After the launch of the refreshed Hyundai Ioniq 5 in March, the Korean auto complex is preparing updated variants of the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, all three related EVs based on the group's E-GMP architecture. Although the heavily disguised GV60 prototype suggests there might be important design changes, this will not be the case. Instead, expect minor changes, a bigger battery, and tech upgrades.
Three years after the Genesis GV60 made its debut, the Korean carmaker is preparing a rejuvenation treatment to keep it relevant for another stint on the market. The customary changes include visual tweaks front and rear, redesigned bumpers, and a fresh light signature. Sometimes, carmakers make more radical changes to their models. Sadly, despite the black cladding suggesting otherwise, this is not the case with the refreshed GV60.
Expect only minor design changes, with the new model being difficult to distinguish from the current one. The black camo leaves a few areas open, allowing us to see the sensor island and a honeycomb grille in the lower section of the front bumper. The side air intakes of the front bumper adopt a more conventional look.
The headlights don't look much different, but the upper and lower sections now feature six and seven modules instead of five in the outgoing model. It's unclear whether these are production headlights, but they look similar to a previous leak showing the undisguised GV60 face. Slight tweaks are visible at the rear, where the rear spoiler appears to include a modified light strip.
We do not know about changes inside the cabin, but finer materials and upgraded equipment are usually in store for a mid-life update. The GV60 has already been launched with the new cockpit, which has become the norm in all modern vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, so don't expect significant changes. The facelifted models should adopt Hyundai's next-generation infotainment system called the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). This includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
The Genesis GV60 should get a bigger battery pack, at 84 kWh, instead of the 77.4 kWh pack that is powering the current model. This should improve the range over the current 294-mile EPA estimate of the RWD model. Genesis GV60 will also adopt the Active Air Skirt (AAS) system, which comprises two slats that extend in front of the wheels to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The slats deploy at speeds above 50 mph (80 kph) and are retracted when the speed drops below 43 mph (70 kph). During tests, the AAS proved it can reduce drag by as much as 2.8 percent on a Genesis GV60 test vehicle.
The facelifted GV60 is expected to debut in the coming months in Korea and will come to the US just in time for the 2025 model year. Rumors indicate that Genesis might also launch a performance-oriented GV60 Magma variant. This is an extreme take on the EV theme, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The concept has been showcased at this year's New York Auto Show.
After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions. Full profile
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