Genesis commits to dual-motor EV power for Oz

---

Genesis Australia says that its push into EV territory will remain exclusively dual-motor only Down Under.

Speaking to Chasing Cars at the recent launch of its Electrified GV70 midsize SUV, the local arm of Genesis stated that there are no plans to offer single-motor versions of its current EV dual-motor-only lineup of GV60 small crossover, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 large limousine. 

This is despite offering the GV60 in single-motor guise in some overseas markets and releasing the technically related Hyundai Ioniq 5 locally in both single- and dual-motor formats.  

Bill Thomas Hyundai/Genesis general manager of corporate affairs told Chasing Cars “Genesis EV models in Australia will continue to be dual-motor for the foreseeable future as a point of premium difference”. 

“We know that our customers and potential customers want maximum capability, performance and features from the premium EVs, especially in this early phase of model introduction.” 

Genesis has launched its Electrified GV70 at $127,800 before on-road, significantly higher than key rival BMW iX3 M Sport’s $114,900. However, the Munich EV rival’s single-motor 210kW/400Nm format is vastly outpunched by the Korean EV’s dual-motor 360kW/700Nm.

“We know that our customers and potential customers want maximum capability, performance and features from the premium EVs, especially in this early phase of model introduction.” 

The GV60 Lux, the entry point to the three-model Genesis EV, offers 234kW/605Nm dual-motor power and is from $103,700. It’s effectively positioned, within the wider Hyundai Motor Group portfolio, above the flagship Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq AWD that, at $85,000, largely shares the same platform and powertrain specifications.  

The suggestion is that, right now, Genesis isn’t interested in offering model variants that could be perceived as offering diluted performance relative to those offered by Hyundai. 

“We would never say never regarding the potential for a single motor Genesis,” Thomas adds, “but for now we are concentrating on customer preference.”

Genesis GV60 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• GV60 Lux: $103,700
• GV60 Performance Lux: $110,700
• Electrified GV70: $127,800
• Electrified G80: $145,000