Genesis GV60 review: quiet excellence

January 2, 2026 Matt Allan

Can a midlife update for the Genesis GV60 help the Korean premium brand compete with the market’s big boys?

Almost six years after launching in the UK, Genesis is still a bit of an unknown quantity. Positioned as the premium arm of the massive Hyundai Motor Group, it’s effectively a Korean Lexus.

And like Lexus, it feels like a brand that deserves a bit more recognition for producing some thoroughly appealing and individual alternatives to the default German “big three”.

After a flurry of activity around its launch, Genesis’ product line-up has remained largely the same. The biggest shift was in early 2025, when it ditched petrol and diesel entirely in the UK and became an EV-only brand.

That move killed the G70 and GV80 and left the GV60, GV70 and Electrified G80 as its core model line-up. Now all three models have received a mid-life facelift designed to bring design, technology and powertrain upgrades as Genesis continues to try to carve itself out a small pocket of the premium market.

Design, interior and technology

The recent updates to the GV60 are fairly subtle but tidy up the exterior and interior design a little.

The front end gets a slightly softer and cleaner look courtesy of a new front bumper with reshaped grille area and new “micro-lens array” headlights, which fill the quad lighting units with sharp-looking LED elements. The back gets a similarly subtle change with a new rear spoiler and reshaped bumper.

It’s still a divisive design but it’s a striking one that will stand out among the mass of cookie-cutter rivals, and looks particularly handsome in the deep Storr Green of my test car.

The interior changes are largely limited to a new three-spoke steering wheel and a 27-inch “integrated cockpit” which replaces the twin 12.3-inch screens with a massive one-piece display housing both the digital instruments and the central infotainment setup.

It’s the same system as in the revised GV70 and uses a rotary controller to supplement its touchscreen controls. Like every such system, there’s a wealth of menus but everything is clearly and logically laid out, and big graphics and the rotary dial helps simplify operation on the move.

The rest of the cabin is largely unchanged – from the practical physical air con controls to the oddly appealing drive selector which rotates to become a smooth crystal-like sphere when parked. Everything is made from the highest-quality materials and the GV60 has a build quality that could teach Audi a thing or two.

The GV60 is a relatively short car compared with rivals but thanks to its dedicated EV platform it offers a big wheelbase and plenty of interior space. There’s lots of room for four adults to stretch out and make the most of the super-supportive and comfortable seats. Behind them there’s a 432-litre boot and a 53-litre frunk up front for storing cables.

Battery, motor and performance

The Genesis GV60 comes with three motor options linked to different trim levels. Entry-level Pure cars get a single rear-mounted 226bhp motor, Sport adds a front motor for 314bhp and all-wheel-drive, while Performance turns up both motors for a total of 483bhp.

I’ve only driven the range-topping Performance variant before now, which is blisteringly quick and actually quite a lot of fun.

However, the single-motor feels like the sensible one that most people will probably buy. Not only is it £13,000 cheaper, it will also cover up to 348 miles on a charge, compared with the twin-motor’s 311 miles.

And it’s still quick enough. Not 0-62mph in 4 seconds quick, but its 226bhp is enough for a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds, so there’s enough punch to keep up with traffic. There’s also still an immediate response from the throttle and a pleasing weight and feel from the steering that gives the GV60 a reassuring, connected feel.

Having less power actually makes you appreciate the GV60’s refinement more. A more relaxed driving approach means you’re more aware of the impeccable ride, excellent noise insulation and general calming nature of the GV60’s driving experience. It’s an incredibly peaceful and easy place in which to spend time.

Every version of the updated GV60 comes with a new 84kWh battery which, as mentioned, returns between 311 and 348 miles of range – a 27-mile improvement on the old car. Maximum DC charging has also been upgraded to an impressive 258kW, allowing a 10-80% top-up in just 18 minutes.

To aid battery performance, you can choose your braking regeneration level from four options including single-pedal driving, or you can leave it in auto and let the car figure it out – all via chunky metal paddles behind the steering wheel.

Price and specification

The entry-level Pure car tested here starts life at £54,115 on the road, although my test car had been tricked out with nearly £9,000 of options.

As standard, the Pure trim comes with 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a powered tailgate and front acoustic glass for noise insulation. The 27-inch screen, wireless smartphone mirroring and charging, plus reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors are also standard.

To get a 360-degree camera and adaptive headlights, you’ll need to splash out on the £4,170 Innovation Plus Pack, which also adds a digital rear view mirror, head-up display, remote parking, face recognition, highway driving assist and more.

My test car also came with the £3,000 Comfort pack, which adds heated rear seats, rear side window blinds and Ergo-motion front seats with memory function and cooling.

Verdict

Priced as it is, the GV60 has some well-established competition in the form of the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX2 and the Lexus RZ. But it does more than enough to make it a worthwhile consideration.

This entry-level model offers better range and performance than similarly positioned rivals, and impressively rapid charging that will keep you on the move.

It’s also generously equipped, supremely refined, and has the premium materials and build that any serious player needs.

The looks and lack of badge cachet might bother some people but as a capable and charming alternative to the mainstream, it deserves recognition.