• Excellent performance and efficiency
• Entry-level model brisk, and they only get faster
• Three different performance levels

What power options are there?

The Genesis GV60 is available in three guises: Premium, Sport and Sport Plus. So far, we’ve had the chance to test the Premium and Sport Plus versions. The range starts with the Premium model, which is rear-wheel drive only, has a single electric motor that develops 229hp, and is good for a 0-62mph time of 7.0 seconds. That’s probably enough for most people, but for those who want more, there are two four-wheel drive versions.

The mid-range Sport gets you 318hp, but it’s the range-topping 435hp Sport Plus that will attract the most attention from performance lovers. The acceleration is relentless from a standstill. At motorway speeds this reduces to merely rapid, but even at 135mph on a derestricted autobahn it was still punching a hole in the air.

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The Sport Plus models also get a boost button and a drift mode. The big yellow boost button ups power to 490hp for 10 seconds. With this engaged acceleration from a standstill is sufficient enough to get the traction control light blinking. However, the related Hyundai Ioniq 5N is even faster.

What’s it like to drive?

• Comfortable ride and sure-footed handling
• It’s not the most entertaining in corners
• Heavy steering lacks feel

Like other electric vehicles, the straight line speed is impressive. But there’s no escaping the two-tonne weight in the corners. It’s not at all unsafe, just fairly unexciting. The steering is overly heavy and when changing direction quickly you can feel the car rolling thanks to all the weight.

The less powerful single motor model feels noticeably less accelerative, but it’s hardly slow with plenty of pace for most situations. It too feels heavy in the bends, and being rear-wheel drive, doesn’t have as much traction when you accelerate. Even with the stability control switched on, you’ll feel the tail wagging slightly when it’s wet before the electronics calm things down. Turn it off, and it’ll go very sideways, even when it’s dry.

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Premium and Sport Plus models with their conventional suspension are set up for comfort at the expense of some body control when pushed. Sport Plus models with adaptive suspension give you a choice, with the Comfort drive mode giving the best balance of ride quality and handling, albeit with less body control than a Kia EV6. Eco mode adds a less responsive accelerator pedal, while Sport just makes it less comfortable. We like the adjustable regenerative braking via wheel-mounted paddles. Leave it in its strongest level, and you’ll end up one-pedal driving with no need to use the brake in normal driving.

At motorway speeds the ride is good in the Sport Plus. Genesis has a sophisticated suspension system that uses cameras to ‘read’ the road ahead, and adjust accordingly if there are any potholes or uneven surfaces. At low speeds it’s not so convincing. And the dual-motor cars crash into imperfections compared with the lighter single-motor models.