Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
TEST DRIVE GV70 challenges BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC with strong driving performance
Genesis GV70 / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
By Lee Min-hyung
The Genesis GV70 boasts a distinctive identity as an unequivocally luxurious SUV, characterized by two prominent strengths: robust driving performance and refined design features.
The vehicle's body size exceeded the expectations of this reporter, and its sleek exterior immediately grabbed attention when it was delivered for test-driving. The meticulously crafted interior, adorned with high-end plastics and leathers, radiated the distinctive brand identity of the emerging luxury vehicle manufacturer.
The vehicle was powered by a 3.5-liter turbo engine. As anticipated, the V6 gasoline turbo delivered impressive driving performance, swiftly accelerating with a maximum output of 380 horsepower. Notably, it exhibited minimal internal noise, solidifying its standing as one of the most upscale SUVs produced by the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai Motor Group.
The GV70 was impressively quiet when this reporter drove it around the city and highway that connects Seoul and Daejeon, located at the center of Korea. Less fatigue was felt thanks to its solid yet quiet driving, even after a ride of more than 200 kilometers at one time.
Genesis GV70 / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
One downside was its fuel efficiency, which fell to less than 5 kilometers per liter at some time during the rush hour in Seoul. But it soon recovered to more than 8 kilometers per liter when the vehicle picked up steady speed. Given it is equipped with the 3.5-liter turbo engine, the figure was, however, still understandable, as most other luxury sedans with a similar powertrain also display weak mileage performance.
The GV70 competes against the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC in the mid-sized luxury SUV market. While it might be premature to claim that the GV70 surpasses its two German rivals, the Genesis SUV serves as a compelling alternative for customers seeking a luxurious experience, complemented by its sophisticated interior and exterior design.
An interior image of Genesis GV70 / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung
The SUV’s state-of-the-art infotainment and air cleaning systems are also good upsides that will captivate customers.
Genesis sold a total of 34,474 GV70 SUVs in 2023, which is seen by many critics as a surprising figure in that it has been only about three years since the vehicle was released in December 2020. Hyundai Motor Group is also placing a group-wide strategic focus on the brand to enhance its brand image here and abroad.
Genesis plans to launch a GV70 facelift sometime around May this year, with a view to absorbing growing customer demand for premium, mid-sized SUVs.