Gasoline Car Lovers: Check Out This Feature!
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 recently made waves with a slew of impressive and groundbreaking characteristics not previously seen on any electric vehicle, most notably the inclusion of the N e-shift mode which mimics eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions. As it turns out, another model from the Hyundai Motor Group, the 2024 Genesis GV60, is currently available for sale in the United States with a similar feature.
Exploring the various options of the GV60, we stumbled upon a fresh addition to 2024’s lineup – Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). This function was not at our disposal when the GV60 initially launched in 2023.
When you activate the GV60, it will create gaps in the acceleration that are designed to mimic the shifting of gears in a traditional internal combustion engine car. You can even take control of the “gears” yourself by using the paddle shifters, which typically adjust the brake regeneration settings when the VGS is inactive. The charge-power gauge will then change to a tachometer that can “rev” up to 7,000. Though the gears aren’t actual physical components, the GV60 will stop accelerating when you reach the simulated redline, just like an ICE vehicle.
To raise the level of realism for an ICE vehicle experience, the GV60 is equipped with Active Sound Design mode. This feature emits various sounds from the speakers, such as Futuristic, E-Motor, and G-Engine, which you can control depending on how loud or soft you would prefer them to be in the background.
A futuristic hum reminiscent of the Jetsons emits from E-Motor, enhancing the noises of its electric motors. Unfortunately, VGS is only compatible with G-Engine and attempts to replicate the sound of a conventional gasoline engine. While VGS doesn’t deceive us enough to forget entirely that we’re driving an EV, for those who detest the linear power of cars with no internal combustion engine, this system creates more of an ICE set-up feeling than any other we’ve tried.
When talking to Hyundai regarding the N e-shift system in the Ioniq 5 N, it conveyed that this was crafted to inhibit motion sickness on a racetrack (and additionally conveyed that this element would be exclusive to N). Unfortunately, we were unable to confirm its performance in practice, as no track was at our disposal; however, we had a good time enjoying the twists and turns of the windy road while changing the gears when operating the GV60 in manual mode.
Beyond pushing the car to its limits or taking it out for a joy ride on the track, not much practicality is seen in the VGS feature. After a brief period of time, the reproduced engine sound eventually becomes bothersome and the pause in acceleration just serves as a reminder of how much more tranquil EVs are relative to their ICE peers. There’s no rewarding benefit from creating a mark that helps one think they’re driving an automobile with manual gears when, in truth, what they’re getting behind the wheel of is an electric motorized vehicle.
When you hit the acceleration mechanism to access all 483 horse power temporarily (opposed to the regular 429 hp), the car immobilises VGS in order to attain maximum speed. Likewise, VGS is not operating in Eco Mode.
We shall withhold our opinion concerning the Ioniq 5 N and its E-shift setup until more is known; however, after trying out the VGS in the GV60, we perceive it to be an inventive yet limited component. It will be fascinating to determine whether this function will be included on other vehicles within Hyundai Motor Group such as the Kia EV6 GT.
