Genesis has made it to the buyers’ podium, going by the car buyers who reached out recently with Genesis in their shortlist. Let’s meet the Genesis GV70, the compact luxury SUV with ample space for five.

Genesis was a beginning in the making for several years. After getting the nod from loyal customers of the Hyundai family, Genesis built exclusive showrooms for itself and emerged as the synonym of Korean automotive luxury. In the 2022 JD Power Initial Quality Survey, it was named the top premium brand and has since been turning on spotlights everywhere. So much for credentials. Let’s see how the Genesis GV70 lives up.

Design and dimensions

Genesis GV70 is a compact SUV but one needn’t take that badge too seriously, for it misses the midsize segment by just half an inch. The 4715 mm (about 15 and a half foot) SUV has a wheel base of 2875 mm. It is generous with space for the occupants and their stuff.

The design pays attention to intricate details – subtler in the cabin but stark in the alloy wheels, crafted like sword hilts in epic movies. There are carbon fibre lookalike glossy trims in the cabin, that ditches the sporty cliché but doesn’t look cheap. Some eyes might see an Aston Martin or a Bentley somewhere like in the winged logo while some others might find bits of Infiniti in the grille but no denying that Genesis spells luxury and has become a rather recognisable identity by itself across its half a dozen models.

Cabin and controls

The classic luxury styling continues inside with quilted seats (diamond-shaped pattern as in Bentleys) in noble leather. My test trim came with sports seats. Whenever I increased speed, say beyond 100, or when I was tackling corners, the seat wings would hug me from both sides holding me tight and reassuring me.

The Genesis infotainment system in GV70 had a 14.5-inch display with options to project phone content and a feature that alerted the driver about damaged or slippery areas on the road (I didn’t personally experience this last bit). The screen was neatly segmented into boxes of various functions – from radio and Bluetooth to terrain modes. Genesis GV70 is equipped with a reasonably refined 9-speaker music system.

Family class

The rear cabin is spacious enough for three passengers, with expected squeezing happening in the mid-seat. The rear has the luxury of its own AC controls and seatback nets for storing light stuff. The boot space of 542 L is on par with luxury rivals. Another interesting feature that makes it a family option is the Quiet Mode that you can pick from the dashboard screen. It reduces the AC blower and cuts off music to the rear cabin so that sleeping babies can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Drive and drive train

The luxury segment has traditionally demanded luxurious power. However, many models are now giving up bigger engines for more sustainable options. On paper, the GV70 comes with two engine options – one is a 3.5L turbocharged six-cylinder. But what is available here and what I was driving is the 2.5L turbo AWD mated to an 8-speed transmission. Interestingly, it is a four-cylinder that starts with a V6 feeling. Its 300 hp power was available till 5800 rpm while a substantial torque of 421 Nm was generated across 1650 – 4000 rpms.

The driver panel lets you keep track of the power delivery to the wheels and also the percentage of torque utilised with every acceleration – just for the kick of it! The drive is gentlemanly as long as you keep to the measured nudge but if you are too demanding the car shows its displeasure with a turbo drag before it spits fire on you. The throttle roar makes up for the hesitant silence.

Ample handling support comes from the e-LSD (electronic limited slip differential). For example, at a sudden turn or when slipping on a rough road with loose traction, sometimes one wheel may become idle. That is when the e-LSD concentrates power on the opposite wheel to maintain balance and power. Another predictive technology is seen in the electronically controlled suspensions that adjust damping (shock-absorbing) force by recognising conditions like a speed bump and responding to them early on.

Considering the power at hand, the fuel economy is impressive. I could achieve 11 km for every litre vaporised on the highway (the promised economy is 11.5 kmpl) but regular drives posted figures way south. It seems the GV70 can predict engine oil life depending on driving patterns.

Tech for safety

Genesis represents everything good in the Hyundai and Kia family. The trademark camera that comes to life on the driver info screen when the turn indicator is activated is one of them. The wide camera view is a boon when backing up. Driver assistance features help with blind spots and lane keeping as well as collision avoidance, for both front traffic and rear cross traffic. GV70 also makes driving effortless with Stop & Go Cruiser Control. The surround sensing prompts the driver with directions like “keep eyes on the road” and “front vehicle moving on”! Another engaging and advanced feature is the use of augmented reality in navigation that blends live camera view and superimposed graphics – so you can see where you should be going or turning without space for doubt.

Genesis GV70 also has an impressive passive safety side, with 8 airbags – advanced airbags for the front, driver’s knee airbag, front center and side airbags as well as rollover-resistant curtain airbags (as per the spec sheet).

The essential Genesis GV70

Genesis GV70 is a relatively new entry to the luxury club, and that has served it well to choose the best from its competition and blend it with the best in house. The crossover has made a mark by balancing its score in driveability, comfort and luxury features, not to mention the price advantage in the luxury segment – starting at AED 219,900 the GV70 underscores value with a full package for AED 247,000, it should easily make your test drive shortlist.