Genesis Electrified GV70 – simply irresistible

SIMPLY irresistible, as most music fans will know, is the title of the 1988 single by Robert Palmer that reached as high as No 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

For drivers of two particular models of premium brand Genesis cars though – the Electrified GV70 and GV60 – it references something completely different.

This pair share a feature that really is challenging to resist – a Boost button positioned at the base of the steering wheel that when pressed unleashes the full performance of the car.

It’s addictive and raises what was a maximum output of 214bhp up to 483bhp of seismic thrust, launching the Electrified GV70 to 75mph in a mere 6.5 seconds.

Never mind white knuckle theme park rides, this is a real world experience you can control yourself. It’s not for the faint-hearted but certainly gives you a degree of confidence on the motorway.

The Electrified GV70 is actually the third fully electric model from the premium division of Korean heavyweight Hyundai and is available exclusively in Sport trim with prices from £65,105.

Power comes via a 77.4kWh battery and two 180kWh electric motors and several drive modes alter the way the big SUV performs, even though there doesn’t feel like there’s much difference between the Eco and Comfort settings.

Engage the Sport mode though and the dash dials turn red as the GV70 takes on a more dynamic character with a firmer ride and more loaded steering.

That said, the Gensis remains a treat to drive, even on the 20-inch alloys (a £630 option) fitted to our tested model, feeling well balanced, smooth and comfortable.

Inside the airy – and extremely plush – cabin there’s bags of space for driver and passengers, including ample room for three adults across the back, even though the centre rear berth is slightly perched.

The principally black leather fittings with shiny chrome inserts give a premium feel to the interior and contrast agreeably with the sculpted seats – in Nappa leather but with a 30 per cent wool covering – and there’s also 18-way seat adjustment along with the option of a massaging function.

Everything is aimed at being eco-friendly too – like the car’s suede-effect headlining using yarn made by processing recycled plastic bottles and nets.

Among the cabin highlights are the centrally placed 14.5-inch high definition infotainment screen and glass-topped rotary gear selector which looks clean, smart and saves space.

There are also door seals which wrap underneath the car to protect the inside sill from road grime while buyers also get ambient cabin lighting plus the option of a panoramic glass roof (£1,460) to keep things bright and shiny.

Luggage space is top notch at 503 litres and if you gently tug a lever, the 60-40 split rear seats flip almost flat for a cavernous load bay of 1,678 litres.

As for fuelling up, the Electrified GV70 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes using an ultra-fast public charger – and you can drive directly up to the pump thanks to the car’s charging port being located handily in a pop-out panel in the front grille.

Using a 50kWh fast charger should take 73 minutes, otherwise it’s an overnight job from a home wallbox.

Either way you should get 283 miles of driving from a full charge and possibly a few miles less if you have 20-inch wheels.

And the Electrified GV70 is also the first Genesis electric vehicle to feature SUV-specific e-TERRAIN tech to help make the car more stable in mud, sand or snow.

Extras on this car took the price to £79,565 (an extra £15,265) and included the likes of Uyuni White Pearl paint (£750), an Innovation Pack (£3,620), Nappa leather seats (£2,350), Lexicon audio system (£1,010), Comfort seat pack (£1,660) and 20-inch alloy wheels (£630).