When we last drove the Genesis GV60 at the international launch, we concluded that it was an impressive performer, decent to drive, with a plush and spacious interior. Do we still think this is the best car Genesis makes? We tried a range-topping Sport Plus version in the UK to find out. 

The GV60 might share the same electric-global modular platform (E-GMP) as the Hyundai and Kia sister cars, but the GV60 is nothing like them to look at – especially in our test car’s Sao Paulo Lime exterior finish. Still, this colour does make the GV60’s unique design features really stand out, such as the parabolic lines down the flanks, the clamshell bonnet, and the unusual ‘Volt’ signature on the window line where it meets the glassy boot. The 21in Technical Deconstruction wheels and large brake callipers colour-coded in matching lime, really hint at the performance. 

Inside, the GV60’s basic dash architecture is borrowed from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, along with the switchgear and infotainment. However, with its more premium-feeling metal trims and plus the look and smell of the soft leather upholstery, the Genesis looks and feels more luxurious. Like other Genesis models, the GV60’s interior detail is top notch with the matching green piping for the seats. Other design highlights include the glovebox, which is a drawer. Then there’s the crystal sphere, which is the gear selector, that flips when the start button is pressed and adds to the theatre of starting this car.

Also worthy of mention is the optional Bang and Olufsen sound system. The 17-speaker surround sound system delivers powerful, but impressively crisp and clear sound. Put simply, it is one of best sound systems we’ve ever tried – but it is a £990 option.

The GV60 is the shortest of the E-GMP three, at 4,515mm, and you do notice there’s not as much legroom. Although, it’s certainly still wide enough for three passengers to still travel comfortably in the back. However, taller passengers will notice their heads brushing the headlining. There is also a practically shaped, if shallow, 432-litre boot, that can be extended with the rear seat folded. Plus, an additional 20-litre front trunk (frunk).  

We’ve got the range-topping Sport Plus in AWD form, which is priced from £65,405. This sounds a lot, but this is the highest-performance version with an incredible 483hp, acceleration to 62mph in four seconds and a top speed of 146mph. 

All GV60 models have the same 77.4kWh battery and 350kW charging ability, making it possible to fast charge from 10-80% in just 18 minutes. With the Sport Plus AWD version, however, the range drops to 289-miles – still decent, considering the performance.

Being an EV, the GV60 starts quietly, the refinement impressing first. The ride is another highlight, with the Genesis having a more sophisticated, Germanic feel than the others. Some high-speed float is apparent, but in general it is much better suppressed than the Hyundai and Kia. Although we wonder if the 21in wheels made this problem worse.    

There are three driving modes; like before Eco mostly seems to retard the throttle. Sport moves the performance to another level for an EV, making it all too easy to break speed limits – so caution is needed to stay within the law. There is also drift mode and a boost button on the Sport Plus version. We didn’t try the drift mode, but the boost button adds to the performance craziness giving a noticeable extra 20kW power boost from each motor for 10 seconds. Normal mode is the safest for everyday driving.

The GV60 Sport Plus is fun to drive and a tidy handler, but you’re always aware of that weighty battery under the floor. AWD grip levels might be higher, and the handling generally more composed and secure – but despite the hike in performance, the weight doesn’t make it feel particularly dynamic. 

An impressive performer, that’s decent to drive, with a plush and spacious interior – but slower single motor versions are more fun to drive because they’re not trying so hard.

Genesis GV60 Sport Plus 

P11D: TBC

Residual value: TBC

Depreciation: TBC

Fuel: TBC

Service, maintenance and repair: TBC

Cost per mile: TBC

Range: 289 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%)  

BIK 20/40% a month: TBC /TBC

Luggage capacity: 432 litres

Battery size/power: 77.4kWh/483hp