Genesis GV80 2021 review

The 2021 Genesis GV is arguably one of the most anticipated models in the luxury car space in recent memory and by far the most important Genesis model to date.

Available in petrol or diesel, with five or seven seats, this large luxury SUV is built to stand out from the crowd. It is definitely not to be confused with the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE. But looking at it, you could squint and see a Bentley Bentayga for buyers on a budget.

But, being a contender, should the GV80 be compared to the aforementioned vehicles? Or an alternative set including Lexus RX, Jaguar F-Pace, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90?

Well, it's fair to say that the 80 Genesis GV2021 model is impressive enough to compete with any of these models. It's a compelling alternative, and in this review, I'll tell you why. 

The hindquarters are wide, low, planted and strong. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

80 Genesis GV2021: Matte 3.0D AWD LUX
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	8.8l / 100km
Landing	7 Places
Price from	$97,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 9/10

Genesis Australia does not position itself as a Hyundai among the luxury car brands, despite the fact that Genesis really is. The brand is separate from its parent company Hyundai, but Genesis Australia executives are keen to separate the brand from the idea that it is "like Infiniti or Lexus". 

Instead, the company claims that the prices it charges - which are non-negotiable and do not require haggling with dealers because of this - simply offer better value. Of course, you can't have the feeling of "I got a real deal from the dealership", but instead you can get the feeling of "I wasn't cheated on the price here".

Indeed, Genesis reckons the GV80 is 10% better than its competitors on price alone, while overall it has a 15% lead when it comes to specs.

There are four versions of the GV80 to choose from.

Opening the range is the GV80 2.5T, a five-seat, rear-wheel drive petrol model that is priced at $90,600 (including luxury car tax, but not including road expenses).

Up one notch is the GV80 2.5T AWD, which not only adds all-wheel drive but puts seven seats into the equation. This model is priced at $95,600. Looks like XNUMX was well spent.

These two models differ in standard features from the models above, so here is a summary of the standard equipment: 14.5-inch touchscreen multimedia display with augmented reality satellite navigation and real-time traffic updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio, audio system 21-speaker Lexicon, wireless smartphone charger, 12.0-inch head-up display (HUD), dual-zone climate control with ventilation and fan control for second/third row, 12-way electrically adjustable heated and cooled front seats, remote engine start , keyless entry and pushbutton start.

In addition, 2.5T variants run on 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber, but only the base model gets a compact spare tire, while the rest only come with a repair kit. Other additions include decorative interior lighting, leather interior trim including on the doors and dashboard, open pore wood trim, a panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate.

The 3.5T AWD wears 22-inch rims. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

The third step up the GV80 ladder is the seven-seater 3.0D AWD, which is powered by a six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with all-wheel drive and additional equipment - more on that in a moment. It costs $103,600.

Leading the line is the seven-seat 3.5T AWD model, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. It costs $108,600.

The two options share the same spec lists, adding a set of 22-inch wheels with Michelin tires, as well as their beefed-up engines, bigger brakes for the 3.5T, and Road-Preview's signature adaptive electronic suspension.

No matter which version of the GV80 you choose, if you feel like you need to add more hardware to the list, you can opt for the Luxury package, which adds $10,000 to the bill.

This includes high-quality Nappa leather interior, 12.3-inch fully digital 3D instrument cluster, three-zone climate control, power doors, 18-way power driver's seat with massage function, heated and cooled second-row seats (suspended , but with heated middle seat), power adjustable second and third row seats, power rear window blinds, noise canceling technology, suede headlining, smart adaptive headlights and rear privacy glass.

Rear passengers get their own climate control. (3.5t all-wheel drive option shown)

Want to know about Genesis GV80 colors (or colors, depending on where you're reading this)? There are 11 different exterior colors to choose from, eight of which are Gloss/Mica/Metallic at no extra cost - Uyuni White, Savile Silver, Gold Coast Silver (close to beige), Himalayan Grey. , Vic Black, Lima Red, Cardiff Green and Adriatic Blue.

Three matte paint options for an additional $2000: Matterhorn White, Melbourne Grey, and Brunswick Green. 

There is a long security story to be told. More on this below.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

Genesis boldly states that “design is brand, brand is design.” And what he wants to show is that his designs are "bold, progressive, and distinctly Korean."

It's hard to say what the latter means, but the rest of the statements really add up when it comes to the GV80. We'll dive into some design terms, so forgive us if this sounds too designer.

However, it is important to note that the GV80 looks very nice. It's an eye-catching model that makes viewers crane their necks for a better look, and the many matte paints and overall colorful palette of options available really help with that.

The GV80 is a real beauty. (3.5t all-wheel drive option shown)

But what really makes you look is the quad lighting front and rear, and the aggressive crest-shaped grille with G-Matrix mesh trim that dominates the front end.

Please, if you are going to buy one, do not put standard numbers on it - it will look like it has something in its teeth.

Those four headlights stand out in profile as the turn signals radiate back from the front, in what Genesis calls a "parabolic line" running the length of the car to add a final edge to its width.

There are also two "power lines", not to be confused with real power lines, that wrap around the hips and further increase that width, while the wheels - 20s or 22s - fill out the arches nicely.

There is a panoramic sunroof. (3.5t all-wheel drive option shown)

The hindquarters are wide, low, planted and strong. On petrol models, the crest motif associated with the badge continues on the exhaust tips, while the diesel model has a clean lower rear bumper.

If that's important to you - size matters and all - the GV80 actually looks bigger than it actually is. The length of this new model is 4945 mm (with a wheelbase of 2955 mm), the width is 1975 mm without mirrors and the height is 1715 mm. This makes it smaller than the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90 in length and height.

So how does this size affect interior space and comfort? The interior design is certainly interesting, with the brand claiming to mean "the beauty of white space" - although there's no white at all - and see if you can draw inspiration from photos of the interior. Do you see suspension bridges and modern Korean architecture? We will delve into the next section. 

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

If you're looking for a luxurious cockpit that's free of media screens and information overload, then this might be just the thing for you.

Admittedly, there's a huge 14.5-inch touchscreen at the top of the dashboard that doesn't stick out as much to block your view of the road. It's a little inconvenient if you're using it as a touchscreen, although there is a rotary dial controller in the center console area - just don't confuse it with the rotary dial gear shifter, which is very close.

I found this media controller to be a little tricky to get used to - not easy to figure out, literally - but it's certainly more intuitive than what's in a Benz or Lexus.

At the top of the dashboard is a huge 14.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

The driver gets a great 12.3-inch color head-up display (HUD), as well as semi-digital gauges in all classes (12.0-inch screen that includes trip information, a digital speedometer and can display the blind spot camera system), while the fully digital the Luxury Pack dashboard with 3D display is nice but a bit useless.

This dashboard display also includes a camera that other versions don't have that watches the driver's eyes to see he's staying on the road. 

You may need to take your eyes off the road to adjust the fan speed and temperature as there is a touchscreen with haptic feedback for that. I'm not a fan of climate screens, and the digital climate display has a much lower resolution than the rest of the screens in use.

The perceived quality of the GV80's interior is excellent. The finish is great, the leather is as good as anything I've ever sat on, and the wood trim is real wood, not lacquered plastic. 

The perceived quality of the GV80's interior is excellent. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

There are five different color themes for the leather seat trim - all G80s have full leather seats, leather accent doors and dashboard trim - but if that's not enough for you, there's a choice of Nappa leather trim that the G-Matrix sees. quilting on the seats - and you have to get the Luxury Pack to get Nappa leather, and you have to get it to pick the most eye-catching interior color on the palette - 'smoke green'.

Four other leather finishes (standard or nappa): Obsidian Black, Vanilla Beige, City Brown or Dune Beige. They can be combined with black ash, metallic ash, olive ash or birch open pore wood finishes. 

The front compartment consists of two cup holders between the seats, an under-dash compartment with a cordless phone charger and USB ports, a center console with a double lid, a decent glove compartment, but the door pockets aren't big enough for large bottles.

You can choose from Nappa leather upholstery. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

There are small door pockets in the back, slide-out map pockets, a fold-down center armrest with cup holders, and on the Luxury Pack models, you'll find screen controls, a USB port, and additional headphone jacks. Or you can use the touch screens on the backs of the front seats to block out the sound in the cabin (this can be turned off!). 

The comfort and space of the second row of seats is mostly good. I'm 182 cm or 6'0" and I sit in my driving position and have enough knee and head room, but three can have a battle for shoulder space while toe space is cramped if u you big feet. 

The comfort and space of the second row of seats is mostly good. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

If you're buying the GV80 to comfortably carry seven adults, you might want to reconsider. It's not as spacious in all three rows as the Volvo XC90 or the Audi Q7, that's for sure. 

But if you intend to use the back row only occasionally, this place is quite usable. I managed to fit in the third row with good knee room, cramped legroom and very limited headroom - anyone under 165cm should feel better.

There's storage in the back - cup holders and a covered basket - while rear passengers get air vents and speakers that can be turned off with "Silent Mode" if the driver notices those in the back need some peace.

But if the driver needs to get the attention of rear-seat passengers, there's a speaker that picks up their voice from behind, and a microphone that can do the same from the back.

Just a note: if you plan to use the third row regularly, then the curtain airbags only cover the window section, not below or above it, which is not ideal. And the third row doesn't have child seat anchor points either, so that's strictly for those without child seats or boosters. The second row has double external ISOFIX anchorages and three top cables.

If you're looking for a full seven-seater in this part of the market, I'd suggest looking into the Volvo XC90 or the Audi Q7. They remain the dominant options.

What about all the important boot space?

The trunk volume of the seven-seater version is estimated at 727 liters. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

According to Genesis, five-seater cargo capacity varies slightly between five- and seven-seater models. The base five-seat model has 735 liters (VDA), while all others have 727 liters. We put in a CarsGuide luggage set, consisting of 124L, 95L and 36L hard cases, all of which fit with plenty of room.

However, with seven places in the game, this is not the case. We could have just fit in a medium sized bag, but the big one didn't fit. Genesis says they don't have official data on cargo capacity when using all seats. 

It's also worth noting that the seven-seater models don't have a spare wheel, and the base version only has space to save space. 

Genesis does not specify a cargo area with a third row of seats. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

Power options include petrol or diesel for the GV80 range, but there are some big differences in engine performance.

The entry-level four-cylinder petrol engine is a 2.5-liter unit in 2.5T version, delivering 224kW at 5800rpm and 422Nm of torque from 1650-4000rpm. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in 2WD/RWD or AWD versions.

The 0-100 km/h acceleration for the 2.5T is 6.9 seconds, whether you're riding rear-wheel drive (with a curb weight of 2073 kg) or all-wheel drive (with a curb weight of 2153 kg).

The top-of-the-range 3.5T is well ahead of the competition with a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 279kW at 5800rpm and 530Nm of torque from 1300rpm to 4500rpm. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The horizon will meet you a little faster on this flagship petrol, with a 0-100 time of 5.5 seconds and a tare weight of XNUMX kg.

The 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo engine delivers 279 kW/530 Nm. (3.5t all-wheel drive version shown)

Between these models in the price list is the 3.0D, an inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 204 kW at 3800 rpm and 588 Nm of torque at 1500-3000 rpm. It's an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The claimed acceleration time to 0 km / h for this model is 100 seconds, and the weight is 6.8 kg.

The all-wheel drive system has adaptive torque distribution, which means it can distribute torque where it's needed, depending on the circumstances. It is shifted back, but if necessary, allows you to transfer up to 90 percent of the torque to the front axle.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 224 kW/422 Nm. (RWD 2.5t shown)

All-wheel-drive versions also have a "Multi Terrain Mode" selector with options for mud, sand, or snow settings. All models are equipped with Hill Descent Assist and Slope Hold.

What about towing capacity? Unfortunately, the Genesis GV80 falls short of most competitors in its class, many of which are capable of towing 750kg unbraked and 3500kg with brakes. Instead, all models in the GV80 stable can tow 750kg without brakes, but only 2722kg with brakes, with a maximum towball weight of 180kg. That could very well rule this car out for some customers - and there's no air suspension system available. 

The 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine delivers 204 kW/588 Nm. (3.0D AWD variant shown)

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Fuel consumption for the Genesis GV80 will depend on the transmission you choose.

The 2.5T offers a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers for the rear-wheel drive model, while the all-wheel drive model requires 10.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

The big six 3.5T likes to drink, at least on paper, with 11.7L/100km.

Not surprisingly, the diesel six is ​​the most economical with a claimed consumption of 8.8 l / 100 km. 

The driver gets an excellent color head-up display with a diagonal of 12.3 inches. (3.5t all-wheel drive variant shown)

Gasoline models require at least 95 octane premium unleaded fuel, and none of them have start-stop technology, but diesel does.

However, this is Euro 5 diesel, so no AdBlue is required, although there is a diesel particulate filter or DPF. And all versions have a fuel tank with a capacity of 80 liters.

We didn't get a chance to make our own "at gas station" numbers at launch, but we did see a displayed diesel fuel consumption of 9.4L/100km combined with city, open, dirt roads and highway/freeway testing.

Looking at the displayed consumption of the four-cylinder petrol engine, it showed 11.8 l/100 km for the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, while the six-cylinder petrol showed 12.2 l/100 km. 

If you're reading this review and thinking, "What about a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric electric vehicle?". We are with you. None of these options are available at the time of the GV80 launch in Australia. We sincerely hope that the situation will change, and soon.

What is it like to drive? 7/10

Drive impressions in this review focus mainly on the 3.0D version of the GV80, which the company estimates accounts for more than half of all sales.

And from the driver's seat, if you didn't know it was a diesel engine, you wouldn't know it was a diesel. It's so refined, smooth and quiet that you realize how good diesels can be.

There's no distinct diesel rumble, no obnoxious rumble, and you can really tell it's a diesel just by the very slight drop of turbo lag at low rpm and a little cabin noise at higher speeds - but that's never the case. intrusive.

Transmission is smooth in almost all situations. It shifts deftly and is hard to catch - it seems to know exactly what you want to do and when you want it in most normal driving situations. There are paddle shifters if you want to take matters into your own hands, but it's not as sporty an SUV as some of its performance-focused competitors.

In fact, the GV80 is unequivocally focused on luxury, and as such, it may not meet the desires or requirements of some potential buyers. This is not the last word in point-to-point performance.

In fact, the GV80 is unashamedly geared towards luxury. (RWD 2.5t shown)

Does it matter? Not if you're comparing it to the equivalent-priced standard fare of a BMW X5, a Mercedes GLE, or what I consider to be the car's best competitor, the Volvo XC90.

However, the road-ready adaptive suspension in the high-end six-cylinder versions mostly works well at lower speeds and can adjust the dampers to suit needs to make the ride more comfortable, though the suspension is generally designed for comfort.

As a result, you may notice body sway when cornering, and it can also go into and out of bumps more than you might expect, meaning that body control can be a bit tighter.

Indeed, this is perhaps one of my biggest criticisms of the GV80. That it's a bit soft, and while I understand that's a real advantage for those who want a luxury SUV to feel like a luxury SUV, some may wish for better poise on bumps.

These four headlights stand out in profile. (RWD 2.5t shown)

Having said that, the 22-inch wheels play their part - and the 2.5T models I also drove, on 20-inch wheels but without adaptive suspension, proved to be a little more relaxed in their responses to bumps. in the road surface.

The steering is adequate but not as precise as some of the competition, and in sport mode it just feels like it just adds weight rather than any extra feel - it's a bit of a Hyundai Australia tuning streak and this model has been tuned by local gurus suspension and steering.

Luckily, you don't have to just stick with the preset "Sport", "Comfort" and "Eco" modes - there's a custom mode that - in 3.0D with adaptive suspension - I've set to sport suspension, "Comfort" steering for a little easier motion effect. tiller, as well as Smart engine and transmission behavior (balanced performance and efficiency), as well as Sport all-wheel drive behavior that makes it feel more rearward in most situations.

The GV80 is so refined and smooth. (3.0D AWD variant shown)

You can't think of a luxury car without considering cabin noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at speed, and the GV80 is a brilliant example of how to make things feel luxurious and quiet.

Models with the Luxury Pack have Active Road Noise Cancellation that makes you feel like you're in a recording studio because you can hear your voice so clearly. It uses a microphone to pick up incoming noise and blasts a counter note through the speakers, much like noise canceling headphones.

But even in models without this system, the levels of detail are excellent, there's not much road noise to contend with and not too much wind noise - and it just feels like a pretty enjoyable driving experience if you're after luxury. .

Gensis believes that diesel will account for more than half of all sales. (3.0D AWD variant shown)

Want to know about other options? I drove both.

The 2.5T's engine and transmission were quite good, with a bit of a lag when starting from a standstill, but otherwise it handled pretty well with one of me on board - I'm really wondering how this engine would handle seven passengers as performance feels a bit muted at times . 

The ride in these 20s was much better than the car with 22s, but it still had a little body roll and bumpiness at times. It would be nice to have adaptive dampers in the spec because the driving modes don't include suspension adjustment, and the softly tuned chassis setup takes some time to settle down. 

If you love to drive and don't plan to load up on five seats, the 2.5T RWD is also the more austere option, offering slightly better balance and feel for the driver.

The 3.5T is undeniably attractive with its twin-turbocharged V6 engine because it's a pleasure to drive. It picks up a lot, sounds great and is still very refined. You have to contend with those 22-inch wheels and a not-quite-perfect suspension system, but it could be worth your money if you just insist on a gas-powered six. And if you can afford the fuel bill.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

All versions of the Genesis GV80 line have been developed to meet the safety requirements of the 2020 crash tests, although the vehicle was not tested by EuroNCAP or ANCAP at launch.

But for the most part, there is a strong security history with a long list of standard inclusions.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) at low and high speeds operates from 10 to 200 km/h, while pedestrian and cyclist detection operates from 10 to 85 km/h. There's also adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, as well as lane-keep assist (60-200 km/h) and smart lane-keep assist (0-200 km/h).

In addition, the cruise control system is said to have machine learning that, with the help of AI, can learn how you prefer to react to the car when using cruise control and adapt to that.

The 2.5T gets decorative interior lighting, leather trim, including on the doors and dashboard. (RWD 2.5t shown)

There is also a crossroad turn assist function that prevents you from diving through unsafe gaps in traffic (works at speeds from 10km/h to 30km/h), as well as blind spot monitoring with the brand's smart "Blind Spot Monitor" - and it can intervene to prevent you from entering the path of oncoming traffic at speeds between 60 km/h and 200 km/h, and even stop the car if you are about to pull out of a parallel parking space (up to 3 km/h).

Rear Cross Traffic Alert The GV80 includes an emergency braking function that will stop if it detects a vehicle between 0 km/h and 8 km/h. In addition, there is a driver attention warning, automatic high beams, rear passenger warning and a surround view camera system.

Oddly enough, you have to opt for the Luxury Pack to get the rear AEB, which detects pedestrians and objects at speeds from 0 km/h to 10 km/h. There are some models under $25k that get technology like this standard.

There are 10 airbags including dual front, driver's knee, front center, front side, rear side and curtain airbags that extend into the third row but only cover the glass section directly behind.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

If you believe the Genesis brand - or your watch or calendar - then you will agree with the idea that time is the ultimate luxury. So the company says it wants to give you time, which means you don't have to waste it taking your car in for maintenance.

The Genesis To You approach means that the company will pick up your vehicle (if you are within 70 km of the service location) and return it to you when the service is completed. A car loan can also be left for you if you need it. Dealers and service locations are now the key here - there are only a handful of places to test drive and check Genesis models at the moment - all in the Sydney metro area - but in 2021 the brand will expand to Melbourne and the surrounding area. as well as southeast Queensland. Maintenance can be performed by contract workshops and not by a Genesis "dealer" per se.

And that includes a full five years of free service with service intervals set at 12 months/10,000 km for both petrol models and 12 months/15,000 km for diesels.

That's right - you get free maintenance for either 50,000 km or 75,000 km, depending on which version you choose. But note that the maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles are shorter on the petrol versions than on most competitors.

Buyers also receive a five-year unlimited mileage warranty (five years/130,000 km for fleet operators/rental vehicles), five years/unlimited kilometers of road assistance, and free map updates for the satellite navigation system during this period.

Verdict

There's certainly a place for a car like the Genesis GV80 in the luxury large SUV market, and it will punch its way against big-name competitors, probably primarily because of its design. As the Genesis executives say, "Design is the brand." 

Seeing these cars on the road will only increase their sales potential because they really attract attention. The range selection for me is 3.0D and the Luxury Pack is what I have to consider in the cost. And while we're dreaming, my GV80 will be matte Matterhorn White with a Smoky Green interior.