A handful of images showcasing the interior of the upcoming Genesis GV60 have leaked online.
The all-electric GV60 will be based on the same E-GMP EV platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. While it will share its platform with other EVs in the Hyundai/Kia family, it will feature a unique exterior and interior design, as showcased in these images.
These images were first shared online through the Cochespias forum and were snapped by someone behind the wheel of a GV60 prototype.
The first thing that catches the eye is a steering wheel that looks unlike any other used by the South Korean car manufacturer. This steering wheel appears to house buttons to both turn the GV60 on and off as well as a Drive Mode button. We can also see paddle shifters and a handful of buttons and switches for the radar cruise control and infotainment functions. Elsewhere, we can see the GV60 has a fully digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen.
These photos also depict a prototype with screens on both doors as it features rear-view cameras instead of wing mirrors. This prototype also features a two-tone interior finish.
One particularly interesting aspect of the cabin is the gear selector. Visible in three photos below, you will notice that it looks completely different in all of them. From what we can tell, the selector appears to be a sphere that when the car is stationary, simply looks like half a glass sphere with ambient lighting. When you want to select between Drive, Neutral, and Reverse, it appears as though the sphere spins around, presenting an underside with a metallic finish that allows you to twist it between D, N, and R. It could be one of the most futuristic shifters of any automobile we’ve seen.
While Genesis has yet to confirm if its new electric crossover will indeed by dubbed the GV60, it is expected to be unveiled in the coming months.
At the end of April, Genesis officially introduced its first electric vehicle, the Electrified G80 at the 2021 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, today we want to share with you the first walkaround video of the eG80 courtesy of our colleague Asian Petrolhead.
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In addition to debuting the Electrified G80, Genesis presented the Genesis X Concept, an EV-based Gran Turismo (GT) concept car, to the Asian market for the first time, marking the beginning of a new journey towards electrification.
At the event, the brand’s global and Chinese market strategies were introduced, and the Electrified G80 and the Genesis X Concept were unveiled.
“Today is very special because it represents a variety of firsts for the Genesis brand. Not only because this is Genesis’ very first appearance at the Auto Shanghai, but it is also the first time we are unveiling a new product outside of Korea,” said Jay Chang, Global Head of the Genesis brand. “The Electrified G80, the perfect balance of athleticism and elegance, marks the beginning of our journey into the EV market, representing Genesis in the era of electrification.”
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Genesis’ First EV Model
The Electrified G80 is Genesis’ first EV model, presenting a new standard for luxury electric sedans. It builds on the heritage of the G80 with its perfect balance of Athletic Elegance, while also offering customers much more value with its electric powertrain.
The Electrified G80 represents the perfect balance of Athletic Elegance, offering a luxurious and sophisticated driving atmosphere.
Based on the NEDC standard, the estimated maximum range per charge is more than 500km. (Based on the Korean EV certification system, the estimated number is 427 km) while 350kW rapid charging enables the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. This is similar to Ioniq 5, so in the European certification system or WLTP the eG80 could reach 500 km.
The Electrified G80 is available only as an AWD (All-Wheel Drive). It delivers powerful performance with 272kW and 700Nm torque, by applying motors with 136kW and 350Nm at maximum to the front and rear wheels. This allows for dynamic driving, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph just in 4.9 seconds. (sports mode, result from Genesis R&D Center)
The Disconnector Actuator System (DAS) can also automatically connect or disconnect the motor and drive shaft based on various driving conditions, including vehicle speed and driving mode, enabling seamless switching between 2WD and AWD to reduce unnecessary power loss and increase efficiency.
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The Electrified G80 features a 400V/800V multi rapid charging system, allowing customers to use various charging infrastructures. Its driving motor and inverter can boost the level of voltage from 400V to 800V – a more optimized level for the system – for more stable charging. Customers can not only use the 800V rapid charging system without an additional converter, but a 400V charger as well.
The Electrified G80 also provides V2L (Vehicle to Load) feature that enables customers to use electric power of 3.6kW, which is higher than the level used by an average household, making it possible to use electric appliances conveniently outside of the vehicle.
In order to ensure a comfortable driving experience, Genesis equipped the vehicle with ANC-R (Active Noise Control-Road; formerly known as RANC). It reduces the level of noise significantly by measuring and analyzing road noises with four sensors and six microphones inside the vehicle, and by simultaneously creating sounds at opposite phase. The Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS), suspension which can be controlled by information supplied through the front camera and navigation system, also helps to create the optimum driving experience.
The design inherits the G80’s design character – ‘Athletic Elegance’ and ‘Beauty of White Space’ for the exterior and interior, as well we various elements that differentiate high-end EV sedans.
The Genesis signature Crest Grille evolves into an aerodynamic crest featuring an inverted G-Matrix pattern that emphasizes the G80 EV’s mission for sustainability. The charging door is located in the grille’s upper right corner, and is invisible when closed. Inside the charging door, Two Lines chrome design has also been applied, highlighting its design identity and consistency.
The Electrified G80 also features various latest technologies that emphasize sustainability. The solar roof integrated in the roofline can generate electricity using sunlight with a solar panel that increases energy efficiency.
The vehicle also features various natural and recycled materials in its interior, including leather that utilizes natural dye in the seats, console and rear seat armrests. In addition, an eco-friendly ‘forged wood’ garnish for electric vehicles, which is made from recycled pieces of wood from the furniture manufacturing process, as well as environmentally friendly fabric made from recycled PET have also been applied.
Genesis will provide exclusive color options for the Electrified G80, including the Matira Blue (exterior) and the Dark Green Two-tone (interior).
Electrification is one of the key strategies for Genesis as it aims to design and provide new experiences for customers with its luxury EV models. Genesis initiates its electrification with its Electrified G80 model and will continue to drive innovation in this area with additional EV models to come.
Trademarks filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office suggest that Genesis is looking to electrify the majority of its lineup.
The brand was on a spree filing trademark applications for the eG70, eGV70, eG80, eGV80, eG90, and eGV90. The familiarity of the names implies that if used (you never know, they might just be securing them without having reached a final decision yet), these will be additions to the existing lineup, rather than new models.
In their push to add electrification to as many cars as possible, brands are turning to hybrids to fill the gap as dedicated EVs are being developed and the strength of the market’s appetite for fully electric vehicles is determined.
That said, it would make a lot of sense if the “e” moniker was applied on hybrid or better yet, plug-in hybrid variants, much like how BMW uses the “e” on PHEV versions of its regular ICE models, such as the 320e and 520e.
What about Genesis’ full electric models?
Hyundai has previously stated that it is embarking on a “top-down” approach to EVs. The strategy would start with expensive EVs and allow the technology to trickle down to more affordable models.
Genesis has revealed that its first EV, tentatively called the JW, is due this year. Moreover, its full electric lineup will reportedly be further expanded by 2024. It must be noted that the premium brand’s upcoming EVs are expected to be based on Hyundai’s dedicated e-GMP platform, something that gives more credence to the idea that these supplementary “e” monikers are reserved for PHEVs.
As a result of that platform disparity, most other automakers have chosen to simply treat their EVs as separate model lines with unique names. Nevertheless, we should get a good hint as to what Genesis will do when the crossover we saw testing a few days ago is revealed later this year.
Genesis has been on an absolute roll in recent years and the 2021 GV80 could very well be the vehicle the South Korean automaker needs to establish itself as a serious rival to Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.
Tested here in 3.5T AWD Prestige form, the GV80’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is good for 375 hp and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque. In the U.S., the 3.5T AWD Prestige sits at the top of the range and starts at $70,950. Other variants include the AWD Standard, AWD Advanced and AWD Advanced+, with prices starting at $59,150 for the entry-level AWD Standard.
The reviewers are immediately impressed with the technology of the GV80, as it includes features like a 3D digital instrument cluster and a widescreen infotainment display sitting atop the dashboard. This screen is touch-sensitive and can also be controlled with a rotary wheel in the center console.
Another standout feature of the GV80 is the Highway Driving Assist II system that both reviewers think is a better lane-keeping assist system than those offered by Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. It also has a driver monitoring system, unlike current Tesla models. All told, the reviewers are very impressed with the interior.
As for the driving experience, it seems to be equally as impressive as the cabin. The SUV includes a noise cancellation system that means the cabin is almost silent when you’re cruising, while the GV80 also handles very well and has surprisingly little body roll.
