The Genesis GV70 is a premium SUV, which undercuts a lot of its rivals. It’s stylish both inside and out, practical and the Electrified model has a dual-motor configuration that provides plenty of grunt. As such, the vehicle itself received our Performance award.
In terms of its audio configuration, the GV70 has a stock 9-speaker system. However, the Lexicon audio upgrade, which costs £990 takes the tally up to 16 in the ICE model and 15 in the fully electric model. On review is the 15-speaker Lexicon audio system found within the Electrified GV70.
Click here to read the full Genesis Electrified GV70 review
Genesis GV70 audio setup
To tweak the audio settings, one has to navigate through Genesis’ comprehensively laid out 14.5″ infotainment system. Here are our optimal settings:
- Treble: +4
- Midrange: +1
- Bass: -2
- Speed Dependent Volume: Normal
- Position: Centre
- Active Sound Design: Off
The Active Sound Design is an artificial noise that plays through the vehicle’s speaker system. Here, you have a Futuristic, S-Engine, E-Motor and a Custom mode. Further, you’ve got the ability to adjust the effect by opting for Enhanced, Normal, Minimised or to have it disabled altogether.
To connect up to the vehicle’s system, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported over a wired connection. If you’d prefer to connect over Bluetooth, the SBC and AAC codecs are supported only.
Read next: Volvo XC40 (C40) audio review: A 13-speaker Harman Kardon system
Genesis GV70 audio performance
For a demo of the Genesis GV70’s audio system, head on over to our YouTube channel.
In terms of its audio configuration, the stock nine-speaker system has a singular centre speaker, two tweeters at the front of the cabin, subwoofers under the front seats and speakers within each of the four doors.
The optional £990 Lexicon audio system has 15 or 16 speakers (depending on the model) and a power output of 1050 Watts. Its setup is as follows: within the two front doors there’s a 19mm tweeter, 80mm midrange speaker and a 160mm woofer. Towards the centre of the dashboard, there’s a 100+19mm midrange and a tweeter speaker. Within the ICE model, you’ll find a 200mm free air subwoofer under the front two seats. In the Electrified model, which we have review, this turns into a singular 250mm free air woofer located under the centre console. Thus, why there’s a 15- and 16-speaker configuration for the Lexicon system.
As for the rear of the cabin, there’s a 19mm tweeter and 160mm woofer within each of the doors, while the parcel shelf houses two 80mm wide dispersion speakers. The combination of all of the above, means that there are nine (or ten in the ICE) speakers at the front of the cabin and six at the rear.
So, how does it perform? Starting with the sub-bass tones, they can certainly be heard and felt. The noticeable rumble that extends through the lows gives you a sense of enjoyment while listening to bass-orientated tracks. However, when compared to other premium audio systems, the Lexicon configuration lacks prowess; for example, it’s not as well versed as the Harman Kardon systems housed within the BMW iX3 and Kia Soul EV nor the Premium system found in the Tesla Model Y.
The same could be said about its mid-bass reproduction. While punchy and hearty-sounding, it lacks the quality of its competitors. Indeed, the mid-bass impact in Chris Brown’s Zero is a tad over-bloated and wobbly – it just lacks that extra degree of precision.
Thankfully, however, the mids aren’t too shabby. Usually with bass-centric systems, the mid-range is severely pushed back and recessed but thankfully, that’s not the case in the Lexicon system. Adding one notch to the ‘Midrange’ EQ helps bring out vocals and doesn’t impact accuracy. Going further on the slider, however, will hinder the system’s performance. With that in mind, both the lower and upper mids are portrayed quite well.
As for the highs, they extend well throughout the cabin, especially with four notches added onto the ‘Treble’ EQ. Thanks to the inclusion of dedicated 19mm tweeters within each of the four doors, everyone will be able to appreciate the system’s zingy highs and top-end clarity.
Equally, the flurry of drivers positioned throughout the cabin also aids instrument separation, and the overall width and depth of the system. No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have a good degree of engagement. This is further aided by the fact that there’s a 14-channel high-power amplifier located in the boot of the vehicle that provides all the speakers within the cabin with enough power and headroom to shine.
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Aside from its sound reproduction, the Genesis Electrified GV70 has a very quiet cabin, competing with the likes of the serene BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron S. Indeed, the automaker uses Active Road Noise Control (ANC-R) to adaptively reduce the external sounds while on the move. The Electrified GV70 also has laminated glass on the front side windows and an acoustic film on the windscreen to help it with passive noise isolation.
Using a sound meter, we recorded: 35-36 dBA at a standstill; 49-53 dBA, while driving at 20-30mph; 59-63 dBA, while driving at 40mph; and 70-72 dBA when at 70mph. Those are pretty low figures, especially considering the size of the vehicle. You will, however, be able to hear a bit of road noise creep in from the tyres, though, in our tested model the larger optional 20” alloys were fitted as opposed to the quieter 19” wheels.
Read next: Tesla Model Y audio review: An audiophile’s dream?
TotallyEV’s verdict on the Genesis GV70’s audio system
On the whole, the Lexicon audio system found within the GV70 packs a punch and will leave most excited with its overall sound reproduction. Given the added premium and what it brings over the stock nine-speaker system, it’s an option we’d definitely suggest looking into, especially if you’re into audio. As such, the system receives TotallyEV’s Performance award.
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However, if you’re a serious audiophile, you might want to consider the alternatives from Tesla, Volvo, or BMW, as these vehicles come fitted with more impressive and capable systems that’ll perform better across the entire frequency range.
What do you make of the Lexicon audio system? Let us know in the comments or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
