All of Hyundai’s HYMTF, +0.04% branches are nailing electric vehicle (EV) design. The Korean automaker’s luxury arm, Genesis, can now claim part of that success. Genesis has revealed photos of a surprise new EV no one knew to expect, and it’s delightful. The GV60 will go on sale in the U.S. sometime in 2022, price unknown.
The first pure EV from Genesis
The first EV Genesis showed off was pleasant but predictable. The Electrified Genesis G80 is an electric version of its successful gas-powered model. It boasts a range of 265 miles and a lovely cabin made with recycled and vegan materials, but it doesn’t break any new ground. Designers generally can’t make radical changes when adapting a gasoline-powered vehicle to run on a battery.
The Genesis GV60
Genesis
The GV60, on the other hand, was designed from the wheels up to be electric. It’s based on the E-GMP platform, a flexible architecture Hyundai plans to use as the foundation for at least 23 electric vehicles over the next decade.
So far, that plan has produced the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the 2022 Kia EV6, and now the GV60. Each of the three is a quirky, distinctive design with a lot of personality. And each packs a remarkably spacious interior into a small footprint.
See: Pushing the EV envelope: The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Genesis gave no mechanical details on the GV60. But the platform allows Genesis to build it as front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive, with a motor on one or both axles. Its Hyundai and Kia cousins are available with anywhere from 167 to 576 horsepower depending on battery and motor combinations. So the GV60 will likely be offered in several configurations to meet a variety of driving styles.
The Genesis GV60
Genesis
Distinctive style, and a pop of color
But it’s the stylish bodywork that grabs your attention. The nose is a bit reminiscent of a Porsche POAHY, +1.51% Macan, but Genesis’ signature twin-line headlight design and shield grille keep it from seeming derivative of anything. The greenhouse walks a neat line between SUV and hatchback, making the vehicle stand out from either category. The design has personality, which is fun to see.
The GV60 interior
Genesis
Inside, designers have taken full advantage of the flat floor (no transmission means no transmission hump), creating a spacious feel despite its compact dimensions. The crystal sphere shifter seems a bit gimmicky, but it could provide a cool ambient lighting cue if it ages without clouding. Best of all, the cabin embraces color. The preview images show medium blue upholstery most automakers wouldn’t risk, and it works.
Also see: The all new 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS luxury electric sedan bursts with high tech
Photos are all we have for now, but we look forward to learning more about the GV60. We’ll bring you details as Genesis drips them out ahead of a full reveal we expect in the fall.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.