Big Genesis GV80 SUV gets sporty GV80 Coupe variant, and a facelift

Genesis has revealed a mid-life update to its GV80 SUV, coinciding with a brand new GV80 Coupe body style also joining the range. Both cars feature a selection of new elements, including tweaked engines and a totally redesigned interior, intended to bring the luxurious SUV right up to speed against rivals from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. 

The new GV80 SUV has picked up only subtle exterior revisions including a new set of LED headlights, a subtly reshaped grille and fresh lower bumper designs both front and rear. There’s also a new set of 20- and 22-inch alloy wheels, plus a refreshed colour range. 

The Coupe, however, features more substantial changes, including its own bespoke front and rear bumpers with a more dynamic appearance. Its fundamental body is also all-new, with a typical sloping roofline associated with the coupe SUV genre. At the rear, similar twin-prong lights sit above an integrated lip spoiler, helping the model achieve a more dynamic stance. Like with the SUV, there’s the option of either 20- or 22-inch wheels, each with their own unique designs. 

Inside, the same completely redesigned cabin is shared between both models and features a new dash and centre console supporting an impressive 27-inch OLED display. This new screen combines the functions of both the driver’s display and infotainment system, with sharper graphics and a heavily revised user interface. The physical air-conditioning controls are still mounted within its own digital display, and sit above a new centre console that features the same rotating crystal ball gear-selector as found in the GV60 EV. 

As well as new design elements, the GV80’s interior also picks up some of Genesis’s latest tech, including finger-print recognition to open and start the car, plus a digital rear-view mirror, heated armrests and even a UVC disinfection tray for your mobile phone in the centre console. 

Genesis has confirmed the SUV variant will feature two turbocharged petrol options, dropping the V6 diesel option on the facelifted range. The entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is rated at 300bhp and comes with 422Nm of torque. Above this sits a higher-spec 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo, producing 374bhp and 529Nm, both being connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and available with all-wheel drive. 

The Coupe model also offers a further top-spec powertrain option, adding a 48V mild-hybrid and electric supercharger to the twin-turbocharged V6, lifting those outputs to 409bhp and 549Nm. Rather than adding lots of extra power and torque into the system, the electric supercharger is instead chiefly designed to improve engine response, helping to build boost pressure at low-rpm. 

Genesis has not confirmed European pricing or availability for its SUV pair, but the absence of European-friendly diesel or plug-in hybrid engine options is a clear indication of the model’s focus on overseas markets.

Now read our review of the Genesis GV70...