2023 Genesis GV70 adds electric power, and 500 pounds, to luxury SUV. Here's what I loved

What is it? Electric version of Genesis GV70 luxury SUV

Why should you consider it? Luxurious interior, electric power, stylish exterior. Eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit.

What could be better? Battery range, performance of one-pedal driving.

How much does it cost? $65,850 to $72,650 excluding $1,125 destination charge.

When can you buy it? March 2023.

ATLANTA  – Genesis adds a midsize SUV to its fast growing lineup of luxury electric vehicles as the GV70 electric goes on sale this month.

The GV70 EV is an anomaly — an electrically powered version of an SUV Genesis already sells with gasoline engines. Most automakers are developing new EVs designed solely for electric power, but Genesis considers electrification just one choice among several in its powertrain lineup — at least until 2030, when the brand plans to be 100% electric.

Genesis’s other two EVs are the electric-only GV60 compact SUV and the G80 luxury sedan, which like the GV70 comes with either gasoline or electric power.

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The GV70 EV is the first Genesis built in the United States, rolling off an assembly line in Montgomery, Alabama, just in time to qualify for a $7,500 tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, brand executives say.

The five-passenger GV70 EV looks a lot like gasoline-burning GV70s. The obvious differences are the EV’s solid grille — no engine equals no need for cooling and intake air — and a solid rear fascia below the tailgate — likewise, no need for exhaust pipes when there’s no exhaust.

Prices for the 2023 Genesis GV70 EV start at $65,850.

2023 Genesis GV70 EV trim levels and prices

• GV70 Advanced AWD: $65,850

• GV70 Prestige AWD: $72,650

All prices exclude $1,125 destination charge

GV70 EV expected to qualify for $7,500 federal tax credit.

Source: Genesis

Best feature: Interior

Genesis is a young luxury brand. Its first car hit U.S. roads in 2016 as a 2017 model, but it’s already created a unique, modern and appealing theme for its interiors. The G70 EV’s standard interior features a wool blend and Alcantara-style trim made from recycled PET bottles.

The Prestige model I drove features a leather-wrapped interior in either Glacier White or Obsidian Black. Comfortable front seats offer heating, ventilation, massage and sport settings.

The instruments are elegant and modern, with high-def three-dimensional gauges, dials for temperature and touch screen controls for fan speed and ventilation.

Window switches, speaker grilles and other brightwork feature real aluminum with a subtle pattern Genesis calls "fog scratched."

A 14.5-inch touch screen in the middle of the dash controls navigation, audio and other functions. The display is brilliant, but the touch screen is impossible to reach without leaning well out of the proper driving position. That’s because Genesis really wants you to use a multifunction rotary controller in the center console. It seemed as useable as any automaker offers, but was located too close to the similarly sized and rotary shifter. I’d happily sacrifice some of the dash’s carefully sculpted curves for better access to the touch screen.

Weaknesses: Range, weight

Genesis — and its Hyundai Group siblings, Hyundai and Kia — invested in the auto industry’s most capable electrical system, a 400- or 800-volt system that allows its vehicles to charge very quickly at the DC chargers EVs rely on for long trips. At a 350 kW DC fast charger, the GV70 EV’s battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, a charging speed currently matched only by Porsche, the only other automaker to offer 350kW/800v capability. The system can also add 60 miles of range in just five minutes. EV owners do the vast majority of their charging overnight at 240 volts, but quick-charge capability makes long drives for vacations and weekend getaways practical.

Despite having the best charging system on wheels, though, the GV70 EV’s range is just 236 miles on a full charge, considerably less than the best electric SUVs.

That’s partly because of the GV70’s standard all-wheel drive — the Cadillac Lyriq, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 all have rear-drive models that top 300 miles on a charge — but undoubtedly also because the GV70 electric is heavy. With curb weights ranging from 4,982-5,038 pounds, it weighs nearly 800 pounds more than the lightest gasoline model, almost 500 more than the heaviest.

Safety and driver assistance systems

• Adaptive cruise control

• Forward collision assist

• Speed limit assist

• Automatic high beams

• Driver attention warning

• Lane keeping assist

• Lane centering

• Blind spot alert and assist

• Blind-spot monitors in gauge cluster

• Rear cross traffic alert

• Highway driving assist

• Surround view monitor

• Parking distance warning

• Parking collision assist – reveres

• Remote parking assist

• Safe exit assist

Driving impressions

The GV70’s two electric motors produce a healthy 429 hp and 516 pound feet of torque in normal more. A "Boost" button on the steering wheel ratchets power up to 483 hp in for 10 seconds at a time. The extra power is noticeable, but perhaps less than some drivers will expect because torque is unchanged. The EV’s standard torque output of 516 pound-feet is plenty, though: 32% more than the most powerful gasoline GV70 claims. Power is not among the G70 EV’s shortcomings.

Nor is ride comfort. A standard adaptive suspension scans the road surface in front of the vehicle, effectively removing body roll in curves and masking irregularities in the road.

The GV70’s steering and brakes also manage its mass confidently. The big SUV is a fast and comfortable highway cruiser, capable in busy commuter traffic and comfortable on twisting hill country roads.

Paddles on the steering wheel manage the level of regenerative braking. The highest setting, which Genesis calls I-pedal, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and hold it motionless until the accelerator is pressed. Most automakers call that feature one-pedal driving. It maximizes electricity regeneration, and allows the driver to feature the accelerator for fine control of pace and stopping distances. The feature was a little harder to control precisely in the GV70, but that should be a software issue Genesis can easily address if owners feel the same way about it that I did.

Bottom line

Despite its lovely interior and high-powered charging system, the Genesis GV70 EV’s range and weight leave room for other upcoming luxury SUVs to outdo it on practicality and performance.

Specifications as tested

Primary model tested: GV70 EV AWD Prestige

Base price as tested: $72,650, excluding $1,125 destination charge

Power unit: Electric motor on each axle

Output: 429 hp; 516 pound-feet of torque; Boost mode generates 483 hp for 10 seconds.

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Estimated range: 236 miles

Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion

Charging time: 10%-80%in 18 minutes @ 350kW; seven hours @ 240c

Wheelbase: 113.2  inches

Length: 185.6 inches

Width: 75.2 inches (excludes mirrors)

Height: 64.2 inches

Cargo volume: 28.7 cubic feet behind rear seat; 56.5 with seat folded

Passenger volume: 102.8 cubic feet

Ground clearance: 6.9 inches

Curb weight: 4,982-5,038 pounds

Assembled in Montgomery, Alabama

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2023 Genesis GV70 adds electric power, and 500 pounds, to luxury SUV