 for a standard car). But don’t be disappointed, this SUV will offer dual front LED headlamps, 19” alloys, EV mood lighting, leather steering wheel, electric seat adjustment, electric lumbar support, rain sensors, highway driving assist, smart cruise control, blind spot and collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, 14.5” navi screen with phone mirroring, front and rear parking sensors, smart key, rear view camera, heat pump, boost mode and air conditioning.

But there are plenty of colour and specification adjustments. In terms of colours choose from Vik Black, Uyini White, Savile Silver, Makalu Grey, Mauna Red and Melbourne Grey. Consider upgrading your alloys to 20” (for £630) or adding Nappa Leather with Quilting in Obsidian Black, Pine Grove or Ocean Wave (for £2,350), the Innovation Pack (at £3,560 adds 12” cluster display, HUD, quad LED headlamps, forward collision avoidance).

Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD Electric Car Lease

Convenience Pack (at £1,180 adds heated steering wheel, heated seats, rear air conditioning), V2L (at £880) and the Sunroof Pack (for £1,460 this adds the full roof and a personal lamp LED). As standard, the Genesis currently arrives with a 5 year Care Plan - this covers 5 years of scheduled services, warranty, road side assistance, OTA updates and connected services.

So how does the Hyundai-manufactured Genesis perform - is it a good car?

The GV70 uses a 74 kWh usable battery which will deliver 360kW (or 483hp), 0 - 62 times of 4.2 seconds and top speeds of 146 mph. Combined real ranges are at 185 miles in cold weather and 245 miles in warmer weather (on a full charge). In terms of charging times / capabilities - the standard 11 kW AC max allows a 0 - 100% session in around 8hours with the 233 kW DC rapid charge enabling 17 minute 10 - 80% times. A monumental 503L cargo volume is available with this 4x4. And for any caravan / trailer customers needing towing capabilities - the GV70 will enable 1800 kg (braked) and the 750kg (unbraked). In terms of reviews, ratings and feedback, Car and Driver are at 10/10, Parkers at 3.9/5, WhatCar at 4/5 and Top Gear at 6/10.

Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD Electric Car Lease Salary Sacrifice

For any businesses or fleets interested in speaking to, or test-driving, the Genesis product just get in touch direct here Once you, or the fleet management, are confident that their SUV product is perfect for your needs and requirements, speak to our expert leasing team for an instant quotation.

Thank you to the Genesis UK team (Peter Renton) for continuing work with our team here at e-car lease.

In terms of the car shown, the Genesis GV70 Electric Estate 360kW Sport 77.4kWh 5dr Auto AWD [Innovation], this is based on the following configuration.