Genesis GV70 review: This ‘baby Bentley’ is a proper revelation

In the beginning was Genesis – the car firm, not the rock band, nor the opening book of the Bible.

Ten years ago the upmarket Korean manufacturer became a standalone spin-off from its parent company Hyundai, which also owns Kia.

And just four years ago in 2021, with great razzmatazz, Genesis launched itself in the UK and mainland Europe.

But a combination of being the new kid on the block during a period of market instability, plus a slew of cheaper Chinese imports, meant the supposed springboard into the mainstream proved muted.

So Genesis went back to the drawing board, slimmed down its range and is in the process of relaunching itself with a fresh stable of models – starting with the revamped G70 Electrified SUV, which I’ve just been driving.

It’s the first new Genesis in two years, although it will be followed by the smaller GV60 available to order from July.

Beautiful finish: The GV70 is a big beast packed with plenty of power – including a ‘boost’ button

The new GV70 is a big beast packed with plenty of power – including a ‘boost’ button and fingerprint authentication. It’s a smart alternative to established rivals from BMW, Audi and Tesla. 

Its styling is also suspiciously like that of a Bentley – at a fraction of the price. But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Riding on 20in wheels, powered by an 84kWh battery (up from 77kWh) and with two electric motors, my all-wheel drive 490hp GV70 accelerates from rest in just 4.4 seconds – providing you press the ‘boost’ button and hold on to your hat when you do.

For the rest of the time, it sails along with a more than adequate 440hp, with good handling and precise steering. Its engaging feel is in part due to a ‘virtual gear shift’ system, which electronically mimics the feel and sound of an 8-speed automatic gear-box on a petrol car.

Beautifully finished outside and in, there are three trim levels, starting with Pure on 19in, priced from £65,915; Dynamic from £70,715 and range-topping Luxury with sumptuous Nappa leather which I tried first, from £74,915 – the latter two both on 20in tyres.

Fast charging is good with an 80 per cent charge promised in 19 minutes on a fast charger

Inside the beautifully appointed cabin, the centrepiece of the new dashboard design is a vast 27-inch one-piece digital display

There are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – plus a new ‘AI’ mode that reads the road and your driving style and adapts accordingly

There’s decent space in the flexible boot which expands from 503 litres to 1,678 litres with the rear seats down

There are three main drive modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – plus a new ‘AI’ mode that reads the road and your driving style and adapts accordingly. You can also set up the car for mud, sand and snow.

There’s decent space in the flexible boot, too, which expands from 503 litres to 1,678 litres with the rear seats down. Another neat detail is the charging port door on the front grill heats up in winter to prevent it freezing.

Inside the beautifully appointed cabin, the centrepiece of the new dashboard design is a vast 27-inch one-piece digital display which dominates the front near the flat-bottomed steering wheel. But there are still plenty of physical buttons.

Relaxation was assured as I was serenaded by a harmonious Bang and Olufsen 15-speaker surround-sound system.

Fast charging is good with an 80 per cent charge promised in 19 minutes on a fast charger, but range at under 300 miles – at 298 miles it’s an increase from 283 miles – is still lagging behind the competition.

You can even ‘clean’ your phone as it charges – bathed under ultra violet light to kill-off microscopic bugs – thanks to a UV-C sterilisation box.

Not a bad revival for Genesis – a second time around.

Time to salute AA as it reaches 120 

It’s time to salute the Automobile Association, which celebrated its 120th anniversary on Thursday this week.

The AA breakdown service was originally founded in 1905 as a response to sneaky police speed traps – alerting members to constables hiding behind bushes.

Salute: The Automobile Association celebrated its 120th anniversary on this week

Warning drivers of an impending speed trap was – and remains – illegal. So to get around the law, the AA cunningly introduced the salute, which AA roadside patrols would give to every passing member’s car (identified by an AA badge on the front grille) – UNLESS there was a police speeding trap ahead.

 The famous AA salute was dropped in 1962, coinciding with the first batch of yellow vans, which took over from motorcycles and sidecars, pictured.