Electric Car Awards 2023: Best electric large SUV
With electrified cars now coming in all shapes and sizes – and available to suit every budget – we’ve named the best models in every class. Here we look at the best electric large SUV...
When it comes to differentiating models that use the same underpinnings, some car makers do a better job than others. Among the most successful are Genesis, Hyundai and Kia. These brands from within a South Korean stable share many major components to make the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 electric SUVs. Each of these has its own, distinct identity inside and out, and they even manage to feel quite different from each other to drive. They’re all excellent, but the more upmarket GV60 impresses the most.
From the moment you get in, the GV60 dazzles you with materials and design features that make it feel more like a concept car than something you can actually buy. Most of the surfaces are covered with soft-touch materials, man-made leather and attractive metals, while optional quilted Nappa leather and two-tone colour schemes give the GV60 a Bentley-like ambience. It’s really rather special, to look at and to touch.
On the console between the front seats, there’s a striking crystal ball that flips over to reveal the drive selector when you push the ‘start’ button. Even better, there’s a BMW-style rotary controller for the infotainment system that’s much less distracting than a touchscreen to use while you’re driving.
The fact that the GV60 shares its electric motor and 77.4kWh battery with the Ioniq 5 and EV6 is entirely a positive thing, because even in entry-level RWD Premium guise (with a single motor and rear-wheel drive), it delivers punchy, responsive performance and an official range of up to 321 miles. That’s not quite as far as the rival Tesla Model Y Long Range can manage, but it’ll still be plenty for most buyers’ needs. And the GV60 compensates by being faster to charge than all of its rivals (other than its siblings), with a 10-80% top-up possible in just 18 minutes.
Despite having a relatively firm suspension set-up, the GV60 has a smoother and better-controlled ride than its direct rivals and is quieter at motorway speeds than the likes of the EV6 and Model Y. And although it’s undeniably a large, heavy car, it handles crisply, with less body lean in corners than the Audi Q4 e-tron and Ioniq 5.
The GV60 may not be in the Model Y’s league when it comes to practicality, but its boot is still big enough for a couple of buggies, and there’s space under the bonnet for charging cables. Rear seat space is only average, but a couple of tall adults will be comfy enough.
For just slightly more money than the Model Y Long Range, the GV60 comes lavishly equipped. Yes, the cheaper EV6 offers a similar range and is almost as good to drive, but in this instance we’d willingly spend a bit extra, mainly for that wonderful interior.
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