A Genesis GV60 has been spotted charging at an NRMA charger ahead of a global launch in coming months, but far ahead of its planned Australian introduction in mid-2022.
As first images of the GV60 – the first all-electric vehicle from Hyundai’s luxury brand – were released less than a month ago, it’s appearance on Australian roads is something of a surprise.
Spotted by a member of the “Electric Vehicles for Australia” Facebook page, the copper-coloured GV60 in question attempted to hide its identity with a black camouflaged cover on the front, but was unimstakeable with its triangular accent just behind the C-pillar and sweeping lines and brake lights on the tail.
The GV60 is built on the same all-electric platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, both of which will also be introduced in Australia. This means it is likely to offer similar battery pack options (58kWh and 77kWh) as well as 800-volt ultra-fast charging, and possibly a bidirectional “vehicle-to-load” capability.
In its entry-level form expect a single motor on the rear axle with 168kW power, a mid-range AWD with 239kW power and a range-topping “Performance” version with AWD and 321kW power on 21-inch alloy wheels.
The low-riding fastback has similar proportions to both the Ioniq 5 and EV6, with a clamshell hood and fixed spoiler design aimed at conveying the brand’s “athletic elegance” demeanour. The star spoke wheels seen in August’s reveal are true to form, as are the signature Genesis “quad lamps” on the front.
But, it could be that the GV60 will need a more traditional approach for the rear vision cameras seen in the picture above. As the images captured show, the vehicle that has been brought to Australia is missing rear vision cameras on the A-pillar, and is instead fitted with standard side mirrors.
Reactions from group members were generally welcoming but questioned how groundbreaking the GV60 is design-wise.
“Not bad looking in my opinion,” said one member.
“Looks like a restyled Soul…” said another, referring to Hyundai sibling Kia’s all-electric urban.
“I still don’t get this whole pseudo-incognito thing, but I suppose it does add to the sense of excitement,” said a third.
But word is that the GV60 could have a feature that will be unique to the market – if it proves to be true.
A Norwegian electric vehicle news site recently said that wireless charging may be a feature of the GV60:
” The charging speeds that will be supported in the Genesis GV60 are currently unclear – but Hyundai Motor Group has confirmed that the car will be available for purchase with wireless charging in place upon delivery within the next year, and the hardware will be delivered by WiTricity,” Elbil24 stated (translated from Norwegian).
A spokesperson for Hyundai did not deny that the GV60 will be able to charge wirelessly, but told The Driven that, “We cannot comment on-record about the GV60 wireless charging speculation at this time.”
However it has been confirmed that it will launch alongside the hybrid G80 as well as a yet-to-be revealed third vehicle. Specifications and pricing will be released closer to launch date.
Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model 3 and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
