TESTED: Genesis GV80... The pinnacle of modern luxury

At a glance, the GV80 is quite understated. That is until you look harder and you realise how beautiful it actually is.

The 2023 GV80 is Genesis’ contender in the large-scale luxury SUV market, competing with the likes of Mercedes, BMW, and Range Rover. While Genesis may not have years of brand heritage under its belt, it’s refreshing to see a modern design not based on anything I’ve seen before. In addition to the serious level of luxury this car brings to the table, it packs some impressive driving technology inside and under the bonnet.

Styling

The GV80 takes its styling cues from the Bentley Bentayga but omits the “elderly catered luxury” reputation Bentleys often hold. While the overall shape is quite sophisticated, it’s the Genesis logo design motifs (seen in the grille and exhaust pipes) which truly make it a modern luxury car. The fat tyres and 22inch alloy wheels give the GV80 some serious road presence comparable to that of a car twice its size. The flowing body lines and wide wheel stance provide the GV80 with a confident and capable feel, especially in challenging conditions. The GV80 is legitimately head-turning; as I’ve been reviewing it for the past week, three people have approached me in public and asked who makes it and where they can get one.

Interior

Stepping into the GV80 delivers a luxurious amount of disconnect from the outside world. Genesis has gone for a mostly buttonless interior layout opting instead for a 14.5inch touchscreen which controls most of the car’s features and directly engages you in the driving experience. The cabin features open-pore wood trim and soft quilted Nappa leather massaging seats making long drives something to look forward to. The finished metal buttons give the GV80 a real quality feel and make using the car a relaxing experience.

The rear passengers also have a variety of luxury features, including induvial climate controls, heated and cooled seats, and electronically reclinable backrests (Or, as Genesis calls it, “relax mode”). The GV80 also has 3rd-row seating, which I found was only good for children or small adults.

Driving, Performance & Technology

Driving the GV80 is a truly unique experience. The powerful 3.6-litre turbo petrol V6 produces 279kW and 530Nm of torque and feels quite comfortable at high speeds. I would recommend this engine spec if you’re alright with the heightened fuel consumption. I found that the GV80 puts down its power almost instantly and makes overtaking effortless. The GV80 can also be equipped with a 2.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder or a 3.0-litre diesel engine. The adaptive control suspension gives the GV80 a smooth ride and adapts to any conditions it detects. The GV80 also comes standard with several driver assistance features, such as Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control, which delivers an unproblematic and relaxing driving experience.

The large centre screen comes with Genesis’ intuitive infotainment software and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The interface took a bit of getting used to, but it is very convenient once you get familiar. The digital driver's display and heads-up display show everything you need to know while driving, such as navigation directions or relevant speed information. They can also be used to adjust the driver assistance features.