DISCOVERED
LAUNCHED IN 2016, Genesis, the luxury spin-off of Hyundai is really hitting its stride. The brand began with three sedans, a dicey proposition in this SUV-obsessed era in which we have been living. But the inherent quality of those cars, particularly the G70 sport sedan, kept the fire stoked until a second wave broke in 2020. At the turn of the decade, the inherent potential of Genesis started to gain real traction as the class-competitive GV80 and GV70 utility vehicles were introduced. Then came the first of the brand’s electrified offerings, the Electrified G80, followed by the Electrified GV70 and GV60. These vehicles have resonated so strongly, the Genesis share of Hyundai’s global sales reportedly surged to 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2023. In comparison, it took Lexus 32 years to assume that percentage of parent company Toyota’s global sales. That’s a rapid rate of progress for Genesis. Being a challenger brand, though, there’s still work to be done. New models, new technologies, new markets, new sales and distribution strategies—it all requires plenty of investment and no small amount of big thinking. Take, for example, the United Kingdom. Its government recently confirmed that 80 per cent of new vehicle sales must be all-electric, or feature some other form of non-emissions producing motor, by the year 2030. For each vehicle above the 80
per cent threshold, the manufacturer will receive a £15,000 penalty. For some manufacturers, this mandate represents a bit of a crisis. But for a relative newcomer like Genesis that’s backed by the monolithic Hyundai Motor Company, it’s an opportunity. If a summer’s drive in Scotland of the Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70 proved anything, it’s that this luxury automotive brand intends to seize this opportunity. Our drive out from Edinburgh starts in the GV60. Available in two different powertrain specifications, it’s the first dedicated electric vehicle in the line-up, meaning there isn’t an internal combustion engined GV60. The Advanced version generates 314 horsepower, 446 pound-feet of torque and a driving range of some 399 km. The GV60 Performance delivers 429 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, but range is reduced to 378 km. An overboost button on this model kicks the horsepower up to 483 and the torque to 516 lb-ft. In this setting, the GV60 can hit 100 km/h in just four seconds. Built on the same platform as the multiple award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 is a top performer. It’s smooth and enjoyable to drive, easily darting in and out of traffic on city streets, then breezing effortlessly along the M9 outside Edinburgh. With one motor mounted at the front axle and other motor at the back, the Genesis handles reasonably well though
“Available in two different powertrain specifications, it’s the first dedicated electric vehicle in the line-up, meaning there isn’t an internal combustion engined GV60.”
18
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker