Genesis GV70 2025 Review | Luxury SUV with EV and Petrol Options

The luxury SUV market in Australia is heating up, and Genesis, Hyundai’s premium arm, has stepped into 2025 with a strong contender: the Genesis GV70. Positioned between compact luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, and mid-size offerings like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the GV70 brings fresh style, high-end materials, cutting-edge tech, and a mix of petrol and EV drivetrains. For Australian buyers seeking something different from the German establishment, this SUV might just be the smart pick.

Genesis in Australia: Building a Luxury Reputation

When Genesis first launched in Australia, many questioned whether a luxury sub-brand from Hyundai could hold its own against long-standing European giants. Fast forward to 2025, and Genesis has carved a distinct identity. The GV70 was instrumental in this journey, quickly becoming the brand’s best-seller thanks to its balance of elegance, performance, and value.

Unlike its rivals, Genesis packages a lot of features as standard. While BMW, Audi, and Mercedes often ask buyers to pay more for safety or infotainment upgrades, Genesis delivers a more transparent, value-driven proposition.

With the 2025 model year, the GV70 goes further—refreshed styling, upgraded technology, and the option to go fully electric with the GV70 Electrified.

Exterior Design: Athletic Elegance

The GV70’s exterior design is one of its strongest assets. Genesis follows a design philosophy called “Athletic Elegance”, which combines bold proportions with refined details.

Key Styling Highlights

• Signature Quad Lamps: The two-line LED headlights and taillights are instantly recognizable, giving the GV70 a futuristic yet classy identity.
• Crest Grille: The large, shield-shaped grille dominates the front, distinct yet not overdone. On the EV version, the grille is more streamlined, highlighting its electric nature.
• Sculpted Profile: A coupe-like roofline and strong character lines add a sense of motion, even when parked.
• Wheel Options: Depending on the trim, buyers can choose between 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing road presence.
• Colour Palette: Genesis offers a range of bold exterior colours that stand out in a segment often dominated by greys and silvers.

Compared to its rivals, the GV70 feels less restrained and more daring—perfect for Australian buyers looking for individuality.

Interior Luxury: Modern Korean Craftsmanship

Step inside the GV70, and it’s immediately clear that Genesis has prioritised design and comfort.

Cabin Highlights

• Premium Materials: Real leather, brushed aluminium, open-pore wood, and suede are available depending on the trim.
• Cockpit Layout: A driver-focused cockpit with sweeping horizontal lines creates a feeling of spaciousness.
• Infotainment: A massive 14.5-inch touchscreen sits atop the dash, paired with a digital instrument cluster. Both are crisp, responsive, and support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Controls: Genesis blends physical knobs with touch controls for ease of use, unlike some German rivals who have gone fully digital.
• Seating Comfort: Heated and ventilated seats are available for both front and rear passengers. The optional Ergo Motion driver’s seat even uses air bladders to reduce fatigue during long drives.
• Space: With its mid-size proportions, the GV70 offers generous rear legroom and boot space, making it a family-friendly option.

Ambient Luxury

Genesis pays attention to small details, from customizable ambient lighting to premium sound systems tuned by Lexicon. These touches make the GV70 feel like more than just another SUV—it feels like a tailored experience.

Powertrain Options: Petrol or Pure Electric

The GV70’s biggest selling point in 2025 is its drivetrain flexibility. Buyers can stick with traditional petrol or leap into electrification.

Petrol Options

• 2.5-litre Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
  • Power: ~224kW
  • Torque: ~422Nm
  • Smooth and responsive, ideal for daily use.
• 3.5-litre Twin-Turbo V6 (Sport Model)
  • Power: ~280kW
  • Torque: ~530Nm
  • Delivers strong performance, rivaling BMW’s inline-six.
  • 0–100 km/h in around 5.1 seconds.

Both petrol engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Electrified GV70

The GV70 Electrified is the headline act for 2025. Built on the same E-GMP architecture as Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it’s a proper EV, not a retrofit.

• Dual-motor all-wheel drive
• Output: ~320kW, 700Nm
• 0–100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds
• Battery: ~77.4kWh
• Range: Around 450–480 km (WLTP)
• 800V ultra-fast charging: 10% to 80% in ~18 minutes under ideal conditions

This makes the GV70 EV one of the quickest and most versatile luxury EV SUVs in Australia.

Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Agility

The GV70 strikes a balance between comfort and sporty handling.

Ride Comfort

Adaptive suspension adjusts to road conditions, ensuring smooth performance across Australian highways and city streets. Noise insulation is excellent, with the EV version delivering near-silent cruising.

Handling

Thanks to precise steering and a low centre of gravity in the EV, the GV70 feels agile despite its size. The petrol V6 version brings extra thrill with a sporty exhaust note and quick acceleration.

Driving Modes

• Eco
• Comfort
• Sport
• Sport+ (on V6)
• Custom

Each mode alters steering weight, throttle response, and suspension firmness, giving drivers flexibility.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Genesis has made safety a cornerstone of its brand. The GV70 2025 is equipped with advanced safety systems that rival the best in class.

Key Features

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind Spot View Monitor (camera feed in the instrument cluster)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with machine learning (adjusts to driver habits)
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (semi-autonomous lane centring and lane change assist)
• Surround-view camera with 3D view
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (move the car via the key fob)

ANCAP is expected to award the 2025 GV70 a 5-star safety rating, aligning with its global performance.

Technology & Features

Genesis has invested heavily in technology, ensuring the GV70 isn’t left behind.

• Infotainment: The 14.5-inch touchscreen supports over-the-air updates, navigation with AR features, and voice control.
• Digital Key 2.0: Unlock and start the car using a smartphone or smartwatch.
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): On the EV, power external devices like camping gear or tools.
• Premium Audio: Lexicon 16-speaker system creates a studio-like experience.
• Head-Up Display (HUD): Clear, full-colour projections of speed, navigation, and warnings.

Ownership, Warranty, and Servicing in Australia

Genesis offers one of the best ownership packages in Australia.

• Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km (for petrol) and 8 years/160,000 km (for EV battery).
• Servicing: 5 years of free scheduled servicing.
• Genesis Concierge: Pickup and delivery service for maintenance, ensuring convenience.
• Insurance & Finance: Genesis offers competitive finance packages, and insurance premiums are often lower than German rivals due to repair simplicity.

These ownership perks set Genesis apart, especially for first-time luxury car buyers.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

• Petrol Models:
  • 2.5T averages around 9.5L/100km.
  • 3.5T V6 closer to 11.0–11.5L/100km, depending on driving style.
• Electrified GV70:
  • Energy consumption around 19–20kWh/100km.
  • Lower running costs compared to petrol rivals.

With Australia’s growing EV charging network, the electric GV70 is becoming more practical each year.

Competitors in Australia

The GV70 competes with some heavyweights:

• BMW X3 / iX3
• Audi Q5 / Q8 e-tron
• Mercedes-Benz GLC / EQC
• Lexus NX
• Volvo XC60 Recharge

Where it wins: styling uniqueness, generous standard equipment, EV option, and value for money.
Where rivals still edge ahead: brand recognition and resale value (though Genesis is improving rapidly).

Pricing in Australia

While final 2025 pricing will depend on trims and options, here’s an indicative range:

• GV70 2.5T Petrol AWD: from ~$75,000 drive-away
• GV70 3.5T V6 Sport: from ~$95,000 drive-away
• GV70 Electrified: from ~$110,000 drive-away

These prices undercut equivalent German rivals by thousands, while offering more inclusions.

Buying Guide: Who Should Choose the GV70?

• Luxury Seekers: Those wanting premium features without the inflated German price tag.
• Performance Drivers: The V6 Sport model delivers thrilling acceleration and handling.
• Tech Enthusiasts: The EV’s 800V charging and V2L make it a tech-forward choice.
• Families: Spacious, safe, and practical for school runs and road trips.
• Eco-Conscious Buyers: The EV option appeals to Australians wanting sustainable luxury.

Final Verdict: A Rising Star in Luxury SUVs

The Genesis GV70 2025 is more than just an alternative to the German big three—it’s a genuine competitor. With its bold design, luxurious interior, advanced tech, and choice between petrol and EV, it caters to a wide range of Australian buyers.

Genesis might not yet carry the same prestige as BMW or Mercedes, but for those who value individuality, innovation, and value, the GV70 is one of the smartest luxury SUV choices in 2025.

If you’re exploring options in this segment, the GV70 deserves a test drive. And if you’re curious about how it stacks up against other luxury SUVs in Australia, check out more reviews and comparisons on Carsoop .