Genesis revises GV80 SUV, adds coupe variant

COINCIDING with a refresh of the GV80 wagon and following precedent from other premium brands, Genesis has announced a GV80 Coupe, the South Korean manufacturer’s first coupe-style SUV.

Pricing is not available. However, as a guide, the current V6 petrol-powered GV80 wagon goes for $110,200 plus on-road costs.

Both the refreshed GV80 wagon and the new Coupe are scheduled to go on the market here in Q2 next year.

The new Genesis goes up against coupe-style large SUVs from a number of premium European manufacturers and the Lexus RX500h F Sport.

Powertrain choices for the revised wagon are a 225kW/420Nm, 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and a 285kW/530Nm, 3.5-litre V6 turbo petrol engine with the GV 80 Coupe adding a 3.5-litre V6 petrol with a 48-volt supercharger attached called the 3.5T e-S/C cranking out a healthy 310kW and 550Nm.

The innovative 3.5T e-S/C engine compresses air twice – once via the standard four cycle through the engine in the low engine rpm range and then again through the 3.5T e-S/C – to bump the maximum torque and improve acceleration response at low and medium speeds.

Adding to the GV80 Coupe’s dynamic driving experience are features such as multi-mode Flex Brake and Sports+ driving mode.

On debut in South Korea, designers of the GV80 Coupe said it strikes a balance between bold athleticism and sleek elegance.

While the GV80 wagon is mildly redesigned and sports additional features, sharing some Coupe elements, the new model’s striking appearance is emphasised by its parabolic silhouette line and a frontal styling that features a new look grille with a double-layered crest topped with slim headlights equipped with Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology.

Genesis goes further down the “bespoke” road with the new coupe as customers will be able to personalise “unique interior spaces” through a customisation offering.

It provides a selection of six coupe-specific interior packages to create what Genesis describes as an elegant interior integrating high-tech elements such as a 27-inch-wide display and crystal-like “Shift By Wire” technology which adds a sense of luxury.

Genesis says the new models feature a distinct signature from the base model with a comprehensive interior redesign, an elevated in-car experience and new convenience features for comfort and safety.

Inside incorporates cutting-edge technology to create a sophisticated ambience centred on the 27-inch-wide OLED display that integrates horizontally with the cluster and the AVN (Audio, Video, Navigation) screen. The seamless design extends to the centre fascia and the touch-based HVAC system that offers drivers ease of control.

Changing consumer expectations sees the GV80s 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.

Unique to the GV80 Coupe are specific colours and wheels, a two-tone D-cut steering wheel, dedicated carbon garnish patterns and seats with coupe-exclusive patterns and stitching, metal accents on the brake and accelerator pedals.

Additionally, the model has an optimised chassis layout and engine bay and an interior that incorporates rear seat reclining, an optimised load space and foldable luggage shelf that offer ample space and storage capacity.

Both models have extensive convenience and ADAS features that include advanced driving technologies such as: Preview Electronic Control Suspension (Pre-view ECS), second-generation engine mount control unit (EMCU) to reduce vibrations, crosswind stabilisation and auto terrain mode that utilizes AI to assess road conditions and automatically adjusts to the appropriate driving mode.

“Today, we mark an important milestone in our journey to successes 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,” said Genesis chief brand officer, Graeme Russell.

This is the first refresh of the GV80 since arriving on the market three years ago with strong overseas sales contrasting with sales here.