Genesis unveils its first-ever GV80 Coupe SUV for 2025, but it’s not what you think.
The GV80 Coupe is a sporty four-door SUV with a sloping rear roofline reminiscent of fastbacks. Contrary to popular belief, the term “coupe” does not equate to a two-door design when in the SUV realm. Instead, the term is more about the vehicle’s overall shape, design and purpose.
With that in mind, the 2025 Genesis GV80 Prestige seats five adults and delivers a range approaching 500 miles. My tester was powered by a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged, V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel driver is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In my mind, the GV80 is a crossover design that provides the utility and function of a SUV, yet maintains car-like mannerisms on road, pampering its occupants with luxurious creature comforts.
“The addition of the sporty Coupe to the GV80 family brings a new expression of athleticism and invigorating performance to the Genesis lineup,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Genesis Motor North America and president and global chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Company. “Both the new SUV and Coupe models bring refined performance and bold design to the portfolio, each with their own distinct character for customers to choose.”
The new Coupe distinguishes itself from the original with its aggressive, sporty design aesthetic. The main difference between the two models is the Coupe’s much lower, sloping roofline. Other distinguishing characteristics include 22-inch wheels with exclusive spokes, a unique LED lamp pattern, and a descending rear spoiler.
The interior of the new GV80 accentuates Genesis’ design ethos, while incorporating new technologies to create a sophisticated ambiance. A 27-inch piece of glass integrates the multimedia screen, exemplifying the harmony in the combination of a high-tech device with details with its horizontal layout.
Seamless design extends to the center fascia, with the touch-based HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system thoughtfully offers drivers with ease of control.The redesigned crystal-like Shift-by-Wire (SBW) ensures a comfortable grip.
Quality materials and design enhancements add to GV80’s overall elegance, with elements comprising of horn covers with the new Genesis emblem and available two-tone-colored steering wheels, an improved pedal design, and a center console featuring authentic materials.
Furthermore, Genesis has accommodated consumer needs with a redesigned wireless smartphone charging tray that enables more convenient charging and provides improved visibility of the phone while it’s charging, an enlarged console cup holder, and a knob-type volume/tune adjustment button.
All that said, my favorite feature were the heated, ventilated, and massaging leather seats. On a trip to Bellingham to visit one of our favorite restaurants – Mambo Italiano – I was almost lulled to sleep had it not been for the conversation of my wife and sister.
Completing the GV80’s mystique were driver assistance systems, airbags and parking assistance. The highlight is highway driving assist that uses adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to maintain a safe distance and position.
Other features include forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, parking collision avoidance, and remote smart parking that allows the driver to pull into a space using the key fob or smartphone app.
Base Price: $83,500
Price As Driven: $84,650
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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