New Genesis GV60 vs Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron vs Tesla Model Y: verdict

Upmarket South Korean brand Genesis has bold ambitions to take on the likes of Audi and Tesla with its new electric SUV. Time to see if they're realistic...

Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron vs Genesis GV60 vs Tesla Model Y rears

Our verdict

When Genesis first arrived in the UK last year, its offerings were fairly underwhelming. Not terrible, by any means – but not nearly good enough to tempt many potential buyers out of their Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. So, we’re as surprised as anyone by the brilliance of the GV60.

Sure, it helps that it’s based on the excellent Kia EV6, but in many ways it’s a better interpretation of that car and is very well priced. Its standout strengths are a plush interior, user-friendly infotainment and a comfortable ride, with the only slight letdown being its relatively small boot.

Splitting the Q4 and Model Y is much harder. The Q4 is more polished dynamically, particularly when you consider the typical family SUV buyer. It’s quieter, comfier and generally more relaxing to drive. Then again, the Model Y isn’t as fractious as when it was first launched, plus it’s more practical and better equipped, has a longer range and gives you full access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. It just sneaks second place.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here


1st – Genesis GV60

New Genesis GV60 front cornering

For Lovely interior; comfy ride; very quiet; great infotainment system
Against So-so rear space; smallest boot; you’ll want to add a couple of options
Recommended options Comfort Seat Pack (£2790), Nappa Leather with Quilting (£2310)

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full Genesis GV60 review >>

Find Genesis GV60 deals >>


2nd – Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y front cornering

For Great range between charges; cheap access to Tesla’s Supercharger network; most practical; loads of standard kit
Against Most expensive to buy; bumpiest ride; noisiest cruising manners
Recommended options Enhanced Autopilot (£3400)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Tesla Model Y review >>

Find Tesla Model Y deals >>


3rd – Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 

Audi Q4 Sportback front cornering

For Great driving position; spacious rear seats; quiet; comfy ride
Against Stingily equipped; mediocre performance; could charge faster
Recommended options Assistance Package Advanced (£1425), Comfort and Sound Pack (£1295), heat pump (£950), Storage Package (£225)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron review >>

Find Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron deals >>


Specifications: Genesis GV60 RWD Premium

New Genesis GV60 badge

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 226bhp
Peak torque 258lb ft
0-60mph 7.6sec
30-70mph 6.5sec
Top speed 115mph
30-0mph 8.4m
70-0mph 44.5m
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2125kg
Tyres (std) 235/55 R19
Noise at 30mph 58.4dB
Noise at 70mph 65.5dB
Battery capacity (usable) 77.4kWh
Real-world range (est) 255 miles
Official range 321 miles
Efficiency on test 3.3 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 239kW
7kW home wallbox charging time (0-100%) 11hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate charging time (10-80%) 18min
CO2 emissions 0g/km


Specifications: Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron 40 S line

Audi Q4 Sportback badge

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 228lb ft
0-60mph 8.2sec
30-70mph 7.7sec
Top speed 99mph
30-0mph 8.9m
70-0mph 46.6m
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2120kg
Tyres (std) 255/45 R20
Noise at 30mph 60.1dB
Noise at 70mph 67.1dB
Battery capacity (usable) 76.6kWh
Real-world range (est) 245 miles
Official range 322 miles
Efficiency on test 3.2 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 135kW
7kW home wallbox charging time (0-100%) 12hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate charging time (10-80%) 33min
CO2 emissions 0g/km


Specifications: Tesla Model Y Long Range

Tesla Model Y badge

Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 351bhp (est)
Peak torque 364lb ft
0-60mph 5.0sec
30-70mph 3.9sec
Top speed 135mph
30-0mph 8.2m
70-0mph 44.4m
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2071kg
Tyres (std) 245/45 R19
Noise at 30mph 62.1dB
Noise at 70mph 68.1dB
Battery capacity (usable) 75kWh
Real-world range (est) 285 miles
Official range 331 miles
Efficiency on test 3.8 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 250kW
7kW home wallbox charging time (0-100%) 12hr 
Rapid charger, peak rate charging time (10-80%) 27min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Test weather conditions Dry


Cars pictured

Genesis GV60 Premium with Hanauma Mint metallic paint (£740), Nappa Leather with Quilting (£2310)

Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron Launch Edition with Aurora Violet metallic paint (£1095)

Tesla Model Y Long Range with Pearl White multi-coat paint and Full Self-Driving Capability (£6800)

Also consider