Hyundai’s posh offshoot Genesis has already made the leap to luxury with style. But can its GV70 midsize SUV go electric with similar success?

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Genesis GV70 EV

List price (BiK): £64,350 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 283-mile range Test efficiency: 185 miles

Monday

There’s no stopping the new model offensive from Genesis and the GV70 EV is the latest to park up on my driveway. Looking identical to the previous GV70 I tried a while back, this all-electric one is obviously very different in the way it’s powered. It’s also quite dissimilar in how it’s priced, but we’ll think about that later in the week when I’ve had a chance to drive this imposing SUV.

Tuesday

By now, I’m used to the comments of “Ooh, a Bentley”, which is a credit to Genesis and certainly does its brand perception no harm when I tell passers-by what it is. If anything, it makes the car more desirable to most people as they see it as being more attainable. This impression continues inside the GV70, which is one of the most carefully and solidly built cars I’ve ever sat in – an impression furthered even more by the car’s supreme refinement.

Wednesday

Off to the charge point today. The car arrived with about 80% charge and local running has that down to 20%. Recharging doesn’t take too long on a 50kW charger, but the dash says it’s pouring the electrons in at 36kW, which always feels like a bit of a disappointment. And while we’re on the topic of charging, the GV70 needs a larger underfloor boot space to stash its charging cable as the frunk under the bonnet is a bit of a squash.

Thursday

In normal driving, the GV70 is plenty brisk enough and handles well. Use the Boost button and it unleashes the full potential of the twin electric motors and ticks off 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds. More importantly, the Genesis is such a comfortable, quiet and relaxing car to drive it would make the ideal road trip machine. With one vital caveat…

Friday

Back to the charging station today. Home charging isn’t an option for me, so the GV70’s demand for electricity is becoming, err, draining. On a full charge, it has a realistic range of around 185 miles, which just seems way too little for a car that could easily devour huge mileages thanks to its comfort, space and brilliant seats. It even has a good boot.

Saturday

An evening out in Glasgow requires another top-up and my first experience of charge rage. Well, not exactly rage, but definite disgruntlement. While plugged in and waiting in the car, another EV driver bangs on the window of the GV70, asking me to move as she’s in a hurry and wants the charger – it’s the only one working here. Long, dreary conversation cut short – I charged up, she waited while seething. I’ve never had that at a petrol pump.

Sunday

Coming back to cost considerations now that I’ve had a week with the GV70, it just feels like the EV version is too pricey and demanding compared to the diesel for my needs. A £20,000 hike for the EV is a lot, but the real downside for me is the driving range. If Genesis could make this car with an EV range of 400 miles, it would be nigh-on the perfect mid-size luxury SUV. As it stands, it’s a lovely car but comes up short on battery range.