Genesis GV80 flagship fine-tuned

IN A PUSH to gain more traction in the Australian premium large SUV segment, the Genesis GV80 flagship SUV has undergone a mild upgrade focussed on three areas: suspension, the interior multi-control selector dial and minor brake hardware changes.

For 2023, the full-size Genesis wagon now features a retuned Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) for six-cylinder variants. GV80 3.0D and 3.5T variants feature a revised tune for the ECS to deliver improved logic for enhanced refinement and comfort.

“The aim of the software changes was to better manage body control movements across certain road speeds,” said Genesis product development manager Tim Rodgers.

“The revisions don’t change the character of GV80, but in terms of body motion the SUV now feels a bit more tied down.

“The software revisions were applied to both normal and sport modes and bring improved wheel control as well as body control, while maintaining a premium feel overall.”

Both vehicles also receive a minor steering hardware change. The re-calibration is as a result of local tuning as is the case with many vehicles in the Hyundai stable.

Engineers carried out exhaustive local (Australian) testing and calibration to dynamics on Genesis GV80 to refine its ride and handling.

Taking customer feedback into consideration, the GV80’s Integrated Controller (GIC) dial between the front seats changes from a somewhat difficult to use recessed (concave) dial to a more tactile raised dial. The GIC controls the multimedia screen linked to many of GV80’s functions.

GV80’s handwriting recognition capability for front seat occupants, which lets users enter a navigation address by writing it on the central touchpad, remains a feature of the system.

On the outside, a cosmetic upgrade to GV80 centres on the rear brake calliper which now features colour coded covers and the Genesis wordmark. The update follows the standardisation of the upgraded front brake package at the 2022 model change.

Giving buyers more reason to put Genesis GV80 on their shopping list is what’s called The Genesis Difference which lets them enjoy effortless ownership with a comprehensive suite of services and benefits.

Included in the purchase price of every new GV80 are the following complimentary Genesis services: five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five-year complimentary servicing, five-year Genesis To You and valet service, 10-year and 24/7 roadside assistance and 10-year complimentary map updates.

According to head of Genesis Motors Australia, Connal Yan, the “subtle updates and refinements for our progressive GV80 SUV ensure it will continue as an enticing flagship luxury offering into 2023”.

“As well as delighting in the luxurious qualities of 2023 GV80, customers will also be treated to The Genesis Difference, which provides an ultra-convenient all-inclusive ownership experience,” said Mr Yan.

The GV80 is available with a choice of three powertrains with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

The 2023 GV80 is offered in five- or seven-seat configuration with a Luxury Package offered as an option across the range. A six-seat Luxury Package is available for 2.5T AWD variant and above.

Safety is bolstered in 2023 GV80 which has 10 airbags, including a front centre side airbag, and an extensive Genesis Active Safety Control suite of technologies, including a multi-function Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system, Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go and Machine Learning functions, and a Surround View Monitor (SVM) with 3D function.

There is a choice of three engines including a powerful and efficient 2.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol engine producing 224kW and 422Nm, a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel powertrain (with 204kW/588Nm) that brings an appealing combination of torque and economy, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 powertrain producing 279kW and 530Nm paired exclusively with an electronically controlled Genesis AWD system including an electro-mechanical Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) on the rear axle.

The 2023 GV80 line up opens at $92,200 (MLP) with an optional Luxury Package offered at $10,500 and a six-seat Luxury Package for AWD variants at $13,500.

2023 Genesis GV80 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.