Refreshed Genesis GV80, All-New GV80 Coupe Unveiled in Korea

Published on September 27, 2023 in New Models by Guillaume Rivard

Genesis today unveiled a refreshed GV80 as well as the production variant of the GV80 Coupe Concept first seen in New York last spring. Following their global premiere, both are expected to debut in North America later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Hyundai’s seven-year-old luxury brand reached a major milestone last week with the sale of its one millionth vehicle globally. The GV80 accounts for more than 170,000 of those.

The midsize luxury SUV is getting a mid-cycle update starting with a redesigned front grille featuring a slightly smoother contour. Designers have also tweaked the two-line headlamps, although only a keen eye will be able to appreciate the difference.

Photo: Genesis

Larger air intakes and a wide skid plate on the front bumper make the GV80 look a bit more rugged. New chrome trim extends seamlessly through the sides, where two reinvented wheel designs are available (20 or 22 inches in size). Storr Green is a fresh addition to the colour palette, while the exhaust tips in the rear are now hidden for a cleaner appearance.

Inside, the evolution is admittedly more striking. The GV80 gets a completely new dashboard with a 27-inch OLED digital interface for the instruments and audio/navigation. There are touch-based HVAC controls below and a redesigned, crystal-like gear selector further down.

Photo: Genesis

Furthermore, Genesis has accommodated consumer needs with a redesigned wireless smartphone charging tray, an enlarged console cup holder and a knob-type volume/tune adjustment button. Oh, and the GV80 comes in a choice of five interior colours including three new ones: Earth Brown, Bordeaux Brown and Glacier White.

Sportier GV80 Coupe

German automakers love their coupe-style SUVs and enjoy quite a bit of success with them, so Genesis is jumping on the bandwagon with the new GV80 Coupe. It’s a sportier-looking model that stands out with an expanded air intake up front and low, sloping roofline in the rear.

Photo: Genesis

Though the same size as those of the regular GV80, the wheels feature a unique design. Ditto for the taillamps. A two-piece spoiler sits at the top of the rear liftgate and an integrated spoiler can be found below, adding to the vehicle’s athletic silhouette. Over a dozen exterior colour options are available including the exclusive Bering Blue.

The interior is obviously similar to the refreshed GV80’s, except for a few distinctive elements such as the flat-bottom steering wheel, unique carbon accents and coupe-exclusive patterns and stitching for the seats. Metal accents were added on the brake and accelerator pedals. The rear seats have a reclining functionality to increase space and comfort. As for cargo, Genesis hasn’t specified the volume in the trunk, but a foldable luggage shelf is available.

Photo: Genesis

New Twin-Charged V6

While the GV80 retains its turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines producing 300 horsepower and 375 horsepower, respectively, the new GV80 Coupe offers a third option under the hood, namely a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 paired with a 48V electric supercharger. Output amounts to 409 horsepower, while peak torque is 405 lb-ft. The twin-charged engine also improves throttle response at low and medium revs.

With Active Sound Design, drivers can replicate the sound of a “large-displacement sports coupe's exhaust,” Genesis says. We’ll see about that. The GV80 Coupe also gets a Sports+ mode, launch control and extra data on the instrument cluster. What’s more, brake pedal responsiveness can be adjusted with the Flex Brake feature.

Photo: Genesis

As mentioned up top, a North American debut is expected to take place by the end of the year, so keep in touch to learn more about the Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe.

Watch: 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 Review

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