[Taboleo] Genesis GV60 Recognizes Its Owner: "You Know Who I Am!"

Genesis First Dedicated Electric Vehicle GV60 Test Drive
Sleek Coupe-Style CUV Design
World's First Mass-Produced Car with Face Connect (Facial Recognition) Identifies Owner
Amazing Acceleration Unleashed the Moment Boost Mode is Pressed

Genesis GV60

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Genesis has launched its first dedicated electric vehicle, the GV60. The GV60 is Genesis's first electric vehicle built on Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated electric vehicle platform, E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform).

Using E-GMP allows optimization of the body structure, chassis, motor, and battery, resulting in superior performance compared to electric vehicles built on conventional internal combustion engine platforms. Electric vehicles built on the E-GMP platform include Hyundai's Ioniq 5, Kia's EV6, and the Genesis GV60 is the third.

As a premium electric vehicle, the GV60 offers better performance than the previous two models and is equipped with more advanced features. Notably, the world’s first mass-produced Face Connect (facial recognition) feature and the Booster Mode, which delivers incredible instantaneous acceleration, have taken drivers into a new realm.

On the 4th, I drove the GV60 from Starfield in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, to Gapyeong County and back, covering 80 km. The test vehicle was the GV60 Performance AWD model.

-There is a strong evaluation that the GV60’s design is quite outstanding. How was it in reality?

△The GV60 gave a strong impression of being sleek. The coupe-style crossover utility vehicle (CUV) exterior offered a more dynamic feel compared to the sedans or sport utility vehicles (SUVs) we commonly see.

The front of the GV60, featuring the dual-line quad lamps, looked sophisticated as if embodying the image of a futuristic car. Genesis emphasized that this dual-line design is a symbol that instantly identifies the vehicle as a Genesis, even when the GV60 passes by quickly.

Below the lamps, a newly widened crest grille was placed to emphasize a high-performance image. The new grille also serves to improve the cooling efficiency of the high-voltage battery located in the lower part of the vehicle.

-The Face Connect feature that recognizes the owner is amazing.

△As soon as I received the test vehicle, I tried the Face Connect feature, which is regarded as the most innovative function of the GV60. Face Connect allows the vehicle to recognize the driver’s face and lock or unlock the doors without a key. It is the world’s first application of this feature in a mass-produced vehicle.

I registered my face and fingerprint after getting in the car, turned off the ignition, and got out again. Looking at the camera located between the driver and passenger seats, the car door automatically opened. I started the engine by placing my finger on the fingerprint button. Now, there is no need to carry a key inconveniently. The worry of losing the key has also disappeared.

The vehicle accurately recognized my face even while wearing glasses. The GV60’s camera used for facial recognition applies near-infrared technology, enabling it to recognize faces under adverse conditions such as cloudy weather or nighttime.

Using deep learning-based image recognition technology, it accurately identifies the driver’s face even when wearing glasses or a hat. Face Connect can register up to two people. The fingerprint authentication system can be used not only to start the engine but also for convenient in-car payments and various authentication functions.

-What is your evaluation of the interior?

△The interior design was also satisfying. The most eye-catching feature was the round-shaped crystal electronic shift knob. When the ignition is off, mood lighting creates a luxurious atmosphere, and when the ignition is on, the spherical form rotates to reveal the shift operation buttons.

The console box where the crystal shift knob is located is designed to appear as if floating in the air, taking advantage of the electric vehicle’s characteristics. Because the space underneath is empty, the sense of interior spaciousness is maximized. The panoramic display connecting the navigation and instrument cluster also looked sophisticated.

The GV60 applied circular details to the crystal shift knob, horn cover, door handles, and side mirror adjusters to pursue unity in interior design. Environmentally friendly and recycled materials, considering sustainability, were used in various parts of the vehicle interior such as seats and armrests.

The overall interior space was not as large as a full-size SUV but was adequately sized?not too small. The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function allows external electronic devices to be powered by the battery, enabling maximum use of the vehicle during outdoor activities like camping.

-What are your impressions after driving it yourself?

△The outstanding driving performance was truly the highlight of the GV60 test drive. Since the test vehicle was the top-tier Performance AWD model, it was optimized for driving.

The Performance model is equipped with two motors, each with a maximum output of 160 kW on the front and rear axles, delivering a combined maximum output of 320 kW, maximum torque of 605 Nm, and a single-charge driving range of 368 km. This model also features a Boost Mode that temporarily increases maximum output for explosive performance.

While driving on the highway, pressing the Boost button suddenly unleashed explosive power, propelling the car forward. It felt like actually experiencing the Boost Mode from the game KartRider.

Using Boost Mode increases the combined maximum output to 360 kW for 10 seconds, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds, delivering powerful driving performance. At low speeds, the GV60 offers the quietness and stability unique to electric vehicles, while at high speeds, it demonstrates extreme performance. I felt that the GV60 would set a new standard for premium electric vehicles.

-How was the infotainment system?

△The infotainment system was also luxurious. The GV60 is the first Genesis model to apply the Danish premium audio brand Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 17 speakers installed throughout the vehicle maximize audio performance. Genesis stated that to deliver the best sound to customers, they jointly developed components for high-resolution audio output with Bang & Olufsen.

The GV60 features a next-generation infotainment system that seamlessly links content between the instrument cluster, navigation, and head-up display for the first time. The instrument cluster provides various views such as maps, navigation, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), allowing the driver to easily access essential information for safe driving.

Additionally, as a luxury vehicle, the GV60 is equipped with various advanced driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Smart Cruise Control (NSCC). The assistance systems used during parking and driving operated flawlessly without any gaps.