IF you are still of the opinion that all fully-electric cars are dull and boring, then perhaps it's time you arranged a test drive in a Genesis GV60.

The luxury auto maker will even bring it to you to try out.

Yes, it's not cheap but it's an absolute peach of a car. If it can't put a smile on your face, nothing will.

Obviously, its looks will make it stand out - I was particularly taken with the wheels - from the EV crowd but the curvaceous GV60 is also fairly efficient, luxurious, and packed with tech, which apparently is what the modern motorist desires. Apparently.

Oh, and it has a spinning crystal ball gear selector.

Yes, you read that correctly. When you start the car the crystal ball revolves and, as if by magic, a gear selector appears.

The Genesis brand - a luxury partner to Hyundai - launched in the UK in mid-2021, and although it has introduced some hybrid models, the GV60 is its first pure-electric car.

Buyers get a choice of three trim levels - Premium, Sport and Sport Plus - all powered by a 77.4kWh battery. The first is rear-wheel drive only, while the others get dual-motor set-ups and all-wheel drive.

The Sport Plus produces 483bhp and 700Nm, so 0-62mph takes just four seconds. If all that power isn't quite enough for you, there's a boost button on the steering wheel which adds an extra 54bhp and 95Nm of torque for ‘easier overtaking'.

Bizarrely, this £65,000 luxury car also comes with a drift mode which alters the torque split of the All-Wheel Drive system to send more power to the rear motor and maximises the impact of the GV60's electronic limited slip differential. Probably best left alone.

Of course, shifting into either of those modes means you won't get anywhere near the claimed 228-mile range.

The GV60 has a maximum ultra-rapid charging rate of 233kW. If you charge the car using a (rare) 350kW ultra-rapid charger, it's possible to obtain a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes. A 50kW rapid charger will provide a 10 to 100 per cent charge in 73 minutes. You'll need a little under 12 hours to fully recharge using a regular 7.4kWdomestic wallbox.

There are also steering wheel-mounted paddles which are not for changing gear but allow you to increase or decrease the degree of brake regeneration.

As you might expect, the cabin is a lovely place to be with plenty of plush leather, space-age technology and ultra-comfortable seats. It's also beautifully finished and put together.

It is also the first car in the world with facial recognition technology which allows you to unlock the car with a look and saves you carrying a key around.

Inside, there are two 12.3-inch screens, one in the middle of the fascia for the infotainment functions and the other for the instrument gauges, plus a head-up display.

The car can also wirelessly receive upgrades, not only for media functions but also for things like the suspension, the brakes, drive assistance technology, the steering system and the central 'brain' that controls the car's EV motors and charging set-up.

Climate controls are accessed on a panel below the main display, while a rotary dial on the centre console allows you to select items from the touchscreen without having to reach over and touch it.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are both standard. There's also an award-winning bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system specifically tailored for the GV60.

The GV60 also comes with a three-pin plug socket under the rear seat, so you can plug in laptops or other electrical devices. It also has a vehicle-to-load adaptor, which you can plug in to the external charging socket, which allows you to power electrical items such as camping equipment.

I'm a big fan of its side-mounted blind-spot cameras - also seen on some Hyundai models - which automatically switch on when you operate the indicators. The live pictures are displayed clearly in the digital dials ahead of the driver.

A long wheelbase means the cabin is also very spacious upfront and, in the rear, there's plenty of legroom available for passengers. Despite the coupe-esque roofline, headroom will only be a problem if you're travelling with members of a basketball team.

There's a 432-litre boot and - on Sport and Sport Plus models - a 20-litre ‘frunk' under the bonnet where you can store charge leads and other bits and bobs. Fold the rear seats down and the GV60's luggage capacity expands to 1,550 litres.

On the road, the GV60 is extremely rewarding to drive. It's comfortable, serene, stable and the ride quality is excellent. On the motorway, it's near perfect.

Find a quiet, twisty road, and it's a riot - plenty of power, matched with plenty of grip and nicely weighted steering means its great fun to drive.