Few automakers are currently as up-to-date with their design as Genesis, and the automaker’s first electric car is no exception.
In an era of flashy designs and massive grilles, Genesis has figured out how to stand out from the crowd with the 2024 GV60 with delightful details and appropriate efficiency.
However, in Minnesota, where there are fewer chargers and they are further apart, it didn’t provide a range that was quite suitable for me; the back seat is compromised for three people; it has some awkward body movements; and it’s not cheap.
Here are the pros and cons of the 2024 Genesis GV60 After spending a week taking the kids around town to activities and an evening at the theater.
2024 Genesis GV60
2024 Genesis GV60
2024 Genesis GV60
Pro: Genesis GV60 stands out
From the dual-slot LED headlights and taillights to the folding hood and short overhangs, the GV60 looks the part. It’s the exact opposite of the beached whale of a melted bar of soap that the Tesla Model Y pawns off as a design. Inside, the details are even more striking – or trickier, depending on who you ask – with a glowing orb that performs a flip trick when turned on, revealing the rotating gear selector. Lace ribs are embossed on the buttons. There’s even a ribbed volume control. Everything is tactile and beautiful, right down to the metal trim on the front center console, which feels like alligator leather.
2024 Genesis GV60
Disadvantage: Genesis GV60 can perform movements incorrectly
In the suburbs at slow to moderate speeds, the GV60 rides firmly and in control. If it had never hit the highway or reached speeds over 50 miles per hour, you might think it was a luxury vehicle tuned by a German automaker. However, the adaptive dampers on my performance model are based on a camera-based system that passes a scan of the road to the suspension. Rough Midwest highway crossings or broken roads occasionally send the system into a nervous, almost fragile ride. Then things get downright bouncy when a highway bridge crossing is too much for the suspension to detect in advance.
2024 Genesis GV60
Pro: Genesis GV60 offers decent efficiency
During the first half of my week with the Genesis GV60 Performance, the instrument cluster found the powertrain averaging between 3.0 and 3.1 miles per kWh. This is efficient in our sense. As temperatures in the Midwest dropped to the high 20s to low 30s with strong wind gusts of 30 to 35 miles per hour, efficiency took a hit, with a final average of 2.7 miles/kWh over a distance of 217 miles. Still not bad.
2024 Genesis GV60
Disadvantage: The Genesis GV60 is not sufficient for cold weather range
The Genesis GV60 is available with an EPA range of up to 294 miles. The more powerful dual-motor GV60 Performance trim tested had an EPA-rated range of just 235 miles with its 77.4 kWh battery. Realistically, with my winter driving mix, it felt like this car could comfortably drive 185 miles at a time. This can be time-consuming and painful on a road trip; Good thing it has a fast 800-volt electrical architecture that delivers a 10-80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and reaches a peak power of 240 kW.
2024 Genesis GV60
Pro: Genesis GV60 offers a lot of space in a small package
Although the GV60 is short (about 178 inches long) and small on the outside, it is big on the inside. It depends on what’s inside, right? Four adults can comfortably fit. This is due to the efficient packaging, which gives an open, airy feeling inside. The low, horizontal dashboard and short hood provide the driver with excellent forward visibility.
2024 Genesis GV60
Disadvantage: Genesis GV60 fits four, not five
There are five seat belts and three seats in the second row of the Genesis GV60. I would not recommend this car for more than four people. My mother-in-law, wife and 10-year-old daughter simply didn’t have enough width – a “my Tuchas is squished” situation – and the positioning of the seat belt added to the discomfort.
Perhaps the biggest downside to the GV60 is how expensive it gets. While it was competitive at $53,350 (including $1,350 destination), it cost $71,320 as tested. That’s basically $10,000 more than a full setup Charge Volvo C40 and $20,000 more than a loaded Tesla Model Y. The GV60 is a little larger and significantly larger in the test, costing just as much, if not more, than a very well-equipped car Cadillac Lyriqwhich is an even better style statement.
In base rear-wheel-drive form with a range of 294 miles, the GV60 could make a case for itself based on its design alone. But in testing, it’s hard to argue that this rolling work of art offers any added value if you value backseat space or are planning road trips.
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2024 Genesis GV60 performance
Basic price: $53,350, including a $1,350 destination charge
Price as tested: $71,320
Drivetrain: 429 hp dual engine, all-wheel drive
EPA area: 235 miles
The hits: Outstanding design, space efficiency, energy efficiency
The failures: Expensive range for cold weather, seating for four instead of five
