Behind the Wheel of the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70

It’s incredible to think that Genesis has only been in existence as a standalone brand since 2015. In those eight-plus years, the luxury spin-off of Hyundai has gone from zero to hero, churning out one class-leading vehicle after another.

The secret to the South Korean company’s success thus far seems to boil down to two key factors: the financial might of its parent company and an ability to use said wallet to lure leading automotive figures away from other manufacturers.

As evidence, the chief creative officer for Genesis and the entire Hyundai Motor Group is Luc Donckerwolke, former head designer for both Bentley and Lamborghini. Further proof: the executive vice president of performance development is Albert Biermann, former leader of the BMW M effort.

And this is just the start—the manufacturer is armed to the teeth with automotive talent.

After releasing three sedans as its initial public offerings, Genesis began to turn more heads with its striking utility vehicles, the GV80, GV70, and GV60, the first of which rolled out in 2020. The GV60 was the brand’s second battery electric vehicle to appear, following just behind the Electrified G80 sedan.

Now we have the arrival of the Electrified GV70. To gain some experience with this new utility vehicle, a select group of lucky souls journeyed to Edinburgh to watch the Scottish Open—the brand is investing heavily in golf sponsorship around the world. We also had the chance to take a leisurely tour from the capital to the charming town of Alexandria near Loch Lomond and back.

From a mechanical perspective, the Electrified GV70 is very similar to the GV60 Performance, the highest-performing version of that utility EV.

Powered by the same 77.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, both vehicles also feature two electric motors, one powering the front wheels, and the other, the rear wheels. Both are built on an 800-volt architecture that facilitates fast charging. According to the manufacturer, when connected to a DC fast-charger, both can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 18 minutes.

Maximum power for both is 320 kilowatts (or 429 horsepower), but an overboost function jolts the vehicles to 483 horsepower for up to 10 seconds. The Electrified GV70 has a slight edge in terms of range, 383 kilometres versus 378. Out on the open Scottish roads, the Electrified GV70 doesn’t feel quite as fast as some EVs out there, including the GV60, but it does feel like a proper sports-SUV.

With the battery pack mounted low in the floor, handling is precise. The steering is on the light side (a common trait among EVs), but feedback through the wheel is reasonable, and the active suspension system delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The Electrified GV70 is an absolutely engaging vehicle to drive—it’s fast and fun.

It’s also downright luxurious. The passenger cabin is ultracomfortable and whisper-quiet, a space infused with high-grade materials and high-tech features. From the heated/ventilated front seats to the Lexicon audio system, and the heads-up display to the central touchscreen with haptic controls, there’s much to appreciate here.

In relatively short order, the Genesis brand has emerged as a genuine challenger to the more established luxury automotive brands. And in the 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70, it’s got yet another winner on its hands, one that offers an inspired blend of sheer luxury, real speed, and all-electric efficiency.