Genesis GV70 review

When you ease yourself into the Genesis GV70, it's easy to find a comfortable driving position because it has lots of electrically assisted adjustment for the seat and steering wheel.

Standard lumbar support provides additional comfort, or you can opt for the Comfort Seat pack to add a massaging driver’s seat that has a programme to improve your posture automatically during long trips.

Speaking of illumination, LED headlights are fitted to all GV70s. The Innovation pack adds upgraded matrix lights that adjust the shape of their beams to provide as much light as possible without dazzling other drivers.   

The standard driver’s display uses a mix of analogue dials and digital read-outs, but the Innovation pack gets you a 12.3in fully digital cluster with a 3D visual effect. It looks futuristic, but is more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful piece of tech (you can turn off the 3D effect if it's not to your liking). The head-up display that comes with the Innovation pack is much more useful, putting the speed and warnings of traffic approaching from behind in your line of sight.

The standard 14.5in infotainment system is one of the largest touchscreens you’ll find in the class, but can be a bit of a stretch to use while driving compared with the portrait-oriented screen in the Volvo XC60. The rotary controller makes things easier, though. It’s similar to the iDrive dial in the BMW X3 and allows you to scroll through menus.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is included so you can use your own apps to circumvent the GV70’s sat-nav. The optional upgraded Lexicon stereo is reasonably priced and offers clear sound quality, although it's not as punchy as some systems.

Overall interior quality is impressive, with soft surfaces on all the major touch points, and even in some unusual places, such as at the bottom of the doors. We’d also recommend the Napa Leather Pack. With quilted leather seats, suede headlining and an eclectic mix of interior colour schemes, you almost feel as though you’re sitting in a Bentley. That’s probably no coincidence, because Bentley’s former design director now works for Genesis.