Genesis Electrified GV70: The Quilted Luxury EV That Challenges Convention
As battery electric vehicles become mainstream fixtures across passenger and commercial markets, automotive designers worldwide face an intriguing aesthetic dilemma: what purpose does the traditional grille serve in an electric age? While regulatory uncertainties and consumer hesitations present larger challenges for manufacturers, the creative teams tasked with crafting visually appealing vehicles must confront this symbolic element head-on. The Genesis Electrified GV70, Hyundai's premium electric SUV, provides a fascinating case study with its bold faux-quilted grille design that has left automotive experts both impressed and perplexed.
The Grille Question: Form Over Function
Positioned as an upscale offering from Hyundai's Genesis luxury division, the Electrified GV70 represents a relatively new contender in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment. Initially launched with conventional petrol powertrains, the vehicle now receives its electric transformation, complete with a distinctive front-end treatment that replaces traditional ventilation openings with a solid, quilt-inspired pattern. This design choice creates visual continuity with the vehicle's luxurious interior, which features sumptuous quilted leather seats complete with heating, ventilation, and electronic adjustment capabilities.
The solid grille likely offers marginal aerodynamic advantages while clearly signaling the vehicle's electric credentials, though the mandatory green stripe on European number plates already serves this identification purpose. This design approach raises broader questions about how electric vehicles might evolve aesthetically once freed from the functional constraints of internal combustion cooling systems. The opportunity exists for truly avant-garde designers to reimagine automotive fronts in ways that could make electric vehicles appear more elegant or exciting than their fossil-fueled counterparts.
Performance and Practicality: A Study in Contrasts
Beneath its distinctive exterior, the Electrified GV70 delivers formidable performance credentials. A twin electric motor setup powered by a 74kWh battery generates 383 horsepower, propelling the vehicle from 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds via an innovative "boost mode" activated from the steering wheel. This ten-second burst of maximum acceleration proves particularly useful for overtaking maneuvers, while the vehicle's top speed reaches 146mph. Despite this sporting potential, the GV70 maintains respectable efficiency with consumption ranging between 235-477 Wh/mile and offering approximately 215 miles of range.
The interior presents both impressive qualities and minor disappointments. Occupants enjoy exceptional comfort with high-quality materials, superb craftsmanship, and practical layout featuring dual touchscreens complemented by traditional instrument displays and physical controls. An optional massage function enhances comfort for driver and passenger alike, while voice commands and rotary dials provide multiple interface options. However, some critics note the cabin lacks the dramatic sense of occasion found in competitors like the Genesis GV60 or Mercedes-Benz EQC, potentially leaving luxury buyers somewhat underwhelmed.
Practical Considerations and Competitive Positioning
Despite its refined appearance, the Electrified GV70 demonstrates surprising versatility with four-wheel drive capability and dedicated settings for snow, sand, and mud conditions. Thoughtful features include LED illumination for loading areas in low light and deep door construction for water navigation. However, the vehicle's relatively low stance presents practical challenges, with doors nearly contacting standard curbs even under normal loading conditions.
Priced from £64,300 and reaching £77,820 as tested, the Electrified GV70 faces competition not only from rival electric SUVs but also from its own conventionally-powered sibling, which offers similar luxury at lower cost while sacrificing the electric model's breathtaking acceleration and near-silent operation. Ultimately, the Electrified GV70 makes a compelling case for itself with substantial battery capacity, respectable range, and that distinctive quilted grille that currently stands unique in the electric vehicle marketplace.
