Amalsha VS
Automotive Integrator

Genesis has gracefully evolved into a veritable luxury brand that now consistently manages to deliver awe-inspiring products. Over the last decade, the luxury arm of Hyundai has polished and enhanced every aspect of its auto-making prowess, that many of their cars are now easy recommendations. The Genesis Electrified GV70 is one of those admirable products, and us because we were at the right place at the right time, were able to drive one around for a couple of days, just enough to get a taste of what Genesis has cooked up on electricity.

Design and Exterior Styling of the 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70: A Head-Turner Indeed!

In a world of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.

The Electrified GV70 looks pretty much identical to its petrol-powered sibling, and one without an eye for it might not be able to spot the difference at a glance. Which is a good thing because EVs don’t necessarily have to be shaped like a computer mouse, just for the sake of achieving superlative aerodynamics. Hence, in a vast modern world with a considerable number of bland-looking electric capsules, the Electrified GV70 stands out for its flashy yet tasteful design language.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Performance: Swift, Sharp & Sure-Footed

The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering.

Although visually, the Electrified GV70 didn’t emanate the vibe of a performance-oriented SUV, once I slotted it into Sports mode, it didn’t fail to impress me. This electric crossover is powered by two electric motors nestled into the front and rear axles, capable of producing a maximum combined output of 483 horsepower (in Boost mode) and 700 nm of torque. An all-wheel drivetrain transmits all that vigor to all four wheels, enabling the Electrified GV70 to reach 100 kmph speeds in less than four seconds.

During our testing, we found the EV consistently delivering this pace, even after multiple consecutive 0-100 runs. The Electrified GV70 is not just fleet-footed on straight lines, but also appreciably stable during high-speed cornering. Road manners is exceptional for an SUV weighing almost two and a half tonnes (2,285 kgs), except for the brake pedal feel, which was considerably inconsistent across drive modes and different regen settings. Keeping this minor hiccup aside, I would say the Electrified GV70 is one of the best sleeper EVs we have experienced in recent times.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Range: Doesn’t Induce Range Anxiety But Still Leaves Us Wanting More

The Electrified GV70 draws energy from an 84-kWh battery pack, which on a full charge provides a range of around 400 km. Genesis claims that charging up this battery pack from 10 to 80% takes less than 20 minutes. While the charging speed is more than enough, I wish a range of 500+ km would have entirely eliminated range anxiety for me, considering the average long-distance drives we frequently take across the UAE, to and fro neighboring emirates.

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 Interior: Comfy, High-Class & Tech-Laden

Air conditioning in EVs is considerably superior to traditional ICE vehicles

Every nook and corner of the cabin is made up of desirable elements and sheathed in high-quality, soft-touch materials. The seats are heated, ventilated, and shrouded in natural leather, while the front seats also offer electric adjustability. Another often overlooked comfort factor specific to EVs is the consistency of their air-conditioning. Unlike petrol-powered cars, there isn’t a need for the compressor to be running at a particular speed or the car to be driven at a specified pace; air conditioning in EVs is considerably better compared to traditional ICE vehicles. This was evident in the Electrified GV70, as it kept our heads cool during the three days of testing in the UAE’s harsh summer heat. Overall, this compact luxury electric SUV is one of the best in its class, when it comes to ride comfort, interior quality, and easily ticks all the boxes in the comfort sector.

Tech features are abundant inside the Electrified GV70. The instrument console is a digital unit with a 3D visual effect that displays all the vital information in a legible and appealing format. The central infotainment touchscreen is a massive 14.5-inch OLED unit, which can also be operated via a rotary dial located conveniently in the center console. Although some might consider this a last-generation feature, we found this helpful when we found ourselves too lazy to reach for the touchscreen located above the dashboard. Another exceptional feature is the optional Lexicon-branded 15-speaker audio system in our test unit, which delivered a crisp and professional-grade auditory experience.

Final First-Impressions: Understated Excellence

The GV70 Electrified hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers.

We found the Genesis Electrified GV70 to be one of the most underrated offerings in the sea of EVs currently on sale in the UAE. It hides the finesse of a high-performance SUV under the flashiness and flamboyance of the luxury and comfort it offers. But we looked beneath it and found a gracefully comfy EV that can switch character to a quick and capable, driver-satisfying (although not ardently enthusiastic) EV. Hence, for us, the Electrified GV70 stands out as one of the finest electric SUVs on sale in the UAE

FAQ

NIO, a global leader in premium smart electric vehicles, sets a new benchmark in intelligent mobility in the Middle East. With a full-stack suite of smart computing, software, and sensing technologies, all NIO vehicles are purpose-built for performance, safety, and adaptability.

At the heart of NIO’s digital intelligence is ADAM, its advanced central computer cluster, capable of processing high-performance tasks in real time, including autonomous driving operations and intelligent cockpit engagement. Banyan, NIO’s proprietary operating system, powers seamless user interaction with adaptive learning, continuous enhancements via OTA (over-the-air) updates, and an intuitive, user-friendly interface that evolves with the driver’s preferences.

Supporting this digital ecosystem is Aquila, NIO’s super sensing system equipped with 33 high-performance sensing units, including LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, offering 360° environmental awareness and precision driving feedback.

Completing the intelligent package is NOMI, the in-vehicle AI assistant that brings a human touch to technology. While built on advanced AI, NOMI is designed to interact with empathy – learning the driver’s habits, moods, and routines to personalize the in-car experience and create a more natural, conversational interface.

True to NIO’s design philosophy, each vehicle follows NIO’s Design DNA of Pure, Human, Progressive and Sophisticated. Exterior styling draws inspiration from the purity of aerodynamic efficiency while delivering progressive silhouettes that exude elegance in motion. Inside, NIO vehicles are crafted with premium tactile materials, customizable ambient lighting, and ergonomics designed for driver and passenger harmony. Every detail, from seamlessly integrated screens to intuitive controls, reflects a commitment to a functional and sophisticated human space.

Manufactured with rigorous standards, NIO’s lineup delivers smooth ride quality, structural integrity, and uncompromising safety, validated by 5-star Euro NCAP safety ratings across many of its products.

Available in the Middle East, NIO’s electric lineup include the flagship six-seat EL8, the dynamic coupe SUV EC6, and the sleek, mid-size sedan ET5. Each of these models have been engineered for local conditions, including enhanced AC compressors to tackle high temperatures and locally configured software to optimize performance in desert environments. The driving experience is elevated further through standard luxurious features such as ventilated massage seats, a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound system, a panoramic glass roof, and hidden air vents, all meticulously designed to reflect understated opulence.

Setting NIO apart is its Battery Swapping technology, a game-changer for EV users in the region. In as little as three minutes, drivers can swap a depleted battery for a charged one, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum convenience. This service is backed by NIO’s expanding Power Swap Station infrastructure, integrated with the NIO App for effortless scheduling and vehicle management.

Beyond the car, the NIO ecosystem, including NIO House, NIO Power, and the NIO App offers a lifestyle experience that blends community, tech, and sustainability. Whether it’s accessing exclusive lounges, booking a swap session, or exploring vehicle features, every touchpoint is thoughtfully designed around the user.

“Our vision goes far beyond electric vehicles. We are building an intelligent, premium, and user-centric ecosystem that reimagines what mobility can be. With our in-built tech, NIO is bringing not just products, but a new paradigm of smart, luxurious, and sustainable transportation, said Mohammed Maktari, Chief Executive Officer of NIO MENA.

As the Middle East accelerates its transition to clean energy and digital infrastructure, NIO stands ready to shape the future, where intelligent vehicles become platforms for personal expression, efficiency, and global innovation.

Exclusive Interview with Tom Kilroy, Chief Executive Officer at Keyloop

How is Keyloop’s unified Fusion platform approach fundamentally changing automotive retail?

Fusion is an end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform (ARP) that will help motor retailers across the Middle East manage and optimise the full vehicle sales and aftersales process – from initial enquiry through to ownership and retention.

Fusion is different to anything automotive retailers have seen before, incorporating four distinct ‘domains’: Demand, Supply, Ownership, and Operate – and covering all key functions within a dealership’s business. Our Drive Dealer Management System (DMS) is a critical element in the Operate domain.

Each of Fusion’s domains draws upon information held in the platform’s Active Data Core, which provides users in all departments with a single comprehensive record of customer interactions and transactions. This is in line with our commitment to provide a way of working that prioritises outcomes, making efficiency, automation, and an AI-driven future a core part of Keyloop’s strategy.  

What leadership principle has proven universal in your transition from finance to enterprise tech, to automotive retail?

The guiding principle for me in all these areas is the importance of convenience, for customers and for users. I have found it important to keep that concept right at the centre of what we do and to put it first as we consider “how can things be improved?”. It requires bringing the right information to the right place at the right time, making the experience far more convenient for the customer. We saw this in finance with the move to online banking, being accessible 24 hours of the day. And the same applies in automotive retail.

So, whether it’s paying a bill through your phone, booking your car in for a service with your trusted dealer, or browsing for a new car, the ultimate goal is convenience. At Keyloop we call this “Experience-First” which we use to guide our direction.

How is Fusion helping bridge gaps between vehicle supply, retail demand, and financing processes?

Fusion tools and functionality can be deployed rapidly and securely for organisations of all sizes, even major dealer groups operating in multiple countries and with distribution networks of sites representing a diverse portfolio of vehicle brands. Fusion puts the customer at the heart of all activity, helping retailers deliver positive customer outcomes and amplify revenues through the full purchase and ownership cycle. It also streamlines and automates key processes to reduce operational costs, making businesses more agile.

What advantages does the Fusion platform offer fleet suppliers in managing large-scale vehicle operations?

Keyloop pulls from more than 9,000 OEM integrations to help facilitate a connected user and customer journey. Fleet suppliers can either select the elements of the Fusion ARP that best meet their requirements or introduce the full platform across the entire business.

Our intelligent inventory and asset risk management tools provide a single source of truth, enabling more proactive and strategic decision-making when it comes to vehicle supply, pricing and advertising. Whether you’re managing new, used, pipeline or fleet vehicles, our technology gives you the insights and tools to keep stock moving, profitably. The outcomes? Maximised vehicle visibility, faster stock turn, greater profit per day and reduced advertising spend.

Reducing days in stock starts with having complete visibility of every vehicle in your ecosystem. Keyloop’s Vehicle Hub allows fleet providers to centrally manage all stock, providing a consistent, up-to-date view of vehicles and more importantly vehicle status across all sales channels and teams. Regardless of the sales models they follow, this data clarity helps them act quickly and with confidence. What’s more, tools like Keyloop’s Fleetbase streamlines complex order processes that can be often fragmented, bringing everything into one simplified flow. It’s a unified approach that saves time and helps turn stock faster.

How is Keyloop adapting its platform to support the unique sales cycles of EVs and hybrids?

Fusion accommodates all vehicles but recognises the lesser impact of EVs on the aftersales journey. The platform creates efficiencies elsewhere to help make up the shortfall and to focus on adding other valuable services. We also offer the ability to search for charging points via our front-end ecommerce websites, working with integration partners to offer greater awareness of EVs and the different makes, models and battery types available to consumers.

How are regulatory changes around data privacy impacting automotive retail platforms?

As guidelines evolve, the automotive industry is facing heightened responsibility when it comes to data handling and consumer transparency. Regulatory changes concerning data privacy are inevitably shaping new motor retail technologies.

At Keyloop, we prioritise robust data protection methods and seamless integration of our solutions. This ensures regulatory compliance is always met, enabling dealerships to navigate the evolving complexities of the regulatory landscape, while continuing to deliver exceptional customer service.

How do you see the role of physical dealerships evolving over the next decade?

For many, a car is one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make, so offering an exemplary experience is crucial and a core Fusion value. Retailers know that the conventional dealership showroom model needs to evolve, and they are gradually shifting towards experience centres, with less stock on site and more immersive technology available for visitors. The industry is already offering customers in-store visualisation and car-building technology, so augmented reality isn’t far off.

Rather than managing four walls and focusing on closing sales, retailers are beginning to manage an ecosystem and build strong, retainable customer relationships online and offline – all made possible thanks to the cohesive management of data and the integration of customer-first technology such as Fusion.