Genesis unveils new GV80 SUV

GENESIS has ripped the covers off its long-teased entry to the SUV market, the GV80, which first broke cover as the GV80 Concept back in 2017 at the New York auto show.

Tipped to arrive Down Under in the middle of this year, the luxury brand’s foray into the premium SUV market is set to offer up to three rows of seating atop a rear-wheel-drive platform, though buyers will be able to specify all-wheel-drive.

Genesis global executive vice president William Lee said the GV80 “will elevate expectations for excellence within the luxury SUV market.”

“Over the last four years, Genesis has established itself as a respected luxury brand with superior vehicle quality and a line-up of class-leading sedans with charismatic and discriminating style,” he said.

Visually, the GV80 – like its sedan stablemates – sports an almost domineering front grill, flanked by quad headlights and running lights while a purposeful looking, splitter-esque chin adds a hint of aggression and intent.

Adding to this impression of sportiness is a swooping roof and window line as well as sleek parabolic lines running down the side of the body.

According to Hyundai Motor Group executive vice president and chief design officer Luc Donckerwolke, GV80 allowed the company to expand its “definition of Athletic Elegance design language to a new typology, while retaining sublime proportionality and sophistication of form.”

Inside, the interior is minimalistic and notably free of clutter compared to other luxury vehicles with only a handful of buttons and dials to be found anywhere, one of which being the rotating, electronic gear selector.

With a key focus on minimalism and open space, the dash has been finished in classy looking brown leather while the centre console and door linings score splashes of woodgrain.

Pricing for the GV80 is set to be revealed, along with other key model details in the lead up to the vehicle’s Aussie launch later this year.