LOOKS

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 features a elegant, sleek and attractive design and a standout grille. It also adds the unique touch of putting the charging port inside the front grille, not on the side of the vehicle.

Most notably, the Electrified GV70 is not designed in any funky way to make it stand out as an EV. In fact, you wouldn't know it's an EV until you get behind the wheel. 

By contrast, the smaller GV60 screams EV as soon as you see it. This may indicate different target audiences (Avant-garde buyers may prefer the GV60, while traditional luxury car buyers will gravitate to the GV70).

My test vehicle featured 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, power hands-free smart liftgate, and power folding mirrors.

Like most Genesis vehicles, the interior is a contender for class-leading quality and design. The GV70 features top-notch Nappa leather seating, attractive aluminum trim, power front seats with 4-way power lumbar, microfiber suede headline, plus heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. 

The detail applied to the design will make you look forward to driving this car every day, and they match up against any luxury vehicle you could find, including some that are pushing into six-figure price ranges.

Passenger and cargo room are ample, and the excellent setup of the tech controls adds to the interior design quality.

The full quality of the gas-powered GV70 has been transferred over to the EV version, which is not always the case.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 features a 77.4-kWh battery, paired with two 160kW electric motors, and comes strictly in an all-wheel drive setup.

The total numbers from this setup come out to 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. There is also an electronically controlled suspension that can view the road ahead and adjust as needed to improve ride comfort and handling.

As EVs continue to evolve, the drive quality just gets better and better. In the GV70, Genesis has created a vehicle that will rival the drive quality of any other luxury electric vehicle available today. In my testing, its 0-to-60 time reached a stunning 3.7 seconds, and beyond initial burst speed it just drives better than most ICE rides as well as most other EVs.

Drive modes on the Electrified GV70 include Eco, Comfort and Sport. But the real enjoyment comes when you kick in the Boost button. Located on the bottom of the steering wheel, a quick punch of this button will send you soaring and raise your adrenaline level.

Beware its power, though, as it can get you moving so fast for 10 second bursts that you won't even realize how fast you're going. You’ll be tempted to take it to the racetrack or a dragstrip to really test it out to the limit.

Combining this level of speed with a smooth and quiet overall ride is a recipe for success. And that's what this GV70 does.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Genesis offers one of the best tech systems in the entire automotive industry. Voice commands work extremely well, and controlling the center screen and its massive maze of menus — via the center dial or directly on screen by touch — is extremely simple and to the point. Other automakers could learn some lessons from the user-friendly nature of this system.

The system is housed on a massive, ultrasharp, 14.5-inch high-definition screen, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (but not wirelessly). Navigation was accurate and reliable, and there is also a handy wireless phone charger hidden up front.

Other high-tech features on the GV70 are Genesis Digital Key (which lets you unlock doors and start the car via an app), and a Fingerprint Authentication System, which can serve as an alternative key.

Music lovers can opt for a premium 16-speaker Lexicon stereo system.

Safety features are so abundant, it appears no stone was left unturned, which is why Genesis has quickly earned a reputation as one of the safest vehicle lineups available.

Electrified GV70 features included: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Smart Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, a Surround View Monitor (360-degree view is helpful for parking situations), Safe Exit Assist, and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert.

The semi-automated Highway Driving Assist feature lets you allow the vehicle to take the reins for a while, and works quite effectively. Driver should remain attentive with hands on the wheel and jump in as needed, of course, but the system is quite trustworthy.

Optional tech features include the upgraded audio system, head-up display, and a larger digital info cluster.


RANGE

The official ratings for the Electrified GV70 are 91 MPGe total (98 MPGe city, 83 MPGe highway), and 37 kW-hours-per-100 miles

Total range is 236 miles, which is somewhat lackluster compared to other luxury SUV offerings, which can approach or exceed 300 miles. You can probably reach 250 or more miles depending on driving style, but it still falls a bit short in this measurement.

On the plus side, the GV70 charges incredibly fast at public chargers. It took me just under a half hour to boost my energy level by 50 percent, and I’ve seen other vehicles take longer to do so. Another positive note: Using the air conditioning or heat does not drastically lessen the distance of the vehicle range, a fault that I’ve often found on other EVs.

Of course, overnight home charging is your best and least costly option with an EV, and that’s what I’d recommend to anyone purchasing an EV, with the public chargers being a backup option when needed.

PRICE

The Electrified GV70 that I tested was priced just over $74,000; and the base price starts about $67K. This is about middle of the pack in terms of luxury EVs, with some rivals coming in a bit lower, and others starting as high as $75K.

The two trims offered are Advanced and Prestige.

Unfortunately for buyers, recent changes to the federal tax credit for EVs has excluded the GV70 from the list of eligible vehicles for the credit.

Warranties are also strong, including a 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty, plus 10-year, 100,0000-mile warranties on the powertrain and EV system, and three years of complimentary maintenance.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 is, without question, one of the best electric vehicles available today. It’s only real downside is range, which lags behind some competitors.

But in terms of design and performance and technology, it outshines the EV competition. In fact, buyers would be wise to choose it over the gas-powered GV70.

===

AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu