Genesis GV70 2.2D AWD Test: Good, but unusual

10.03.2024
Mario Hommen/SP-X

Since 2021, Hyundai’s Genesis branch in Germany has been based in the world of luxury that can certainly compete with the time-honored giants such as Mercedes, Audi or Cadillac. This also includes the mid-size SUV model GV70.

Genesis GV70: between tradition and modernity

Visually, the Genesis tries an interesting path between tradition and modernity with the GV70, which, along with modern details such as well-designed LED lights, also rests on a classic luxury brand. The front design with a large radiator grille, chrome trim and smooth curves make the Korean look like a British luxury car. Her appearance is elegant, popular, confident and strong at the same time.

High quality interior on the GV70

The Korean interior also presents itself as you would expect from a model from the Jaguar brand. Velvety leather, high-gloss surfaces and many metal applications are the classic ingredients of this production. There are also tactile and visual gems such as the gear selector. Everything looks so hard and smells so good. Cheap plastic with thin walls and brittle was avoided.

Despite the old money style, the interior is modern. There is a digital cockpit, which displays classic round instruments with a stylish 3D effect. Drivers do not need to wear special glasses to experience three-dimensionality. Instead, the camera constantly tracks where his eyes are, giving him a sense of spatial depth that makes the instruments look like finely crafted chronographs. A 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display in XL format and a smaller display for climate technology round out the digital display and operating concept.

Smartphone connectivity is not the best

Although the cockpit is modern, it could also use an update. As a driver, you often have to reach your right hand forward in annoyance to engage the touchscreen directly, as the alternative functionality that uses the rotary button touchpad function doesn’t always produce the desired results. This also applies to volume control to some extent. In addition, smartphone connectivity and on-board infotainment don’t go hand-in-hand as seamlessly as in newer models from the Kia-Hyundai Group.

Trunk volume like a compact station wagon

You can be satisfied with the space in the GV70 due to the body, which is still enough for 4.72 meters. Genesis offers very firm and comfortable seats in the front and back. The trunk volume can grow from 542 to 1,687 liters, which corresponds to the storage capacity of compact station wagons. The luggage compartment is closed in style, offers a variable central floor and a standard folding option for the rear seat.

Good performance, good chassis, a little thirsty

The GV70 is recommended as a motorhome thanks to its good noise insulation, smooth chassis and efficient diesel engine. It lags behind in volume, but offers more power when needed. For four cylinders with a displacement of 2.2 liters, 210 hp feels very full, also because the 8-speed quickly adjusts the gear ratio and keeps it on the line. Despite the 440 Newton meters of torque, there is no scraping of the wheels because the AWD we tested sends power to both axles. A maximum of 215 km / h is possible, which is also easy to drive. At high speeds, the Genesis handles like a board on the highway, just as you’d expect from a first model. Anyone who is in a hurry will drive double-digit usage figures. We were traveling at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, which caused the diesel consumption to rise to 7.5 liters, almost two liters above the normal consumption. So diesel is not an insult to food.

First: five-year warranty with maintenance and inspection

So you have to have a little more money left for fuel, but the purchase prices are the same. The GV70 starts as a diesel at 41,496 euros (all real prices) including advanced (“Premium”) equipment. It ranges from 19-inch rims to simulated leather seats to dual-zone automatic climate control. There is also extensive support and an infotainment package. The most advanced equipment lines “Luxury” and “Sport” offer additional interior and exterior design as well as three-zone automatic climate control. Anyone who invests in equipment packages can upgrade their GV70 with nappa leather, a panoramic glass roof and massage seats. Even with full equipment and matt paint, for which an additional fee will be charged, you stay under 58,824 euros. In any case, you should dig deeper into your pockets for comparable models from German manufacturers. The Koreans also compromise when it comes to the warranty: it is valid for five years, during which the Genesis also pays for maintenance and inspection costs.

Genesis GV70 – Specifications

A four-door SUV, with five middle seats
Height: 4.72 Meters
Width: 1.91 meters
Height: 1.63 meters
Wheelbase: 2.88 meters
Trunk volume: 542-1,678 liters

2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder
8-Gang-Automatic
All-wheel drive
210 PS
maximum torque: 440 Nm
0-100 km/h: 7.9 s
Maximum: 215 km / h
Typical consumption: 5.6 liters per 100 km (WLTP)
CO2 emissions: 175 g/km (WLTP)
Production rate: Euro 6d
Test consumption: 7.5 liters / 100 kilometers
Price: from 41,496 euros

Genesis GV70 – Short character

Why: because it’s really cute and cheap
Why not: because diesel is not an insult to food
What else: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60