The Genesis GV70 Electrified humbly sticks to its strengths
Genesis provided flights from New York City to Atlanta and back, plus two nights in a hotel so we could drive the new GV70 Electrified. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.
It's apt that a brand named Genesis looks at each step forward as a new beginning. The young brand has been the new kid on the luxury automaker block, contending with the challenge of competing with 100-year-old legacy manufacturers who have long set the bar for extravagance while trying to distinguish itself as something unique.
Regarding the latter, Genesis bets on its core principles of being audacious, progressive, and distinctly Korean to give its offering enough pop in contrast to the traditionally stuffy European fare. The GV70 Electrified is the latest move to that end, delivering a battery-electric vehicle version of its bold-styled crossover vehicle that's no mere drivetrain swap. The EV stands out on its own with unique styling and driving character while also having the distinction of being the first US-made Genesis vehicle ever.
Despite its name alluding to a hybrid system, the GV70 Electrified is the full battery-electric iteration of Genesis' luxury crossover. There are a handful of notable differences between the two versions, not the least of which is their points of origin. As mentioned, the GV70 Electrified is the first Genesis brand vehicle to roll off the assembly line at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama or HMMA, the parent company's plant located in Montgomery, Alabama. Importantly, this means the GV70 Electrified is eligible for the full $7,500 IRS clean vehicle tax credit, at least until the implementation of the domestic battery content requirements.