After a gradual leak of information and footage of the first luxury SUV, Genesis – Hyundai’s premium sub-brand – has finally lifted the veil on its first sport-utility vehicle, the GV80, during a special event at the South Korea International Exhibition Center near Seoul.
Its design reflecting “Athletic Elegance” is the fruit of a collaboration between the various Genesis studios located in South Korea, the United States, and Germany. It sports a gigantic pentagonal grille, a highly sculpted hood, and headlights with a sophisticated composition that will become the signature of the GV80 and of the brand in general. The double lines of the headlights are reproduced further in the front fenders and in the rear lights to create end-to-end continuity.
The impression of space is noticeable by the sleek design of the dashboard and the central unit (with numerous controls with a flush profile) as well as by the large 14.5-inch multimedia screen. Also, the rotary speed selector and the touchpad allow you to write a destination or a phone number without going through the screen.
Another technological specialty is proactive, electronically controlled suspension. The system monitors road conditions and the surface over which the Genesis GV80 passes through the camera. Basically, the GV80 will be a 5-seater car, with an optional 7-seater interior (with two or three rows of seats). There will be 12 color combinations. A luxury SUV will ride on wheels with a diameter of 19, 20, and 22 inches. In addition to great comfort, engineers promise excellent driveability within the class.
Under the bonnet, the GV80 will have a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 207 kW (278 hp) and 588 Nm of torque, paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market, two engines will also be available. The basic model is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a power of 227 kW (304 hp) and 422 Nm of torque. And the most powerful engine will be a 3.5 liter V6 turbo gasoline with an output of 283 kW (380 hp) and a torque of 530 Nm. Their power has not been specified.
Inspired by the concept of the same name seen at the 2017 New York Auto Show, the Genesis GV80 will be on sale in its homeland by the end of this month. It will reach the rest of the world by the end of 2020.
