Genesis gains its first SUV.
5-passenger seating with available 7-passenger seating.
Hyundai’s Genesis brand has three sedans to show for it, but we’re still waiting the debut of its first utility vehicle. Fortunately, that wait is nearing an end as this luxury marque intends to release the GV80 SUV this fall.
When the GV80 arrives it will face stiff competition from well-established BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus models. But just as Genesis has shown no hesitancy with rolling out its trio of sedans, the all-new GV80 should find a place in the market.
Here are some important facts about the Genesis GV80:
1. Seoul debut. The GV80 made its global debut in January at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) west of Seoul. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 global pandemic soon followed and forced the cancellation of the New York International Auto Show in April where it would have made its North American debut. Design studios in Korea, Germany, and the United States collaborated on developing the new model.
2. A competitive starting price. Genesis prices the GV80 from $49,925, including a $1,025 destination fee. No competitor starts this low with most models costing from two to tens of thousands of dollars more. Its top price comes in around $72,000 in a segment where $90,000 or more for a fully loaded model is possible.
3. Two gasoline engines, no diesel. In Korea, Genesis showcase a GV80 with a diesel engine. Unfortunately, that engine isn’t destined for America. Instead, the base engine is turbocharged gas 2.5-liter that routes power to the rear wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is also standard. Both options feature available all-wheel drive (a $1,850 upgrade). An electronic limited-slip rear differential is included with the top trim. The preliminary performance numbers are as follows: 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque for the standard engine and 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque with the V6.
4. Wheels and suspension. The GV80 rides on standard 20-inch alloy wheels set within all-season radials. You’ll find 22-inch wheels with the top trim. Also available is an adjustable suspension system that supplies a softer ride on the top-trim Prestige.
5. Synthetic or real leather seats. The standard GV80 model comes with imitation leather or real hides. The top-trim Prestige trim (Standard and Advanced are the other two) features leather seats. We like that 12-way and heated front seats are standard. Ventilation and a heated steering wheel are included with the Advanced trim while the Prestige trim adds heated rear seats. Other features include wood trim and velvet suede headliner.
6. Leading-edge tech gear. Technology and luxury go hand in hand. That’s true with most models and the GV80 does not disappoint. Resting on top of the dashboard above the center stack is a huge 14.5-inch split touch-screen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and a complement of USB ports are just a few of the many tech features present. Among the upgrades are a Lexicon audio system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.
7. Loaded with standard driver-assist gear. On the safety front, the GV80 has the features customers want and expect. Every model comes with automatic high beams, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Rear automatic emergency braking comes with the Prestige trim only.
More to Follow
Once the GV80 debuts, we’ll see an update to the G80 sedan. In fact, the two share a common platform. Two additional Genesis models are planned, including a second SUV. We also expect that Genesis will get its first electric vehicle, although we’re not certain what body style is planned for this all-electric vehicle.
See Also — Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms
Photos copyright Genesis Motors. All rights reserved.
Inside, the GLE offers a stunning cabin, rich in choice materials, design execution, and fit and finish. It’s a masterful stroke, one we fully expect Mercedes to accomplish without disappointment. Among the many highlights are a blended instrument panel and center display, creating perhaps the largest panel in the industry. Between the seats are dual grab bars with ample open storage space at the base of the stack. And it isn’t a stack in the traditional sense, as the cabin layout is horizontally oriented, not vertical.
Every manufacturer has them with some maintaining their logos and emblems for decades without nary a change. Others, like Oldsmobile, went through multiple changes across its 107-year history, which may explain in part why that once storied brand is no longer around.
But for the 90 marques Heptinstall did review, he was thorough in both his research and description. Indeed, “Car Marques” typically offers one page featuring the logo, the company’s founding information as well as the best-known models of each brand. He then spends another page giving us brand background information and explaining what the logo means.
Color choices are so particular that manufacturers adhere to the six alphanumeric digit hex color code to define the “real thing.” You’ll then find logos fixed to the front of the vehicle and sometimes to the sides and rear. Inside, logos typically are on the face of the steering wheel. We’ve also found logos in puddle lamps, on seatbacks and, of course, in company documentation and advertisements.
