Prices for Genesis’ new GV60 SUV will start from $71,150 in Canada as official pricing and trim details have been revealed on the brand’s official website.
Genesis, the premium arm of the Hyundai Motor Company, previously announced that its lineup will be fully-electrified by 2025, and, while “working to achieve” carbon-neutrality by 2035, will make a full switch to pure electric propulsion by 2030. In preparation, the Hyundai Motor Group recently announced construction of its first EV and battery development plant in the US.
Genesis GV60
The all-electric GV60, the first model to be built on Hyundai’s EV-dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), became the halo model of the brand’s EV transition upon its debut last August.
With sales for the GV60 having started in the US this month, Genesis Canada has now confirmed on its official website that prices for its premium electric SUV – set to rival the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Volvo XC40 Recharge – will start from $71,150 for the ‘Advanced AWD’ model. The fuller-spec ‘Performance AWD’, meanwhile, will be available from $79,000 upwards.
Genesis GV60
“We are thrilled to begin our momentous journey towards full electrification with the launch of the GV60,” Genesis Canada executive director Lawrence Hamilton explains. “We are excited that our Canadian guests will be able to experience the innovative technologies, bold design, and extensive suite of Genesis Connected Services offered in this distinctive vehicle.”
Read more: Hyundai building its first US plant for EV, battery development
Genesis’ rollout in Canada is said to begin early next month, though it must be said many of the first arrivals have already been spoken for via pre-orders.
A 77.4 kWh battery will power both models’ twin electric motor setup, with both boasting 446 lb-ft of torque. While the entry level ‘Advanced’ model is pegged at 314 hp, though, a more powerful electric motor connected to the front axle on the ‘Performance’ model means 429 hp is available for the latter. Selecting ‘Boost Mode’ via switchgear on the steering wheel ups this yet further to 483 hp, while the torque also spikes to 516 lb-ft “in 10-second spurts.” As a result, Genesis has claimed the GV60 Performance can hit 100 km/h from standstill in less than four seconds.
Genesis GV60
Unsurprisingly, estimated electric range does take a dive, the Performance’s 378 km a slight dip on the 399 km available for its ‘Advanced’ counterpart. Charging times for both though remain identical: rapid-charging from 10 to 80 per cent with 50 kW takes 73 minutes, and just 18 minutes when used with full-fat 350 kW capacity.
While the Performance will also feature adaptive suspension (with Road Preview) and a limited slip diff as standard, the main cosmetic difference on the outside mainly constitute the larger, 21-inch aluminium alloy wheels and noise-reducing laminated glass both front and back. Additional convenience and driver assistance extras include remote smart parking assist, Surround View 360-degree cameras to aid parking, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround system, and upgraded, multi-way adjustable seats for both driver and passenger. Both models will feature ‘Face Connect,’ which will allow owners to access the vehicle without a key fob via a Near Infra-Red (NIR) camera mounted in the B-pillar that uses facial recognition.
Among Genesis’ biggest selling points for the GV60 though is the Crystal Sphere, a paperweight-esque rotary dial that projects ambient lighting when the electric motors are off, but automatically flips over to become a rotary drive shifter when you’re ready to drive.
