Fresh from the Genesis GV60’s recent revamp – and ahead of the arrival of the 650hp high-performance Magma version – Al Suttie puts the entry-level version of the upmarket electric SUV to the test.

Genesis GV60 Pure Comfort/Innovation

List price (BiK): £59,400 (3%)  Economy: 348 miles  Test efficiency: 284 miles

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Monday

Some investigation work was required this morning when this Genesis GV60 arrived at Suttie Acres. My first thought was surely this was the pre-facelift model as I couldn’t spot any outward updates or changes. New wheels, that’s about it according to the bumpf, with the remainder of the differences underneath, particularly a larger 84kWh battery for a bigger range.

Tuesday

Fully topped up with the National Grid’s finest, the GV60 shows 284 miles of range compared to a claimed maximum of 348 miles. That seems fair given the cold weather and the need to run all of the chill-defeating systems such as heated seats and steering wheel, air con and the window demisting first thing today. On the road, the mileage claim proves accurate.

Wednesday

You have to hand it to the Genesis team, they know how to craft an interior to give it the full luxury feel. Nothing this side of a Bentley delivers quite the same feel-good ambience allied to superb refinement. The EV drivetrain gets the GV off to a great start for minimising noise, but it’s when you’re up to motorway pace that you realise there just isn’t any wind or tyre noise to speak of, or speak over.

Thursday

As the Genesis GV60 shares some of its core bits with more mainstream Hyundai models, this means it’s easy and relatively quick to disarm unwanted safety chimes. The lane assist button is on the steering wheel, while the speed limit reminder lies within the vast infotainment screen’s menus. As is the way now, this is the first thing I do before heading off in a car.

Friday

In Pure trim tested here, the GV60 comes with what some might see as a very modest 229hp. From my experience, it strikes a sweet spot between pace – 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds – and smoothness. There is no vertebra-troubling initial lunge off the line, but the GV60 builds speed consistently while keeping enough in reserve for overtaking when required. If you want daft acceleration, look to the Dual Motor versions rather than the single-motor model.

Saturday

After an overnight top-up at the local slow charge point, the Genesis is all set for a longer dash into Edinburgh today for my son’s football. It also involves picking up some of his mates and dropping them home, plus a shopping expedition in between. All in, the GV covers more than 190 miles with plenty in reserve, even after a fair chunk of motorway driving.

Sunday

The Genesis GV60 may miss some of the design impact it had when it first arrived a few years back, but a considered update has made worthwhile changes. The greater range of the battery makes it a car that slots into daily life with no unwanted demands. It also serves up a sublimely smooth driving experience that leans heavily towards comfort where many rivals try so hard to be sporty and fail. Good work, Genesis.