The Genesis GV80 is a large crossover offering seating options for five, six or seven passengers. Designed by Sangyup Lee, formerly of Bentley, it boasts a stylish exterior with a distinctive G-matrix front grill, split LED headlights and elegant curves.
Inside story
The interior exudes elegance with its rich finishes, including wood trim, metal accents, attention to detail and well-executed assembly. The dashboard's wide-spanning display maintains an upscale and uncluttered look. The spacious interior also features practical and sensible design elements. Customization options include quilted leather, a premium audio system and electrically reclining rear seats with entertainment screens.
It also features three screens: an eight-inch standard instrument cluster, upgradeable to 12.3 inches with the Innovation Pack, offering 3D-effect dials and a head-up display. The touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio. While it might be a stretch to reach the touchscreen, it can be operated via steering wheel buttons or a rotary controller on the center console. There is also a climate panel with haptic response and dedicated switches for quick access.
The spaciousness is highlighted by slim air vents that stretch across the passenger area and soft materials covering every surface, including door handles and quilted kneepads on the console sides.
The elaborate central console accommodates various functions, such as the 14.5-inch infotainment system controller and glass-topped gear selector. Hard buttons are minimized, with wireless phone charging and four USB ports available (two in front and two in the rear).
Seating
The GV80 comfortably seats five occupants, expandable with optional power-folding third-row seats. The front seats are supportive, with an optional massage function. Comfort seat packs are available, adding features such as laminated rear glass, electric rear seat folding, soft-door close and seat ventilation. Seating options include premium Nappa leather, and the Ergo Motion driver's seat offers 18-way adjustments and tailored support based on drive mode (comfort or sport). Ambient temperature control includes standard two-zone and optional three-zone climate control, with heated front seats as standard and optional heated/ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.
Further back, the trunk provides 735 liters (25.9 cubic feet) of luggage capacity in the five-seater configuration, slightly reduced to 727 liters (25.6 cubic feet) in the six- and seven-seat versions. When the rear seats are folded, the capacity increases to 2,152 liters (76 cubic feet) in the five-seat GV80, 2,144 liters (75.7 cubic feet) in the seven-seater, and 2,139 liters (75.5 cubic feet) in the six-seater. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, except for the Luxury Plus version.
Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, manual rear sunshades and customizable ambient lighting that changes colors based on transmission gear for enhanced safety.
Connectivity and infotainment
The Genesis Integrated Controller, with a concave touchpad, facilitates control of the infotainment display. It features handwriting recognition for navigation input, real-time traffic updates, augmented reality directions, and safety alerts like lane departure warning and forward collision notifications.
Genesis Connected Services allow remote control via smartphones, including door locking/unlocking and live vehicle information viewing. The instrument cluster adapts to driving modes and displays driver assistance alerts. A 3D option provides a lifelike instrument display and eye-tracking technology.
Driver assistance
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include remote smart parking assistant for autonomous parking maneuvers, reversing guide lighting, and road active noise cancellation technology. The latter predicts and counteracts noise using wheel-based motion sensors, enhancing the Lexicon audio system with 18 speakers, QuantumLogic surround sound and acoustic glass elements.
On the road
While the GV80 impresses with its classy exterior, luxurious cabin and advanced technology, these features are not unique. The thirsty engine lacks refinement and becomes strained under hard acceleration due to the car's almost 3,000 kilogram weight. The driving experience is somewhat firm, but it handles well considering its size and is enhanced by features like laminated side glazing, noise-canceling technology and a camera-controlled damping system.
On balance, this large and luxurious crossover competes well with its premium counterparts. Genesis aims to differentiate itself from German rivals by offering a unique ownership experience, utilizing online platforms and Genesis Studios for customer interaction. Personal assistants guide buyers through the process, and the GV80 comes with a five-year care plan package, offering warranty, servicing, roadside assistance and over-the-air software updates. Its rivals include the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5.
