A Charismatic Companion for Saanenland's Scenic Roads - the GENESIS GV60

Navigating the car through the hills of Saanenland, on the twisty mountain roads and during a torrential downpour, was nothing short of good fun. Unexpectedly, this quirky yet luxurious EV won me over with charm and superb performance. Who would have thought, me being a profound petrolhead?

From the moment we set off on our test drive, the car felt like it was made for these types of roads, not only highway cruising.

Its powerful electric motors delivered a superhero-esque surge of acceleration, and steering was excellent in tight bends. Thanks to its all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, the car maintained impeccable control despite the rain pouring down and me, childlike, hitting all the puddles. It felt planted and confident, although I had to get used to the rapid responsiveness of the EV vs a normal petrol engine, where you feel the heaviness and ever so slight delay before acceleration.

Design and Interior
The exterior might be a bit divisive – personally, I find the rear very appealing, more than the front which I feel has a Tesla’ish vibe. Inside, it’s heavenly and well thought through. The cabin is a feast for the eyes with a delightful mix of high-quality materials and textures that make it a genuinely enjoyable place to spend time in.

The thoughtful touches, like the glovebox that slides out like a drawer and the seats that can recline almost flat, make long journeys feel like a treat rather than a chore. The spacious back seats and ample trunk space add to its practicality. For a midsized SUV, it is very spacious on the inside and nifty to handle when parking and roaming around narrow streets. One of my favourite features in the GV60 is what happens when you use the turn signal. Instead of just a beep, you get a clear, high-resolution camera view of your blind spot right on the instrument panel. It’s fantastic to see exactly what's there, so no excuse for hitting the curb anymore.

Crystal Ball
The car's technology was impressive (it had everything!), but it remained very user-friendly. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many buttons.

Whether you're using the traditional buttons, the sleek touch-sensitive knob, or the intuitive touchscreen, everything feels easy and designed with you in the center, as if it was reading your mind! As a Dane, I was happy to see a Bang & Olufsen stereo amplifying the focus on the design. And on behalf of my husband; a 360-degree parking camera that definetly would come in handy! Loved the swirly crystal ball feature that rotates into your gearstick when you press Start.

Verdict

The GV60 stands out in a crowded EV market not just for its looks but also for its delightful details, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and personality that makes it hard to resist. This, I feel, is its strongest argument against the more established competitors like Audi eTron, Polestar 2, BMW iX3, and the Tesla Y.

So, would I buy one? Hmm, for me, the question is more about EV vs. Petrol engines. Am I ready for the switch? Not quite, I think, but if I were, the GV60 would definitely be a contender at the top of the list.
 

THE FACTS

Explore the Genesis GV60 Online
In our ongoing exploration of automotive excellence, the Genesis GV60 stands out not just for its driving experience but also for how it revolutionises how we buy cars. As someone who has traditionally enjoyed the tactile process of exploring cars in showrooms (and being ignored by male car salesmen), I was intrigued by Genesis' approach, which allows you to configure and order your GV60 entirely online. You can, of course, still see and feel the car in one of their exclusive showrooms or arrange a test drive—options I wholeheartedly recommend. And pls note the almost 50/50 ratio of men and women in the showroom!
However, the ease and efficiency of their online process have truly impressed me.

Three Ways to Drive Your Perfect GV60
The GV60 offers three distinct models, each with its own charm:

- Premium: This single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model delivers 229 BHP (168 kW) and is perfect if you're looking for efficiency without compromising on luxury.

- Sport: The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) version that I test-drove combines 318 BHP (234 kW) with impressive handling and power, I am serious it was fast!
Starting at CHF 65,400, the model I experienced was fully equipped and priced at CHF 80,250.

- Sport Plus: For those who crave performance, this model takes it up a notch with dual motors, AWD, and a stunning 490 BHP (360 kW).

What I particularly appreciate is the flexibility to tailor your own GV60. Whether you opt for the full online configuration experience or choose a model from stock, Genesis makes it easy to get exactly what you want.

Under the Hood: A Closer Look at the Sport Model
Driving the GV60 Sport was fun, thanks to its dual-motor system that delivers a combined 318 BHP (234 kW) and 605 Nm of torque. The acceleration is exhilarating, going from 0 to 100km in just 5.5 seconds, and it comfortably reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. (or so I’m told, as we did not test it on the highway)

The GV60 Sport is equipped with a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers a solid combined WLTP range of 470 km and an even more impressive 636 km in city conditions. Charging is remarkably efficient, with ultra-fast DC charging getting you from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. For those of us who appreciate flexibility, there’s also the option for slower AC domestic charging.

The Genesis Care Experience: Service as It Should Be
One of the things that stood out to me about Genesis is their commitment to customer care. Every new GV60 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, along with a five-year Care Plan. This plan covers all scheduled servicing, with the added convenience of a courtesy car, vehicle collection, and return services. Living in Gstaad, the nearest service point is in Bern at Alcardis, and I found the process refreshingly hassle-free.

What’s particularly noteworthy is Genesis' Personal Assistance (GPA) and Technical Assistance (GTA) services, which proactively manage your service needs. Their "Come to You" guarantee is a game-changer, handling all the logistics so you don’t have to lift a finger. It’s these thoughtful touches that make owning a GV60 such a pleasure.

Always Ready: 24/7 Roadside Assistance
For someone who often drives through the scenic yet sometimes remote roads of Saanenland, the five years of European roadside assistance that comes with every new Genesis offers invaluable peace of mind. Knowing help is available 24/7, wherever you might be, is a comforting assurance.
 

JEANETTE WICHMANN

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