E-SUV Genesis Electrified GV70 gets even bigger battery

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The Electrified GV70 from Genesis will be launched on the German market in a revised version from mid-June. The elegant SUV from Hyundai's premium Genesis brand will of course retain its fast-charging capability, which already impressed us in our test. New features include a traction battery with a higher energy content than before and, above all, improvements to equipment and design details.

The biggest change to the Genesis Electrified GV70 is an increase in energy content to 84 kWh from 77 in the current model. Hyundai is not disclosing whether Genesis is now simply releasing more net from gross after good experiences with the battery in existing vehicles, or whether a different battery is being installed. Thanks to the extension, the GV70 now achieves a range of up to 479 km in the WLTP. The current version is specified with 455 km. Thanks to the 800-volt voltage level and preconditioning to adjust the battery cells to their optimum temperature range, the battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent in 19 minutes in both summer and winter, according to Hyundai. Our test at the time showed that this is not just an illusion. What might make some people nervous is the "heated and electrically opening charging flap". Is it too much to ask to open such a small flap by hand? What if the servomotor ever fails?

Natural and artificial intelligence

One electric motor on the front axle and one on the rear axle provide a combined system output of 360 kW. This power is also used for automatic torque steering and to stabilize the vehicle. The driver can influence this so-called "torque vectoring" in the "snow", "mud" and "sand" driving modes using their natural intelligence. The AI-supported "Auto-Terrain" mode is supplemented with artificial brainpower. "The system analyzes the road conditions in real time and optimally adjusts the drive mode to the environmental conditions," writes Hyundai.

If desired, the electric drive control system should also be able to generate a gearshift feeling like a car with a combustion engine. It is called the Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system. For electric car enthusiasts, the "Smart Regenerative Braking 2.0 System with i-Pedal" is much more important and in any case more practical. This adapts the recuperation to the route and traffic situation.

Wellness with fragrances and massage

Matrix headlights, in which "Micro Lens Array (MLA)" technology is intended to "improve lighting performance", promise further optimized illumination of the road. A digital interior mirror (DCM) allows the projection of a rear camera image, which can certainly be an advantage when loading up to roof height behind the front seats. As a further equipment improvement, the manufacturer promises a new infotainment system with a 27-inch OLED display, in which the instrument cluster and infotainment take place on an extremely wide screen. Its surface area is 30 percent larger than its predecessor. Hyundai is also promising a camera-based navigation system with augmented reality function and a larger selection of entertainment offerings, including streaming services such as Bloomberg TV+, Bloomberg Originals, Disney Plus and a live news feed. Over-the-air updates over the entire life cycle are included, says Genesis.

Genesis also announces its intention to follow the design principle of "the beauty of white space" and to create "an elegant ambience in combination with the newly designed 'Milky Way Pattern' lighting". Genesis promises an increase in well-being with the help of the new "Mood Curator", which is intended to "influence the mood on board" with the help of light, music, fragrances and the optional massage function, among other things. Furthermore, a "Serenity package" including aroma diffuser, which is subject to an extra charge, is said to be able to eliminate almost all bacteria (we assume: viruses too) within ten minutes with the help of UV-C light.

Maintenance still included?

The radiator grille has been redesigned and the 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels are also available in new designs. The rear indicators, which were previously located in the bumpers, will be integrated into the rear light unit from June to improve visibility for following drivers. Genesis will offer the revised electric SUV from mid-June – at a price that is not yet known. The current Genesis GV70 Electrified costs 69,580 euros, which includes registration, transfer and maintenance costs for the first five years as well as a replacement car for the duration of the inspection, including collection and return. A noble offer that will most likely also apply to the successor.

(fpi)