Genesis entered the SUV-Coupé space with the recent reveal of their GV80 Coupé and a redesigned GV80. Genesis has been quietly getting on with things, bringing model after model which, at first, seemed to be answering a question no one was asking. However, a posh event at Genesis Suji in Korea on Tuesday last, places Genesis in a space that other luxury car makers have had to themselves.

GV80 was the first Genesis SUV and has sold 170,000 units worldwide since January 2020. Apart from one or two missteps, the 3 Hyundai Group brands, Hyundai, Genesis and Kia, have slowly built a reputation for reliability and quality. See JD Power surveys to see what customers say about their rides.

Genesis claims their brand-new luxury GV80 Coupe embodies Genesis’ design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance.”

Genesis has adapted the GV80 exterior design to accommodate the coupé look without compromising the original feel of the fully fledged SUV. The swooping rear end is intended to look sporty, and the interior offers a standard equal to a European brand.

“Today, we mark an important milestone in our journey to success,” Chief Brand Officer of Genesis, Graeme Russell, said during the premiere event. “As the boundaries of luxury continue to be redefined, Genesis believes that the GV80 and GV80 Coupe will cater to the ever-evolving needs of our discerning customers.”

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ABOVE: New Genesis GV80 Coupé and redesigned GV80

The GV80 Redesign

GV80 adds luxurious gets a new Two-Line Crest Grille and the signature Two-Line headlamps. The MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology headlamps are a touch of techy goodness that is offset by shiny new 20” alloy wheels with 22 inchers as an option.

The pert rump has been neatened up with hidden muffler tips, and the V-shape chrome trim take its cue from the familiar Crest Grille.

GV80 comes in colours, including a new glossy and matte Storr Green.

The Cabin

GV80’s interior design is built around the Korean concept of the Beauty of White Space. It gives the cabin a sense of air and light, yet sacrifices no functionality.

Modern cars, especially luxury ones, have become a rolling showcase for “useable technology.” A 27-inch-wide OLED display combines the driver instruments and the AVN (Audio, Video, Navigation) screen. We’ve seen it before, but it is the execution that often leaves much to desire.

The centre stack also has this seamless look, with a smooth surface that houses the touch-based HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system.

Genesis rejigged the Shift By Wire (SBW) control to give it the crystal-like dial a new look. We’ve liked the look and feel of the cabin quality, but it is the attention to detail that Genesis has right. Elements such as the horn cover has the new Genesis emblem, and the two-tone-coloured steering wheels has a distinct feel of pampering. It has an improved pedal design, crash pads and a centre console that are crafted from leather, aluminium, and real wood.

If the is one area where we have had issues in the past, it would be with wireless phone charging pad. Its function is a bit iffy as the phone seems to bounce in and out of charge. The redesigned wireless charging tray is more convenient with improved visibility of the phone while it’s charging. There is a larger console cup holder, and a knob-type volume/tune adjustment button.

GV80 interiors have five interior colour choices, with 3 being brand new: Earth Brown, Bordeaux Brown, and Glacier White.

The GV80 Coupe: If other brands are doing it, Genesis has to as well

The GV80 Coupe combines SUV space (within reason), with the “dynamism” of a coupe. That’s really just a long way of saying the shaved a bit of the rear end along the roofline. Some say that reduces the ability of the “SUV” to carry big awkward shapes.

GV80 Coupe also uses the the MLA-powered LED headlamps, carrying over the double-layered Crest Grille from the redesigned GV80. An expanded air intake, Active Air Flap, and four air vents, improve engine cooling while doing their bit to make the front face look sporty, aggressive, and chic. That’s not an easy thing to pull off successfully.

Like other of its ilk, GV80 Coupe the arch-shaped Parabolic Line that swoops from the front to the tip of the rear. While this looks more pleasing that the SUV, it is a little less practical.. Adding to its sporty profile, the GV80 Coupe grabs attention with Coupe-exclusive 20- and 22-inch wheels with distinctive spokes.

The back end has unique LED surface-emitting rear combination lamps and a huge auxiliary brake light that sweeps across the tailgate.

GV80 Coupe has 13 colours, with one of them being the exclusive Bering Blue.

Power & Performance

As seen in other Genesis models, GV80 has either a 226kw/422Nm 2.5 turbo petrol engine, or a 284kw/530Nm 3.5 turbo Petrol engine. The GV80 Coupe adds a 3rd option: a 310kw/549Nm 3.5L turbo petrol engine with 48V electric supercharger (e-S/C),

The system compresses air twice – once through the motor in the low engine (rpm) range and again through the 3.5T e-S/C – to advance the maximum torque and improving acceleration response at low and medium speeds.

Both SUV employ a Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS) that is intended to look ahead and set suspension for best results. Additionally, crosswind stabilisation assists drivers with high-speed driving during with heavy crosswinds, as the name suggests. Auto Terrain Mode uses AI to assess conditions to then set the correct drive mode.

Genesis claims best-in-class “tranquillity”, using noise-absorbing tires, materials, and better soundproofing of the tailgate.

Active Sound Design imitates a bigger ballsier exhaust note, if that’s you thing, the driver the adjust the feel of the brakes with the “Flex Brake” feature.

IN addition, the 3.5T e-S/C adds Sports+ driving mode, Launch Control, and a cluster that displays oil temperature, torque, and turbo pressure.

Improved Customer Safety and Convenience Features

Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe offers comfort for air-conditioning and airflow from four separate zones, as befitting a prince, or princess.

Other convenience features:

  • Digital Key 2
  • Fingerprint Authentication System
  • UVC disinfection trays
  • heated armrests
  • touch-based handle sensors
  • fragrance system
  • 6-inch rear-seat display for streaming services
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system.
  • 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag
  • powerful monobloc brake calipers
  • Digital Centre Mirror (DCM)
  • Built-In Camera 2
  • Hands On Detection (HOD) – deactivation of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) with a touch on the steering wheel.
  • including Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2)
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2)
  • Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2)
  • Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC 2)
  • Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F/S/R)
  • Front/Side/Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-F/S/R)

Wath for the Genesis collaboration with renowned designers to feature GV80 and GV80 Coupe at Genesis Suji from October 7th to 15th, and at the Busan International Film Festival from October 4th to 13th.

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