A week with the Genesis GV60 | Full review 2025
A few months ago we sampled the Genesis GV70, and now we’ve tried out its smaller sibling, the GV60. After living with one for a week, what do we think?
The Genesis brand is quite a new proposition for UK customers. If you’ve not heard of it, you can consider it the plusher sibling of Kia and Hyundai.
With a focus on class-leading quality and offering Tesla-beating performance, the GV60 was the company’s first standalone electric car.
We spent a week with one to find out what it’s like and, most importantly, whether you should consider leasing one in 2025. Let’s dive into it.
Genesis GV60 styling
Where the GV70 we recently sampled is without doubt a traditional SUV, the GV60 does things a little differently.
Those split headlights give it an unmistakable front-end look.
The GV60 gets a bolder and more original design, with a fastback crossover aesthetic. It’s a rather unique approach, blending smooth curves with sharp creases to create a distinctive appearance.
Up front, you’ll find Genesis’ signature Crest grille, while those split headlights give it an unmistakable front-end look. Round the side, the coupe-like silhouette adds a sporty appeal, with some neat touches including flush pop-out door handles.
Round the side, the coupe-like silhouette adds a sporty appeal.
At the back? There’s a full-width light bar that further adds to that premium appeal. Overall, it’s a rather marmite car in the styling department, and we’re not sure the appearance of the GV60 will appeal to everyone.
Genesis GV60 interior, tech and space
Open the driver’s door and you’re greeted with a premium cabin that feels particularly special. Genesis has really honed in on giving its occupants a premium experience. Thought has gone into everything, just to make it that little bit extra special.
The stand-out feature up front is undoubtedly the crystal sphere in the centre console.
Take the controls for adjusting the door mirrors as an example: it’s neatly moulded into part of the door handle which, on the passenger’s door, you’ll discover is actually the tweeter.
The stand-out feature up front is undoubtedly the crystal sphere in the centre console. This cool, glowing orb rotates on start-up, revealing the drive selector. It’s a small touch, but one that really adds a sense of occasion to every drive.
A Bang & Olufsen sound system further elevated that premium experience.
You’ll find soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, while those quilted leather seats are a nice touch. On our Sport Plus model, they also feature a massage function for both the base and the backrest – a really upmarket feature.
There’s a dual-screen display, both 12.3in in diameter. While the touchscreen is very responsive itself, all the key controls can also be operated via the dial in the centre console or via voice command.
A Bang & Olufsen sound system further elevated that premium experience. Space is rather impressive too. Its electric platform allows it to have a completely flat floor – that also extends to the front passenger footwell.
In the back there’s generous amounts of head and legroom, with storage options aplenty – you’ll find a huge stowage area in the bottom of the centre console.
The boot? Well you get 432 litres – that’s not as much as some rivals, but should meet most peoples’ needs on a day to day basis.
Genesis GV60 driving experience
On the road, the GV60 feels agile and is every bit as refined as you’d expect. This is partly because it’s a premium product in itself, but also partly due to the fact it shares a platform with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. This means it offers strong performance, and impressive agility courtesy of a low centre of gravity.
Even the single-motor variants provide punchy performance, with 225hp.
Its electric drivetrain is near silent, although we did find the synthetic electric sound to be louder than other EVs we’ve tested. Our Sport Plus test model was the range-topper, which features not only a Sport mode, but a Boost button too.
Nestled on the steering wheel, a quick press will unleash the full power capabilities of its 77kWh battery pack. In this mode, it’ll get from rest to 60mph in less than 4 seconds – putting it among the quickest EVs out there.
Even the single-motor variants provide punchy performance, with 225hp. The ride is supple and soaks up all the bumps on the road with ease, although those huge 21in alloys combined with its high weight do mean it’s not quite as comfortable over potholes – but that’s the same case for lots of EVs.
It’s actually the least powerful Premium model (225hp) that is the most capable in terms of range.
Genesis has also included a range of driver assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system, which makes navigating tight spaces effortless.
Genesis GV60 charging and range
With three powertrains on offer depending on trim level, outright range figures vary quite considerably. While all models get the same 77kWh battery, it’s actually the least powerful Premium model (225hp) that is the most capable in terms of range. It’ll manage 321 miles between charges.
You can potentially gain an 80% charge in under 20 minutes.
Plump for the Sport model and, while you get a healthy bump in power, your range will reduce to 292 miles. The range-topping Sport Plus model with its near 500hp gets the least range on paper though, with a capability of 289 miles.
So, while this might not sound quite as high as some rivals, one trick the GV60 does have is its fast charging capabilities. With capacity of up to 350kW, you can potentially gain an 80% charge in under 20 minutes. That’s among the most impressive charge speed of any EV.
But remember, that will only apply if you can find a charger capable of these speeds. If you’re charging at home, expect a full charge in around seven hours via an 11kW home charger.
Should you lease a Genesis GV60?
The GV60 offers a really compelling package; a strikingly different design, a plush interior, ferocious performance and rapid charging capabilities. It’s also backed by Genesis’ excellent five-year care plan, which includes that long warranty and over-the-air tech updates.
But it’s competing in a crowded market place, not only from rivals like Tesla and Audi, but also Kia and Hyundai. Pricing currently means it makes most sense for those after a business lease.
Ultimately, leasing a GV60 could be a smart move if you want something a little left field with cutting-edge tech and a stand-out design. Whether it’s worth the premium over a Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 is up to you.