First In-Person Look: Genesis GV60
The Korean luxury brand demonstrates unique character with some eccentric features like the ‘Crystal Sphere’ in its smallest and sportiest offering.
One of the most difficult obstacles auto manufacturers have encountered in the business is how to keep the public continually engaged with their newest vehicles. In contrast, classic cars have found sustained long-term interest because they reward individuals with character– hidden and enlaced within their quirks and flaws.
Our modern manufacturing and technology practices are designed to do the opposite: remove all errors and folly to obtain the most efficient process possible. Consequently, that raw and evocative human element that defined previous vehicles is now a casualty of the refinement of our increasingly tech-dependent world.
With the continued push towards electrification, many automakers have lost the key essence of creating a unique and visceral driving experience. See, it’s not a simple task to recreate the emotional response created by a flawed gas-powered engine in a refined electric platform.
How does one find the narrow balance between refinement and blandness in a sea of “perfectly” designed futuristic vehicles? Well, we are happy to see that the latest offering from Korean luxury brand Genesis, the GV60, is making a great impression.
Filling the gap in Genesis’ model line up for their future in electrification
We were initially intrigued when we first saw the GV60 revealed a couple of months back sporting a peculiar lime green paint scheme with blue interior. The car had a strange standout design and had some things we hadn’t seen before in any Genesis before it. We like that.
Now Daniel Golson from CNET’s Road Show finally got a chance to get an in-person look with the luxury brand’s new CUV (crossover utility vehicle). With non-manufacturer supplied photos now available, we have to say we like the GV60 even more.
Right now, we’d have to say it’s probably the most interesting EV offering coming out of the Korean market. Let’s explain why.
First, the exterior design is unlike any other offering in the Genesis line-up, the GV60 fits squarely as the little brother of the GV70 performance SUV. While only two inches shorter than the larger SUV, the sleek coupe-like styling gives the Genesis an aggressive presence.
‘Althetic Elegance’ evolves again with new styling
This is the latest iteration of the brand’s design philosophy dubbed “Athletic Elegance”, an idea that we are understanding more and more with this new model. We also see a continuation of the “Two Lines” theme developed by the brand to represent its goal of sustainable luxury.
One of the most interesting exterior features has to be the “Volt DLO”, which is the chrome piece that connects the roof line into the C-pillar in a particular lightning bolt shape. It’s strange, but it just works. Overall, we do enjoy the sporty low-slung shape of the exterior. There is an obvious differentiation here compared to the more luxury-focused styling of other brand models.
However, as impressive as the exterior may be, the interior of the GV60 is where we understood how cool this new CUV is. Genesis calls this concept “Beauty of White Space”, aiming for a cozy, yet luxurious interior with a “less is more” focus.
This design element cannot be displayed more clearly than on the space-opening “floating” center console, which hosts Genesis’ latest iteration of their infotainment rotary dial. However, the star of the show is certainly a curious sphere placed directly behind the dial.
The emotional connecting point of the GV60: the ‘Crystal Sphere’
Known as the “Crystal Sphere”, this centerpiece is maybe one of the most unique concepts we have seen on any modern vehicle. Providing the viewer with an incredibly complex illuminated pattern which shifts at different angles, we are mesmerized by this sphere.
Believe it or not, this sphere is considered a safety feature by Genesis. Why? Well, the sphere is only on display (set with your favorite ambient lighting color) when the vehicle is turned off. When the GV60 is turned on, the sphere rotates to reveal the beautiful metal gear selector.
We honestly can’t get enough of the Crystal Sphere. We are glad it is not visible during operation because it would be a serious distraction from the road with its seductive glowing allure.
Other notable designs in the interior are the door panels, which just look stunningly designed with aluminum trim with knurled finishes on the touch surfaces.
‘Interactive mobility’- the golden standard for redefining the EV experience
Features both inside and out really make the Genesis stand out from its variety of competitors. It’s weird and it’s expressive in its unique way, easily leaving a big impression.
See, people don’t necessarily buy cars for logical reasons. Not every choice made needs a complex analytical breakdown of every possible option.
A lot of the time, it’s just little nuisances and quirks which end up selling a vehicle. Not every reason has to be perfect. That is character. This GV60 has a lot of it.
So don’t be surprised to see people buy this CUV, not because it’s the best comparative option against a healthy host of competitors, but because they like a shiny crystal- and that’s alright.