The prestige South Korean brand Genesis have, over recent years, added more and more models to their portfolio combining a blend of luxury aesthetics and cutting-edge technology throughout. The GV80, introduced over three years ago, has now been significantly upgraded, matching anything that European rivals may offer. The model promises an elevated in-car experience with new convenience features for comfort and safety. What’s more, there’s a coupé variant too. Read more about it:
On The Outside
The brand-new luxury GV80 SUV and Coupé, the latter combining the practicality of an SUV, inheriting the design and performance of the standard model, with the more dynamic shape of a coupé. The introduction of GV80 reaffirms Genesis’ unwavering commitment to delivering cars with exceptional performance and emotional appeal. The car embodies the Genesis design philosophy that they describe as ‘Athletic Elegance.’ As can be seen in the images, they have a point. The car maximises practicality and sportiness with a distinctive design package, encompassing a dynamic exterior and a sporty, high-tech interior, complemented by a 3.5 litre petrol turbo engine coupled with a 48V electric supercharger.
At the front, the premium GV80 SUV features a newly designed Two-Line ‘Crest’ Grille and the brand’s signature Two-Line headlamps. The Crest Grille refines the front end with smoother corner lines; the sleek design of the Two-Line headlamps, made possible with ‘Micro Lens Array’ technology, underscores the Korean company’s commitment to the harmonisation of state-of the-art technology and design excellence. For an SUV, it is indeed an athletic design; one of those cars that look quick when standing still. Larger air intakes and a wide skid plate on the front bumper enhance the looks while the elegant emblem adds a distinguished finishing touch to the luxury SUV.
Along the exterior, a new chrome trim extends seamlessly through the sides, exuding a powerful presence from the front to rear bumper. Two reinvented wheel designs contribute to the GV80’s solid and dependable character. The 20 inch design creates a multi-spoke look by intersecting two different spokes with distinct finishings. There’s a 22 inch wheel option if preferred.
At the rear, the exhaust (muffler) tips hidden in the bumper elevate the GV80’s sophistication. Key elements within the Genesis design language add to the model’s futuristic image with distinctive V-shape chrome trim. The lower part of the bumper imparts a sense of stability with a bold body-coloured line.
On The Inside
Much work has been done here and the result is one of extreme comfort and high-tech wizardry offering an in-car premium experience. With up to six seats, the interior brings to life Genesis’ design ethos of the uniquely Korean concept: ‘The Beauty of White Space’, incorporating cutting-edge technology to create a sophisticated ambiance. A long OLED display integrates the dashboard cluster and the AVN (Audio, Video, Navigation) screen and exemplifies the harmony in the combination of a high-tech device with luxurious details within its horizontal layout.
Seamless design extends to the centre fascia, and the touch-based HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system thoughtfully offers drivers ease of control while on the road. The redesigned crystal-like ‘Shift By Wire’ shift ensures a comfortable grip and the adds a sense of luxury.
This is prestige motoring: Quality materials and design enhancements add to GV80’s overall elegance, with elements comprising of two-tone-coloured steering wheels, an improved pedal design, and crash pads and a centre console featuring leather, aluminium and real, genuine wood.
Furthermore, Genesis has accommodated consumer needs with a redesigned wireless smartphone charging tray that enables more convenient charging and provides improved visibility of the phone while it's charging, an enlarged console cup holder, and a knob-type volume/tune adjustment button. Independently controlled temperature mode bestows maximum comfort for air-conditioning and airflow from no less than four separate areas, including the driver’s seat, passenger seat, and the second and third rows.
Both versions come with an array of convenience features that include but aren’t limited to Digital Key 2, Fingerprint Authentication System, UVC disinfection trays, heated armrests, touch-based handle sensors, and a fragrance system that disperses pleasing scents throughout the car’s interior. Other notable additions include a 14.6 inch rear-seat display for streaming services plus a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
On The Road
The Genesis GV80 is equipped with two power-train options: a 2.5 litre turbo engine, which delivers a robust 304bhp (308PS) and 421 N/m of torque. If that’s not enough power then go for the 3.5 litre turbo engine, which produces a maximum output of 380bhp (385PS) and 529N/m of torque. Meanwhile the GV80 Coupé offers three engine choices, including those two plus the 3.5 turbo 48V electric supercharger, which features a robust 415bhp (420PS) and 549N.
Out of interest, this last and very innovative engine compresses air twice – once through the motor in the low engine (rpm) range and again through the 3.5T electric supercharger. This advances the maximum torque and improving acceleration response at low and medium speeds.
Both models include advanced driving technologies to provide drivers and passengers with driving stability and a smooth riding experience in any driving environment. Preview Electronic Control Suspension optimises control of the suspension by anticipating road conditions, and the second-generation Engine Mounting Control Unit detects road surfaces to reduce driving vibrations.
Additionally, crosswind stabilization assists drivers with high-speed driving during strong wind conditions, and Auto Terrain Mode utilizes AI (it gets everywhere) to assess road conditions and automatically adjusts to the appropriate driving mode.
What Genesis have achieved here is a car that rate as being best-in-class for tranquillity, thanks to noise-absorbing tyres, materials, and improving the soundproofing of the tailgate. Inside GV80 Coupe, drivers can replicate the sound of a large-displacement sports coupe's exhaust with ‘Active Sound Design’ and allow brake pedal responsiveness customisation with the ‘Flex Brake’ feature.
Genesis have been quietly building a presence in the UK and Europe and, for now at least, they are a unique, individual sight on the roads. Find out about Genesis availability via MHH International’s comprehensive export service from the UK to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other countries worldwide. Find out more via our website.
