Genesis Electrified GV70 Review – Quiet Confidence, Korean Style

THERE’S posh, and then there’s the kind of quiet, confident luxury that can possibly slip under the radar. The Genesis Electrified GV70 belongs firmly in the latter camp. It doesn’t have a badge that screams status or a grille that looks like it’s trying to inhale pedestrians. Instead, it wafts onto the scene with the sort of serene self-assurance that says, “I’ll let the Germans make all the noise.”

The Luxury model I tested, in Ceres Blue metallic, takes that philosophy to heart. It’s beautifully made, impressively refined, recently updated and loaded with tech. But it also carries an £80k-plus price tag – which puts it squarely in German territory. And that’s where things get interesting, because while this Genesis certainly makes a strong case for itself, the question is whether you’d pick it over a BMW iX3 or Audi Q8 e-tron for similar money.

Overview

The Electrified GV70 is Genesis’s flagship electric SUV — a rival to Europe’s established elite. Available in Pure, Dynamic, and Luxury trims, all versions share the same 84 kWh battery and dual-motor AWD system, producing up to 490 PS and 700 Nm. Acceleration is brisk (0–62 mph in 4.4 seconds with Boost mode), and thanks to its clever 800-volt charging architecture, it can go from 10–80% in just 19 minutes on a 350 kW rapid charger.

That’s impressive by any standard, but the Luxury trim is where Genesis goes all in. You get Nappa leather, Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos audio, Ergo Motion massage seats, and a massive 27-inch OLED display. It’s undeniably premium – but it’s also brushing shoulders with cars that have decades of heritage in this territory.

Design

If you like your SUVs sleek rather than showy, the GV70 hits the mark. The Ceres Blue metallic paint flatters its lines, while the signature G-Matrix Crest grille and Micro-Lens Array headlights give it a quietly distinctive face. It’s less aggressive than a Q8 e-tron and far less fussy than a Mercedes EQE SUV.

The proportions are spot-on, though. The parabolic shoulder line and broad stance lend it a confident presence, while the 20-inch diamond-cut alloys look well-judged rather than oversized. It’s handsome, sophisticated, and — crucially — not trying too hard.

Genesis’s restraint pays off here: it’s a car you admire rather than gawp at. But will it turn as many heads as an Audi or BMW badge in your driveway? I’d say ‘yes’ for sheer sophisticated looks alone.

Interior

Step inside and you’re greeted by something quite special. The Glacier White Nappa leather interior feels genuinely plush, like a cross between a first-class airline suite and a London gentleman’s club. It’s beautifully finished, with soft-touch materials everywhere and a clean, elegant layout that makes even Audi’s cabins look slightly cluttered. Yes, Genesis have taken a leaf out of the Bentley playbook here (and not just with their logo) and it certainly shows inside.

The 27-inch OLED display that stretches across the dash is stunningly sharp and easy to use. Thankfully, Genesis resisted the urge to make it all touchscreen — there are physical buttons and dials for the climate controls and other essentials. It’s a small thing, but a huge relief for anyone who actually drives rather than demos their car.

There’s even a UV-sanitising compartment in the centre console (because, apparently, we’re all disinfecting our keys now) and ambient lighting that turns the cabin into something genuinely soothing at night.

Not everything’s perfect, though. The Glacier White leather looks sensational but will pick up blue denim stains faster than you can say “upholstery cleaner.” Still, for a short lease period or an owner who treats their car like a handbag, it’s a stunning place to sit.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the Electrified GV70 delivers what Genesis does best: calm, composed refinement. The dual-motor setup gives instant shove without drama, and there’s an impressive feeling of balance from its low-slung battery and clever AWD system.

The Road Preview suspension, which uses cameras to scan and prepare for upcoming bumps, works well — though not perfectly. It’s generally smooth, but you’ll still feel sharper imperfections on poorer surfaces. Overall, it’s tuned more for comfort than engagement, which fits its character perfectly.

Steering feel is light but precise. Switch to Sport mode and it weights up nicely, while Boost mode (490 PS, remember) adds a satisfying surge of power. It’s fast, no doubt — but not exhilarating in the way a Porsche Macan EV might be. The GV70 prefers to impress quietly.

Refinement is exceptional, however. Active Noise Cancellation keeps the cabin hushed, and the Bang & Olufsen system delivers rich, enveloping sound that’s hard to fault. It’s the sort of car that makes a long drive feel effortless, with enough serenity to keep everyone relaxed.

Technology & Safety

If there’s one thing Genesis isn’t short of, it’s gadgets. The new 27-inch panoramic display houses navigation, media, and driver information with slick graphics and lightning-fast responses. Voice control works naturally, and the system integrates seamlessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

You can even stream Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ when parked — though it’s best not to get too comfortable watching The Mandalorian while charging at Tesco.

The Digital Key 2 and Fingerprint Authentication systems are neat touches, letting you unlock and start the car without a key fob. And if you want a bit of whimsy, the Mood Curator system adjusts lighting, music, and seat massage to suit your mood.

Safety tech is equally thorough. There’s Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, and even Remote Smart Parking Assist, which lets you park from outside the car — though that’s more party trick than necessity.

All of it works well and rarely nags, which is more than can be said for some German rivals.

Range, Charging & Practicality

Genesis quotes 287 miles of WLTP range for this Luxury spec, and real-world figures of around 250 miles seem achievable. The 800-volt system means fast charging is properly fast — 10–80% in 19 minutes on a high-power charger — while the optional Vehicle-to-Load system turns the GV70 into a 3.6kW power bank for camping, tailgating (the sit-upon type, not the annoyingly dangerous type) or impromptu coffee brewing.

There’s 503 litres of boot space (rising to 1,678 with the seats down), and a 25-litre frunk up front for cables. It’s practical, family-friendly and thoughtfully designed, with easy access and powered everything.

Rivals

At this price, it’s impossible not to mention the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX3. The Audi is slightly larger, a touch more refined at motorway speeds and carries more brand weight — but it’s heavier and less efficient, and the interior already feels a little dated. The BMW, meanwhile, drives better and feels more dynamic, but its range and charging speeds are notably behind the Genesis.

The GV70’s trump card is its blend of craftsmanship and technology. It’s arguably the most luxurious-feeling of the three, but it lacks the cachet of the established German marques. Buyers willing to look past the badge, though, will find themselves in something refreshingly distinctive.

Verdict

The Genesis Electrified GV70 Luxury is an accomplished and deeply likeable SUV. It’s quiet, beautifully made and genuinely soothing to drive. The technology works well, the charging performance is superb, and it has an aura of calm confidence that few cars achieve.

But it’s also expensive — and for £80k, buyers will naturally wonder whether to stick with the known quantities from Munich or Ingolstadt. Genesis is asking for a leap of faith, and while the car itself deserves it, the badge might still need a bit more time to earn it.