In order for the Hyundai subsidiary Genesis to be able to become electric on a large scale by 2025, previous combustion models must also be supplemented with e-variants. The GV70 is the second model series after the G80 to do exactly that.

It won’t be long – then the era of combustion engines will be over for Hyundai subsidiary Genesis. In any case, this applies to Europe and especially Germany and to new model series. However, this can only work if existing combustion models are also added as electrical outputs. This happened recently with the G80 business class and now also with the medium-sized SUV GV70.

The battery-electric GV70 (from 67,300 euros without subsidy) with an engine output of 360 kW/490 hp, which is formally assigned to the middle class, is quite a chunk. Above all, its width of 1.91 meters and the height of 1.63 meters make the Korean look stately. A length of 4.72 meters contributes to the feel-good climate inside, but not only.

Genesis does everything it can to show the German premium brands where the hammer is. And they succeed impressively. The supple nappa leather alone with the distinctive diamond quilting exudes such a luxurious flair that one feels one or two classes higher in the Genesis SUV.

For the infotainment group, the Koreans have a large, touch-sensitive 14.5-inch central monitor that is easily accessible on the dashboard. In order not to have to search for everyday functions such as controlling the air conditioning in the menu, Genesis has donated an extra menu including a display – also designed as a touchscreen. Underneath, classic pushbuttons also form an accurate row for the purpose of activating various menu items.

But now to the drive. The 2.3-tonner drives off gently, only to push off really powerfully. No wonder when 436 horses and almost 700 Newton meters of torque attack both axles (one electric motor per axle). That’s right, the full 490 hp are only activated after you press the boost button, which results in even more punch. To put it briefly in numbers: after 4.2 seconds there is 100 km/h – enough potency to strain the stomachs of the passengers. And the 235 items entered in the vehicle registration document are exceeded in practice at over 240 km/h.

There is no lateral dynamic relevance in the expansive GV70 with the tendency towards indirect steering, but it doesn’t have to hide when it comes to comfort. The chassis did a great job and ensured that the all-rounder rolls surprisingly gently, even over rough joints. And that despite the fact that tires measuring 265/45 20 were fitted to the test car. Optionally, there are adaptive dampers with camera sensors in front of the front axle in order to adapt the characteristic curve to the road surface as best as possible.

A quick word on charging performance: Practical tests have to clarify whether the 77 kWh battery with a peak charging capacity of 240 kW really often charges from 10 to 80 percent in the promised 18 minutes – but the 800-volt architecture at least creates the technical possibility. If the battery is fully charged, there is a WLTP range of at least 455 kilometers, which is always enough for a longer trip.

And if the passengers take a break, they can charge any electronic devices such as computers or even an e-bike on the vehicle thanks to the so-called “Vehicle-to-Load” function (V2L). The GV70 is practical anyway – after folding down the two-part rear seat backrest, its trunk holds 1,678 liters. Given the wheelbase of 2.88 meters, it is normal that the human cargo also stays comfortably in the second row.

When it comes to driver assistance, the GV70 is excellently positioned, just like the other Group products – the electronic variant of the blind spot warning device has repeatedly turned out to be a really useful assistance: If you use the indicator, the area of ??the blind spot is displayed as a camera image in the instrument cluster , to make sure that nobody is actually next to the vehicle.

Otherwise, the adaptive cruise control remains the ultimate comfort and safety feature, leaving the car to take control after a long day at work. In other words, the GV70 brakes and accelerates independently – old hat in itself, but there are striking differences in the control quality. Here, however, the Genesis works smoothly and brakes gently to a standstill even in the event of heavy deceleration, for example as a result of a road user cutting in unexpectedly. The GV70 will be available from October 10th and will be eligible for a subsidy of 7975 euros at least this year.

Technical specifications

Mid-size SUV, length: 4.71 meters, width: 1.91 (2.00 meters with exterior mirrors) meters, height: 1.63 meters, wheelbase: 2.88 meters, cargo space volume: 503 to 1678 liters

Two electric machines, 360 kW/490 hp, maximum torque: 700 Nm, one translation, all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h: 4.2 s, Vmax: 235 km/h, average consumption: 19.2 to 19.9 kWh ( WLTP), CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, prices: from 67,300 euros