Genesis GV80 Coupe: Luxury with a twist

What is it?

The newest addition to the expanding Genesis range and a direct challenger to some of the most defining BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

Genesis, for those who don’t know, is the luxury division of Hyundai Motor Group (in the same way Lexus is to Toyota) and it has been slowly but steadily building an audience in Australia. Sales were up nearly 85 per cent in 2023 and up more than 40 per cent in 2022, albeit from a very low base and only a fraction of what BMW and Benz sell, but progress is progress.

Genesis has begun to understand what its Australian customers want and is adjusting accordingly, with the GV80 Coupe joining as part of refreshed GV80 SUV line-up that features a more premium and customisable line-up.
The GV80 Coupe is a clear attempt to take on the likes of the BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe and Audi Q8 Sportback, with a swooping roofline on a large SUV to give it a sportier image, while still offering plenty of space.

Does it have any racing pedigree?

No, unlike most other luxury brands – BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc – that have used motorsport as an image builder and learning area, Genesis hasn’t hit the track yet. Hyundai Motor Group has teased a possible hydrogen Le Mans entry in the past and using the Genesis brand to take on the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and more would seemingly make a lot of sense…

READ MORE: Genesis GV70 review

It’s a nice engine, providing healthy but unspectacular performance, the kind of engine that luxury buyers will expect. Just don’t have too many expectations of performance, because this engine won’t shove you back in your seat, but it will get you where you need to be with a minimum of fuss.

How does it handle?

When Genesis first launched the GV80 Coupe Concept it was finished in a bright orange paint dubbed Magma, which has subsequently become the name of Genesis’ new performance sub-brand (which is likely but unconfirmed for Australia).

However, do not think that means the GV80 Coupe, with its more dynamic silhouette, is a performance SUV. This is still very much focused on luxury and comfort, rather than sharp handling and punchy performance.

Instead, the GV80 is loaded with technology, perhaps too much. The driving experience is filled with a seemingly endless array of beeps and warnings from the car’s numerous active safety features. It will beep to tell you what the speed limit is, beep to tell you you’re over the speed limit, beep to tell you to keep your eyes on the road and worst of all, beep to tell you you’re taken your eyes off the road to look at the warning you’ve taken your eyes off the road.

It’s an infuriating amount of beeps that really do detract from the driving experience. Yes, safety is good and I’m not suggesting we should remove safety systems (certainly the constant speed warnings is probably a good idea in heavily policed Victoria), but they must work correctly and in such a way as to not distract or unsettle the driver. You can turn these beeps off, but you must do it every time you start the car, but if that’s the solution then the systems have failed.

It’s a problem but there’s a solution, better calibration and hopefully Genesis (and Hyundai and Kia, which use the same systems) can learn and adapt in the future.

Where would you most like to drive it?

The GV80 Coupe is a nice luxury SUV but it isn’t the kind of vehicle that makes you want to head for the open road and enjoy it. Instead, it’s probably at its best every day, ferrying you where you need to be in a quiet, comfortable and relaxed manner.

That probably sounds like a harsh criticism but it’s not meant to be, it’s just where the strength of this particular vehicle lays and that will be what many people really want from their luxury SUV.

What’s the interior like?

This is probably the GV80’s biggest strength, with a dramatically updated interior that brings some genuinely impressive technology and design. The ‘can’t miss’ feature is the single 27-inch screen that sits proudly atop the dashboard. Rather than being two smaller screens within a singular panel to give the impression of a very long screen, this really is just one OLED display.

It looks impressive and has great functionality, with it able to display all the key information plus the augmented reality navigation (even if the safety system will beep at you if you look at it too much).

It sits behind a new, much better looking, three-spoke steering wheel (replacing the dated ‘80s-style two-spoke rim from the pre-facelifted model) and the overall look and feel of the switchgear and trim is high quality.

The GV80 Coupe has exclusive (real) carbon fibre inlays, while both the Coupe and SUV are available with a choice of nine interior colour options – you can choose from a range of standard leather colours and ones with contrasting stitching. The leather itself is good quality and finished in a diamond quilted pattern that adds to the premium feeling. For the SUV there’s four different inlays to pick from, including real wood.

There’s also a Bang & Olufsen sound system too, as well as smaller touches that add to the overall premium experience, such as a digital rear view mirror, a heated armrest and centre console box with a UV-C sterilisation system.

How much does the Genesis GV80 Coupe cost?

This is another major area of change, with Genesis Australia acknowledging that the vast majority of its buyers opted for the highest level of specification. That means a price jump, with more standard features available on the range. The SUV line-up begins at $130,000, which is a nearly $20k price jump ($19,800) from the previous entry price for the 3.5-litre turbo petrol model.

The new GV80 Coupe is priced from $136,000, which compares well against its most direct rival, the BMW X6 xDrive 40i which is priced from $144,900.

Would I buy one?

The safety systems regular chorus of beeps is a turn-off, but the level of luxury and customisation Genesis has added does make the GV80 Coupe an appealing proposition. It’s not the SUV coupe you buy for its dynamics, but for someone looking for a comfortable, relaxed and loaded luxury vehicle it will tick a lot of boxes.