2021 Genesis GV80 Preview
In the last 10 years, Genesis has gone from being the name of a Hyundai model to the moniker of a full-fledged luxury brand that can compete with the usual stalwarts such as Cadillac, Lexus, and Audi. There are now three very competitive sedans with the brand name: the compact G70 which directly competes with cars such as the BMW 3-Series, the midsize G80 which is an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the full-size G90 which is a suitable option for those who want something different from a Lexus LS. With the GV80, Genesis is taking full aim at the ever-growing (and profitable) midsize luxury SUV segment, dominated by vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Lexus RX, and BMW X5.
A major benefit of the GV80 is that it doesn’t look like any of its competitors, making onlookers believe the GV80 is more expensive than it actually is, never a bad thing for customers in the segment. On the inside, there are thin air vents that run across with a 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display. Available quilted Nappa leather makes the cabin a nice place to be, and on par with other midsize luxury SUVs. Those looking to lug around extra people in a pinch can specify a power folding third-row seat.
There are two engines to choose from, a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6. Four-cylinder-equipped GV80s are available with the choice of rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive while V-6 vehicles are AWD-only. To enhance comfort, an available Road Preview feature utilizes the front-facing camera to analyze the road ahead and then has the electronic suspension automatically adjust suspension damping for a smoother ride.
For additional comfort, there’s a 16-way, power adjustable, Ergo Motion Driver’s Seat that can adjust bolsters whether you’re just driving down the highway or doing some spirited canyon carving. Furthermore, the GV80 offers a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system as an option. To ensure the cabin provides a pleasant experience, acoustic glass in the windshield and front doors come standard
Genesis has also given the GV80 some standout features for its segment. There is a front center airbag located between the driver’s seat and center console, designed to keep the front passengers from colliding with each other or other components. In addition, the GV80 uses machine learning technology as part of its driver-assistance systems to learn the driver’s behavior well enough so that the smart cruise control and highway driving assist systems can act as the driver normally would when the features are activated. Furthermore, there’s also a 3D instrument cluster that can recognize the driver's eyes along with a Remote Smart Parking Assistant that enables the GV80 to park in narrow spaces without the driver or any passengers inside.
Overall, we’re interested to see how the GV80 does against the established players in the segment once it goes on sale. If the response to the G70 is any indication, it will likely shake things up and further extend the reach of Genesis. As the GV80 has the usual features that other luxury SUVs offer, as well as some equipment not offered on the others at any price, such as the 3D instrument cluster and the front center airbag, people taking delivery of their new GV80 in the coming months may not come home disappointed one bit.
