2020 Genesis GV80 SUV. 1st generation
The Genesis GV80, a mid-size five-door luxury SUV, is the latest model by Genesis to hit the market in 2020. If you try to describe the GV80 in one word, it will be ‘thoroughness’, as any element of the vehicle was thoroughly elaborated. Therefore, the GV80 SUV easily competes with such trendsetters as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX and Mercedes GLE.
Design
The exterior of the 2020/2021 Genesis GV80 is designed in accordance with the Genesis brand’s signature concept, called the Athletic Elegance. But this model is primarily distinguished by its elegance and luxury rather than its sporty qualities. The vehicle is suitable for any situation, but is more appropriate for long journeys and comfortable driving in the off-road conditions considering the equipment and level of comfort. In terms of riding style, the GV80 can be compared to the Lincoln cars of the 60s, soft, ultra-comfortable, stylish barges for endless highway rides that are never boring.
The vehicle is suitable for any situation, but is more appropriate for long journeys and comfortable driving in the off-road conditions considering the equipment and level of comfort.
The new GV80 is the brand’s latest model, and the automaker has applied all of its best practices to its development. This SUV perfectly embodies the recognizable design of the Genesis brand. Everything, “from soup to nuts”, is impeccably calibrated and precise. The famous radiator grille no longer looks like an attached shield, but is molded into the overall structure, while the body line from all sides is perfectly balanced, and the windows provide maximum visibility and light saturation of the interior, at the same time the SUV does not look like an aquarium. Design has remained a major competitive weapon and a technological breakthrough.
Interior and options
The interior of the 2021/2022 Genesis GV80 is the most luxurious of all Genesis models, fully complying with the corporate concept of Genesis, called the Beauty of White Space. At the same time, it is the most minimalistic of all. Minimalism is a new trend within the Beauty of White Space.
As a premium SUV, the GV80 is packed with options, features and technologies. At the top of the dashboard is a horizontal 14.5-inch touchscreen, as well as an 8-inch digital display with an instrument cluster. One interesting feature of this display is that it can display 3D navigation prompts. As for less advanced options, the standard ones include:
- full-fledged navigation system;
- 19-inch alloy wheels;
- motor operated rear door;
- heated front seats;
- 12-speaker sound system;
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions and much more.
The interior of the 2021/2022 Genesis GV80 is the most luxurious of all Genesis models
The front seats have a massage function, the standard second row seat can sit up to five passengers, and a third row is optional. Genesis does not present the cargo volume as an additional advantage. However, according to people who measure the world in suitcases, the GV80 can standardly accommodate 28 medium suitcases behind the folded second row seat. Who else needs 28 suitcases behind the back seat? Not me. By the way, apart from the Standard version, the GV80 offers two more versions: Advanced and Prestige. They differ by the trim level and some additional options.
Engines and chassis
The Genesis GV80 SUV can be rear or all-wheel drive. There is a choice between a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 375 hp. All of them are accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
The GV80 safety system is based on the Genesis brand’s own design of the body and supporting platform and a large number of advanced safety options, including:
- adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode;
- automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection;
- lane departure warning system with lane keeping assist;
- forward collision risk reduction system;
- lane keeping assist system;
- blind spot monitor and more.
But, as proven by the famous ‘crash-tester’ of luxury cars and part-time golfer Tiger Woods, the Genesis design is extremely successful, with the interior of the vehicle being especially durable. He also found that the most efficient safety means were still airbags and seat belts, and the GV80 can offer a complete package of those.
Summary
The new Genesis GV80 is a luxury SUV for long and comfortable journeys. You can find flaws in any car, but it is difficult to find flaws in the GV80. For example, the classic steering wheel may not seem up-to-date enough to some people, but it seems to be intentional, reflecting the essence of an SUV, being a vehicle for adults.
Plus, the soft suspension of the SUV will seem unusual to some people, but it corresponds to the tasks of this particular model, as a comfortable means of transportation over long distances. The GV80 successfully continues the Genesis brand’s course of creating cars that are equally good on the highway or near the palace.
