First Official 2020 Genesis GV80 Images
We’ve received a number of spy shots that showcase the upcoming Genesis GV80, but all of the prototypes that we’ve seen thus far have been pretty well covered. Now that we’re looking at some official images, we’re quite surprised with what we’re seeing. First of all, we surely didn’t expect the GV80’s grille to be so large based on previous spy shots, but it does fall in line with other models the company has on the market. The front fascia is clearly what we saw on the prototypes while the headlights, somehow, mimic what we saw on the GV80 concept pretty well. There are a bit larger and all, but there are still thin strips that are integrated flush with the body – something that will make the GV80 one of the most modern luxury SUVs on the market when it launches.
The side profile is equally as impressive and a far cry from what we actually expected based on spy shots. The roof slopes downward in the rear, but not so much so that the GV80 becomes a coupe-SUV. The gently curved upper body line and gently elevating belt line gives the GV80 a unique while another body line near the side skirts gives it an aggressive touch.
The real cool thing to note here is how the headlights, fender vents, and taillights are all aligned to create a virtual body line of sorts. Unfortunately, Genesis hasn’t revealed shots of the rear end, but we do get a peak at the interior.
It actually looks like Genesis has managed to find the sweet spot between concept and production. By that I mean that the GV80’s interior isn’t quite as futuristic, but it’s closer to the concept than we get from most automakers. Take the infotainment screen, for example. On the concept, that baby was very long and even traversed onto the hump over the instrument cluster. That isn’t the case here, but the screen is still much wider than we expected. On the other hand, the HVAC controls actually look better on the production version than they did in the concept, and the long, thin vent that covers the whole face of the dash is a nice touch as well. The steering wheel is a dead ringer for what we saw in the concept, and it looks like the instrument cluster is all digital as well. there’s still a lot that we don’t know about the GV80, but it certainly looks like Genesis wants to steal some business from BMW and Mercedes, that’s for sure.
For what it’s worth, we tried to lighten these official photos, but unfortuantely, there was nothing extra revealed in the process. So, in this case, there are no secrets ready to be revealed under the shadows. Stay tuned for updates.
Spy Shots
October 27, 2017 – Genesis GV80 caught testing at Nurburgring
August 9, 2019 – Genesis GV80 Caught Testing As it Readies for Production
It’s been nearly 8 months since we last say the Genesis GV80 when it was playing in the snow, yet here we are looking at another prototype that is just as covered as the previous model. Is there anything new that we can spot? Well, despite all of that padding and blanketed nonsense, we did notice that this test mule is wearing production headlights. Not that we can make out much of them, but there are far from decoy lights. It does look like the rear end has been graced with production taillights as well, as they do resemble that quad head layout that we’ve been expecting. It’s covered quite well, but it does look like the production rear fascia is in tow and it has a sporty little lip at the very bottom.
We know that the GV80 will borrow cues from the GV80 concept last year and you can expect the body lines on the hood and doors to resemble that of the Genesis G80 Sedan. It is, after all, its taller cousin and will even feature the same powertrain choices throughout its production life. So, a 3.8-liter V-6, 3.3-liter Turbo V-6, and a 5.0-liter V-8 will be available for the taking. At this point, the GV80 should be ready to make its long-awaited debut as Genesis’ first luxury crossover; however, the amount of camo and padding sort of suggests otherwise. For now, we’re guessing that we may see the GV80 debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but Hyundai could hold off until the first few months of 2020 in which case the Chicago Auto Should would be a good possibility. The brand plans to sell its future SUVs like hotcakes in the States, so a hyped up debut in Chicago would be a good place to kick things off. Stay tuned for details.
January 25, 2019 – 2020 Genesis GV80 caught testing in cold weather
2020 Genesis GV80 Exterior
Note: Genesis GV80 concept pictured here.
Design-wise, the GV80 won’t stray too far from the concept, but expect some of the show car’s more extreme features to be left outside the production line. The first feature you should forget about are the slender, twin-stripe headlamps. While they look pretty cool would look out of place on a model SUV, Genesis will most likely go with a more familiar design. As seen in the rendering, I expect the brand to keep the lower LED stripes but replaced the upper units with conventional headlamps based on those seen on the sedans. Specifically, look for significantly larger units with a swept-back design that extends toward the upper front fenders.
Next up, I wouldn’t bet on the production car getting the same front grille as the concept. Sure, the shape and size will be similar, if not identical, but the big slab of chrome that extends into the engine hood won’t make it. Instead, Genesis will go with a slightly slimmer chrome trim, and an upper section finished in the same color as the body. What might make it into production is the honeycomb-like mesh. Just like with the G80 sedan, Genesis may offer two different versions of the GV80: a standard-spec SUV with thin, horizontal slats, and a Sport model with a honeycomb mesh.
Some changes to the bumper are also expected, and these are again visible in our rendering. Instead of the organic looking side vents, the production model will feature proper side intakes. An additional vent will be added to the lower side of the apron. Onto the sides, I expect the GV80 to remain similar to the concept car, but with a few changes. Specifically, look for less aggressive side skirts, conventional mirrors and door handles, revised pillars, a roof rack, and different wheels.
Around back, we should find changes similar to the ones seen up front. The slender, twin-stripe taillights will be replaced by larger units seen on almost all SUVs, while the bumper will have a more conventional design and an underbelly plate. There’s a big chance that the rear window will be redesigned as well for enhanced visibility.
All told, while it won’t be as fancy as the concept, the production GV80 will have the premium look needed to compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.
2020 Genesis GV80 Interior
Note: Genesis G80 pictured here.
The interior of the GV80 is pretty much a mystery at this point. Sure, we do have the concept’s cabin for a few ideas of what Genesis may offer, but it’s pretty obvious that the production model won’t have most features. We can also look at the big sedans for hints, but it’s not yet clear whether Genesis plans to do what every carmaker does in this niche nowadays. But if the Korean brand is to follow in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, we’re likely to see a GV80 with an interior heavily based on a four-door car. Given the size, the SUV could draw its cues from the G80.
The sedan feels stylish and modern, so this wouldn’t be a bad idea. The dashboard sports a big slab of wood veneer, which gives it a premium look, while a big screen in the center of the dashboard makes the cabin feel as driver-friendly as they get. Also look for similar aluminum and chrome inlays, a digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel and fancy door panels with leather and wood veneer. The seats should be just as comfortable, but the seating position will be higher. The center console will also be adapted to SUV needs, as in it will be wider and taller. The rear section should provide plenty of legroom and headroom in order to compete with the German SUVs, but the GV80 will also need a spacious trunk.
Note: Genesis GV80 concept pictured here.
As to what it may get from the concept, I’d say you should expect to find the long dashboard screen inside the production model. However, the SUV could feature a more modern instrument cluster with detailed information and maybe even the clean looking dash and center console surfaces.
Some of the concept’s materials could also make it into the production model as Genesis aims to offer a superior product. As a brief reminder, the concept showcased semi-aniline leather with quilted diamond stitching on the door panels, seating surfaces, and center console, as well as “architexture” suede on the dashboard. The center console and floorboards are made of ash wood, which is usually found in very expensive luxury cars. Needless to say, this layout would make the GV80 one of the most luxurious offerings in this niche.
2020 Genesis GV80 Drivetrain
Note: Genesis G80 engine pictured here.
Just like any automaker out there, Genesis is looking to share as many parts as possible between models, including drivetrains. If you haven’t figured it out yet, the GV80 will most likely use the brand’s existing engines. Genesis currently employs a range of four-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 units, but the GV80 will probably share engines with its sedan counterpart, so we need to look away from the 2.0-liter four-pot and the 3.3-liter V-6 in the G70.
The larger G80 sedan starts off with a 3.8-liter V-6 that utilizes a three-stage variable intake system, triangular fuel injector pattern, air-gap exhaust manifold, and a two-stage oil pump. The mill produces a solid 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 293 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm, which is enough to push a big SUV to solid performance.
The other engine option available in the G80 is the familiar 5.0-liter Tau V-8. Using a high-pressure direct injection, a low-torque exhaust manifold, increased compression ratio and upgraded multiple-injection mapping, the V-8 generates 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powerplant will be offered in the range-topping GV80, regardless of whether it will carry a “Sport” badge.
Both engines will mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission and don’t expect manual or dual-clutch options in the United States. Rear-wheel-drive will probably be standard on the entry-level model, but AWD will be offered as an option.
A third drivetrain of the green variety is possible, but there’s no word on whether Genesis will go with a plug-in hybrid or an evolution of the hydrogen fuel cell showcased in the concept car. There’s no specific data for “advanced plug-in hydrogen fuel cell” drivetrain in the GV80 Concept, but Hyundai is no stranger to hydrogen propulsion, already selling a version of the Tucson (ix35) SUV using this technology. And of course, it would be really easy to transfer fuel cell tech to Genesis.
2020 Genesis GV80 Prices
It’s difficult to estimate pricing without actual specs, but Genesis needs to keep pricing similar to the competition in order to stand a chance. Actually, unless it comes with significantly more premium features and tech than its rivals, it should cost a bit less at first since the “Genesis” badge lacks the brand cachet of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. With the Mercedes-Benz GLS priced from $69,550 and the Cadillac Escalade retailing from $73,395, the Genesis SUV would be an appealing option at around $66,000 before options. But needless to say, it could cost more.
2020 Genesis GV80 Competition
Mercedes-Benz GLS
The GLS is arguably the most important competitor the GV80 will have once it arrives, but needless to say, the Merc is a bit long in the tooth, and it may get a redesign until Genesis’ SUV rolls out. Introduced in 2012, the current-generation GLS was updated for the 2017 model year. The “GLS” badge was also introduced with the facelift, replacing the previous GL nameplate in Mercedes’ new naming strategy to associate SUVs with their sedan counterparts. Obviously, the “S” in the GLS stands for S-Class. The mid-cycle update isn’t exactly comprehensive, but the massive SUV boasts a slightly sportier design and just enough tech upgrades to keep it fresh. The GLS is available with quite the varied drivetrain lineup for an SUV this big. In the U.S. there are three choices, starting with a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in the GLS450. Moving over to the GLS550, it comes with a turbocharged V-8 that cranks out 455 horses and 516 pound-feet of twist. The third option is the AMG GLS63, which uses a beefed-up V-8 that’s good for a whopping 577 horsepower and 561 pound-feet. In Europe, a diesel model comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 255 horses and 455 pound-feet of torque. U.S. pricing starts from $69,550.
Read our full review of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade may seem out of Genesis’ league due to its massive design, but ignore the boxy body, and you get a luxury SUV that has what it takes to give the GLS a run for its money. The Escalade is actually much newer than the GLS, having been redesigned for the 2015 model year. While not exactly sporty on the outside, it’s roomy on the inside and features much of Cadillac’s latest technology. But unlike the Merc and the upcoming Genesis, there’s only one engine available, in the form for a 6.2-liter V-8. The massive EcoTec3 unit is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet, which might not be as powerful as some options from Mercedes-Benz, but makes the Escalade one of the few large luxury SUVs to still have a naturally aspirated engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission moves all that power to the wheels. Pricing for the Escalade starts from $73,395, which makes it the most expensive proposition in this comparison.
Read our full story on the 2018 Cadillac Escalade.
BMW X7
A brand-new nameplate, the X7 arrived in 2018 to give the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Cadillac Escalade a run for their money. Essentially a more massive version of the X5, the X7 sports design features of its own and boats the largest twin-kidney grille seen on any other BMW. It has a three-row configuration with plenty of passenger room and a trunk that can swallow up to 90.4 cubic feet of luggage when the second- and third-row seats are folded flat. You can pick between two engines in the U.S. There’s a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet and a 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of twist. In Europe, a 3.0-liter diesel sends 261 horses and 457 pound-feet to the wheels. Pricing for the X7 starts from $73,900.
Read our full review of the 2018 BMW X7.
Conclusion
It’s really difficult to draw a conclusion here with so many details under wraps. And while there are three Genesis sedans available as of this writing, none of them has been on the market enough to get a solid grip on how they’re doing in their respective segments. But needless to say, all three are appealing to look at and come with a comprehensive array of premium features, so I guess it’s safe to say that the upcoming GV80 looks good on paper. I will update this reviews once more information becomes available, so make sure you stick around for more.
References
Read our full review on the Genesis GV80 concept.
Read our full review on the 2018 Genesis G80 sedan.
Read our full review on the 2018 Genesis G70.
Update History
Updated 10/27/2019: Genesis is preparing to launch the GV80 next month at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Before that the car has been taken to one final testing session around Nurburgring.
Update 08/09/2019: The Genesis GV80 was caught testing on the road, eight months after its last sighting. Has anything changed since then? Check out our spy shots section below to find out!
Updated 01/25/2019: The upcoming Genesis GV 80 was caught testing for the first time. The model is supposed to be unveiled later this year, so stay tuned for updates!