Electrified GV70 Review | Genesis fine-tunes flagship SUV to perfection
The Electrified GV70 has had a facelift, and we’ve taken it for a test. External tweaks, improved infotainment and a bigger battery keep it competitive against the class leaders.
A decade has passed since the inception of the Genesis brand and, while it has made significant in-roads into the UK’s premium car segment, it’s been its newest electric offerings that have really helped the brand pick up the pace within the leasing and fleet markets. The most significant of those is the Electrified GV70, and now it’s been given a mid-life refresh.
You could argue it didn’t really need any attention. In fact, the popularity of the outgoing model was continuing to grow. But with a bigger battery, subtle changes to the exterior and an impressive new infotainment system, the updated car should continue to offer an excellent alternative to cars like the BMW iX.
So what is it?
The GV70 is essentially the brand’s flagship SUV. It’s a premium, left-field alternative to the usual brands and offers great value for fleet and personal customers alike.
It’ll be of particular interest to those that want something a little out of the ordinary that capable of turning heads – and not only because it looks like somewhat of a budget Bentley.
What’s new on the outside?
On the face of it, external changes are minimal. But they are there. First off, the front bumper has been redesigned to create a more imposing look. The headlights remain split units, but now they’re thinner and more intricate before.
The door includes a heating element.
The LED lighting signature has also been given a fresh look. You’ll still find the charging port hidden neatly behind the jewel-like grille, but there’s now a clever if invisible update – the door includes a heating element, helping it to remain easy to open in frosty conditions.
As for other changes, the rear bumper has been given the same makeover as the front, and the indicators are now located within the main rear light units – a welcome and sensible change.
Updated trim levels are now available: Pure, Dynamic and Luxury.
Updated trim levels are now available: Pure, Dynamic and Luxury. A number of new alloy wheel designs have been created, along with a total of 13 colour options. These include some snazzy new matte and pearlescent finishes. Exact specs will vary depending on the model you choose, although even “entry-level” Pure cars are equipped with 19in diamond-cut alloys.
Any updates on the inside?
Yep – plenty. The biggest upgrade is the infotainment system, that’s more driver-focused than before. The new 27in screen integrates the infotainment and digital driver display elements seamlessly, mainly because it is one huge 27in unit: no bungled together broken panoramic displays here.
The new 27in screen integrates the infotainment and digital driver display elements seamlessly.
It’s great that Genesis has kept physical controls – using the touchscreen is essentially optional. You’ll find a rotary dial above the gear selector to control the systems key functions, while premium-feeling controls on the steering wheel give you another option.
A closer comparison with its predecessor reveals there’s new and improved materials throughout, including soft-touch materials that run the length of the dashboard and into the doors. There’s some beautifully crafted aluminium accents too, while you can luxuriate further by using the new Mood Curator.
Practicality-wise, as you’d expect from a mid-life refresh, space has stayed the same as before. In other words, plenty of passenger room in both the front and back. Its 502-litre boot, however, remains somewhat small compared to a few German rivals.
What about the batteries and tech?
Perhaps the most significant update lies under the skin. The Electrified GV70 now gets a larger 84kWh battery pack – up from 77.4kWh. This means an improved WLTP range of up to 298 miles, bringing it much closer to key rivals and making it a more viable long-distance cruiser.
The Electrified GV70 now gets a larger 84kWh battery pack – up from 77.4kWh.
It still supports 800V charging architecture, meaning ultra-rapid top-ups from 10 to 80% in just over 18 minutes – assuming you can find a compatible charger of course.
The motor setup remains unchanged, with dual motors providing all-wheel drive and a healthy 483hp with boost mode engaged. That’s enough to launch it from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds – not bad for a family SUV tipping the scales at over two tonnes.
Other notable features include the latest version of Genesis’ advanced driver assistance system, which now supports machine learning-based adaptive cruise control, smarter lane-centring, and improved junction detection. There’s also a new fingerprint recognition system that allows you to start the car and access driver profiles without a key.
What’s it like to drive?
The Electrified GV70 was already a strong performer on the road, and this facelift hasn’t changed that. The ride remains impressively composed, even on larger wheels, thanks in part to Genesis’ adaptive suspension system that uses a front-facing camera to scan the road and prepare the dampers in real time.
The regenerative braking system is smooth and adjustable, offering true one-pedal driving when maxed out.
In urban environments, it feels refined and well-insulated, with minimal road and wind noise. The regenerative braking system is smooth and adjustable, offering true one-pedal driving when maxed out. There’s now the addition of “synthetic” gear changes that are controlled by the regen paddles.
You could say it’s more of a novelty, but it’s another thing Genesis has done to make the GV70 more engaging to drive.
Take it on a twisty B-road and the GV70 does a good job hiding its weight. It’s not as agile as a BMW iX, but it’s close enough for most – and more comfortable day-to-day. The boost button on the steering wheel adds a bit of theatre and turns the otherwise serene SUV into a surprisingly brisk machine.
Should you lease one?
Absolutely. The updated Electrified GV70 strengthens its already impressive credentials. With the larger battery, new tech, and a refreshed design, it now feels even more competitive – especially for business users looking at benefit-in-kind savings from going electric.
For drivers who want a luxurious, left-field SUV that’s still practical and seriously fast, this Genesis is well worth a spot on your shortlist.
It’s not the cheapest option in its segment, but it currently undercuts many premium rivals like the Q6 e-tron and BMW iX in leasing terms, particularly when you factor in its high level of standard equipment. For drivers who want a luxurious, left-field SUV that’s still practical and seriously fast, this Genesis is well worth a spot on your shortlist.
