STUD or DUD? The Genesis GV80 Finally Does The FULL Monty — Are You Liking What You're SEEING?

STUD or DUD? The Genesis GV80 Finally Does The FULL Monty — Are You Liking What You're SEEING?
One of the worst kept secrets over the past six to eight months is the all-new Genesis GV80. Hyundai's luxury division did a pretty abysmal job of keeping this one under wraps.

With a slew of leaks, we've watched the GV80 come to life in a big way. And, today, we're finally learning more about the all-new Genesis nameplate.

2021 Genesis GV80

Revealed only in South Korea, the company is still keeping a lot of U.S.-specific details hidden under lock and key. We're not quite sure the reasoning for this but that's just how the cookie crumbles.

What you can see is more detail and features that should make their way to the States. I highly recommend that you watch the video below to get the full gist of what the all-new GV80 is bringing to the table.

There's a lot of cool features/neat little tricks this all-new Genesis can do.

All that said, I want to know: Are YOU liking what you're seeing? Is the GV80 a STUD or DUD?


2021 Genesis GV80




Genesis' press release follows:

GENESIS LUXURY FLAGSHIP SUV GV80 DEBUTS IN SEOUL

Jan 14, 2020

SEOUL, South Korea, January 14, 2020 – Today, Genesis officially launched GV80, its first sport-utility vehicle. GV80 introduces a variety of firsts for the Genesis brand, including a six-cylinder diesel (Not available in the US Market), electronically controlled suspension with road preview, and Road Active Noise Cancellation. The launch event and media test drive took place at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) west of Seoul.

“GV80 represents the essence of the innovative spirit of Genesis,” said William Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “As we launch GV80, our first luxury flagship SUV, we simultaneously open a new chapter for Genesis.”

The “V” in the GV80 marque represents versatility that only a Genesis SUV can offer. The production GV80 realizes the vision of the GV80 Concept first shown at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.

Athletic Elegance Takes New Shape

The GV80 SUV joins the lineup alongside the G70, G80 and G90 sedans with more than a common thread of design identity. The interior and exterior styling of GV80 was te result of a collaboration between Genesis Design studios located in South Korea, the United States and Germany.

“We enjoyed the challenge to apply ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language to SUV architecture,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “The precise proportions and attention to every detail denote that GV80 is authentic to Genesis design principles.”

Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on GV80, from every vantage point. The Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of GV80. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by power lines above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence. The Quad Lamps, which flank the Crest Grille, are made possible with sophisticated lighting technology.

“The Quad Lamp graphic will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity," Donckerwolke said. “Two lines will come to define Genesis.”

The G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light. The pattern also appears on the available 22-inch wheels.

The body structure of GV80 is enhanced with hot-stamped, high-strength steel, as well as lightweight aluminum used on the doors, hood, and tailgate that allow it to achieve competitive curb weight.

Luxury in Space

The interior of GV80 focuses on “the beauty of white space,” characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural philosophy. The concept of “luxury in space” defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with the G-Matrix pattern as a motif.

“We were able to express a luxurious feel for the interior of GV80 through reductive design and channeling the Korean roots of the Genesis brand,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Genesis Design. “The concept of the ‘beauty of white space’ is a hallmark of Korean design.”

The width of the interior of GV80 was emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment. A 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display sits front and center atop the dashboard. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use. In up-level variants, soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.

The ornate center control unit on the center console covers an electronic, shift-by-wire transmission base with dial-style shift. Handwriting recognition through the Genesis Integrated Controller helps users set a destination or enter data without having to operate a keyboard on the navigation screen—simply by using handwritten letters on the writing recognition control system.

A Mobile Oasis

All journeys in GV80 are intended to be as stress-free as possible, whether a commuting to the office or embarking on a weekend trip. In certain markets where equipped, augmented reality navigation utilizes virtual driving guidelines over actual driving images to help drivers recognize roads. Video taken by the front-mounted camera will be displayed on the infotainment screen, and the optimal driving path will be displayed in a virtual graphic so that the driver can drive along the route easily and accurately.

GV80 features the world’s first application of Road Active Noise Cancellation (RANC) technology, which dramatically reduces road noise while driving. Based on the science of digital signal processing, RANC overcomes the limitations of existing noise control technologies that rely on physical technology, such as materials and body structures, to quiet the cabin. RANC generates sound waves of opposite phases in 0.002 second by analyzing road noise in real time, dramatically reducing irregular, simultaneous road noise.

Another world-first technology is an active motion driver’s seat that contains seven air cells: a feature that reduces fatigue from long hours of driving. One-touch comfort control, adjustable from the front row, allows for limousine-level relaxation in the second-row seats. Heated and ventilated seats are available in the first two rows.

Innovation in Powertrain for Go-Anywhere Versatility

As an authentic Genesis, GV80 is based on a unique rear-wheel-drive platform; all-wheel drive is optional. GV80 will launch in the home market of South Korea with a Genesis-exclusive, 278-ps 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine. Maximum torque is 60.0 kgf.m (Not available in the US Market.). When equipped as a five-seat model with 19-inch wheels, the rear-wheel-drive diesel GV80 variant returns 11.8 km/l. Two turbocharged gasoline engines will be available in the GV80 in the US Market.

GV80 models equipped with all-wheel drive in the US Market will feature an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential at the rear axle.

Electronically controlled suspension with road preview, another Genesis first, helps provide passengers with optimal ride comfort by recognizing information on the road ahead in advance via the front camera.

Advanced Safety Is Not an Option

Like each member of the Genesis lineup, GV80 provides an unmatched level of standard active and passive safety systems, as part of a brand-level engineering commitment to passenger security and comfort.

“When it comes to safety, GV80 is designed not only to offer protection to its occupants in the event of an accident, but also from accidents from happening at all.” Biermann said.

GV80 features the following advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including several world-first technologies:

  • Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning (SCC-ML): A world first, SCC-ML advances the science and engineering behind smart cruise control. It is an artificial intelligence-based intelligent navigation technology that helps enable GV80 to independently learn the driving characteristics of its drivers and implement autonomous driving similar to that of human drivers.
  • Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II): This system helps assist the driver in a wider variety of situations than before, including lane change when the turn signal is used, and helping to merge in congested situations.
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): This system is able to help automatically bring GV80 to a stop in certain situations where there is a risk of collision with an approaching vehicle on the left or right side of the intersection. GV80 is also able to help detect potential collision risks, if a pedestrian is in close proximity to the vehicle while in motion.
  • Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA): BCA is essentially a Blind Spot Monitor with active capabilities. BCA helps reduce the chance of potential impact with a moving vehicle, upon departing a parallel parking spot as one example.
  • Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): This system uses rear side radar to help detect and prevent impact with obstacles.
  • Driver Attention Alert Warning (DAW): This system monitors the driver’s attention when driving, by analyzing driving patterns and behaviors, including intermittent steering and unnatural deceleration, through vehicle signals, such as steering angle and steering torque and vehicle position in traffic lane. A forward-looking camera monitors the driver and will generate pop-up messages and warning tones when fatigue or forward-looking neglect is detected.


GV80 also includes 10 standard airbags, including a center-mounted airbag between the front occupants to mitigate interior impact.

Next-Generation Convenience

GV80 leverages the Genesis brand wide commitment to service and convenience with industry-leading remote technology.

Genesis CarPay, a feature unique to the South Korean market, helps to simplify out-of-car payments like refueling. It is a simple in-car payment service that allows drivers to easily pay through the navigation screen without the hassle of separately using cash or a credit card.

Smartphone-enabled technology also allows GV80 drivers to remotely check on their vehicles and its surroundings.


 


2021 Genesis GV80




























runninglogan1runninglogan1 - 1/15/2020 5:46:50 AM
+5 Boost
I dig the interior. Exterior not so much.

Tons of features so should be a good value for those not obsessed with brand names.


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/15/2020 8:07:40 AM
-1 Boost
The interior is excellent looking but the exterior is ugly like a Bentiguan. The tail in heavy and droopy. This is DOA.


countguycountguy - 1/15/2020 8:43:01 AM
-2 Boost
Will make a decent rental.


mre30mre30 - 1/15/2020 10:04:22 AM
-2 Boost
Wow, slick video - its the Bentayga Bentley should have built and its the Infiniti QX60 that Infinity wishes they had.

Maybe Genesis should acquire Infiniti and rebrand their whole lineup as Infiniti's? That's basically what this is - a highly optimized Infiniti.

Love the "Bennetton" video cast - giving the diversity rainbow a big hug, only thing missing are LGBT's!

Love Girona, Spain which is where the video was shot - highly recommend a visit there - in Spanish Catalonia somewhat inland of Barcelona (my favorite European city).

Love the interior detailing.

Less successful - the 'droopy butt' styling that apes the Infiniti GX60.

Verdict - wild sales success in the Middle East and China, limited sales in Europe, growing sales success in NA.

If Genesis/Hyundai markets this aggressively it will sell in US - but nobody will find it otherwise. This is a product with a marketing/advertising payback and if Hyundai doesn't market it, the product's failure will be Hyundai's fault.

Still - maybe Hyundai should just buy Infiniti and build on their marketing - that would accomplish a lot and they wouldn't have to build the Genesis brand from scratch (which is what they need to do).


mre30mre30 - 1/15/2020 10:13:13 AM
-3 Boost
Infiniti US sales are down 21% for 2019 - 117,708 for CY19 vs 149,280 for CY18. CY 2017 sales were 153,415.

Background on Infiniti: "...INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of luxury automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.

The brand has been widely acclaimed for its industry-leading client services, having received the top overall ranking in the 2018 JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index and AMCI's Most Trusted Brand in the luxury segment, as well as its world's first driver assistance technologies and daring designs. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance..."

As Nissan implodes, the Infiniti division could be a smart (and cheap!) acquisition for Hyundai. Nissan is a disaster and I imagine there will be a fire-sale at some point.


DeutschlandDeutschland - 1/15/2020 11:17:28 AM
+3 Boost
The interior materials are really solid for the price point. It was criminally stupid they didn't launch the brand with an suv. In the end it may prove fatal.


Carmaker1Carmaker1 - 1/15/2020 12:13:11 PM
0 Boost
The Genesis brand didn't launch until 2015 (even though some earlier plans existed during 2000s).

The GV80 wasn't in development until that point, as a RWD Hyundai luxury SUV wasn't needed.

They already had a family crossover in the lineup (Santa Fe & incoming Palisade on drawing board).


jeffgalljeffgall - 1/15/2020 11:19:53 AM
-2 Boost
Missed the mark on utility demands the typical buyer looks for. The over the top luxury interior goes after the Bentley instead of mixing some utility/functionality that the X5/GLE/Q7/XC90 have. Buyers with kids will stear clear of this.


TruthyTruthy - 1/15/2020 12:27:21 PM
0 Boost
I like it, especially the interior and the fact it is based on a RWD platform. It is not a Kia dressed up, ala Cadillac/Chevy. It should drive well.
If you want more utility but the Telluride optioned up.


llaroollaroo - 1/15/2020 12:32:32 PM
0 Boost
nice interior but If I wanted to drive a Lincoln SUV exterior I'd buy one not a knock off...


222max222max - 1/15/2020 7:47:52 PM
+3 Boost
I like th exterior. Certainly prettier than that Hitler faced X5.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/15/2020 1:19:06 PM
+3 Boost
The major rival for this will be the Lincoln Aviator. The interiors of both cars is a draw. Both attractive. Both well laid out. I will assume both have decent material quality. Actually, they're almost identical to each other.

The difference will be the exterior. The Aviator is much more elegant and a better presence. The GV80 looks a bit frumpy.


222max222max - 1/15/2020 3:15:36 PM
+4 Boost
Pretty Impressive.


trboaccordtrboaccord - 1/15/2020 4:05:02 PM
+1 Boost
Basically a 1st gen Q7 with slightly different bodywork.. The radio looks like it was an afterthought and that steering wheel?? WTF is that thing!


1lostVW1lostVW - 1/15/2020 6:01:22 PM
0 Boost
1 Aston Martin DBX or a fleet of 3 GV80's... humm... since no SUV is a true thing of beauty, the Genesis is a viable option in the premium market... beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this GV80 is not eye watering ugly, so maybe it is a good thing for them to have in their line up.. certainly makes more sense to buy a reliable Hyundai with a fancy name than a overpriced, unreliable Aston Martin with a similar quality interior...


bnilhomebnilhome - 1/15/2020 6:54:31 PM
-2 Boost
The interior is nice for a premium hyundai but the exterior is a big miss. Most luxury buyers want to show off their car's exterior or the badge, and Genesis is not a badge-worthy company so it needed to hit a homerun with the exterior and instead they struck out.

I would still take a Telluride over this thing any day and pay more for a top trim Telluride over this.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 1/16/2020 12:46:02 AM
+1 Boost
Nice overall.
Exterior - areas that could be better:
Grill should be reduced in size by about 30%
Roofline and window treatment from the B pillar back could have been better.
Exterior - areas done well
Overall shape of the front 1/2 of the vehicle
Headlight design
Nice execution of the ubiquitous front fender vents
The body line rising up over the front fenders and running the length of the vehicle keeps it from looking bloaty and adds a sense of speed. It also integrates with the rear hatch area with a nice raised break line (8th picture down of the rear 3/4 view). Very good looking in this area IMHO. Very nicely done.
Nice trim tailgate and good tail light execution.
Exterior Overall A-

Interior - areas that could be better
Typical poor iPad thingy integration
Tweeters sit too low. Tweeters give most of the directional hearing queues and really should be on the A pillar in the font if possible.
Interior - areas done well
Steering wheel - normally I never like 2 spoke wheels but this one is nicely done
AC Vents, if large enough to cut noise look nice
Nice but nothing special center console
Good instrument panel
Interior Overall - B+


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