GV80: Nicely made by Genesis

The Genesis GV80 is an automobile of the more opulent kind that arouses curiosity and spoils with technology, performance and comfort. In terms of price, it stays within limits, at one point it exaggerates.

Up to now, anyone who wants to show others that they have achieved something with their car has usually avoided models from Korean manufacturers. But with the premium brand officially launched in Germany in 2021 genesis and the SUV flagship GV80, customers craving for recognition and demanding customers alike will get their money's worth.

What's this?

Whether it's the extra-wide Genesis lettering on the rear, shiny 22-inch wheels, plenty of chrome trim, the huge radiator grille or the sheer size - the GV80 stands out from other cars in several ways. Turning heads, filming mobile phones as well as questioning neighbors and passers-by are currently still constant companions for a GV80 driver. Is that an American model or even a new Bentley? Correctly classifying the all-wheel drive giant is difficult for many. This is also due to the fact that, probably not entirely by accident, it flirts a little with the flair of British luxury cars with its Cardiff Green paint finish and its powerful air vents in the front. But even when the curious are enlightened about Korean origins, a certain awe lingers.

Nicely done by Genesis
Inside there is not only a lot of space, but also a fine ambience and lots of technology

The propere SUV with chic leather worlds and a fine ambience also gives its guests the feeling of having arrived at the top. So there is plenty of space. No forced contact of the elbows at the front, no knee contact with the backrests of the front seats on the back seat, no annoying trunk Tetris, should the luggage be larger. If it's just a trolley or a shopping bag, it almost seems a little lost, as do smaller guests in the rear, which can be used in a variety of ways. The sober figures confirm the impression: between 735 and 2.152 liters can be loaded behind the electrically opening and closing flap.

Elaborate design for high demands

At the front, the GV80 enchants the driver in a sometimes amazing way. There is the digital cockpit, which shows classic round instruments with a chic 3D effect. In order to experience the three-dimensionality, the driver does not have to wear any special glasses. Instead, cameras constantly monitor where his eyes are, in order to give him the illusion of spatial depth on the display, which makes the instruments appear like finely crafted chronographs.

The extra-wide 14,5-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system, a head-up display in XL format and a smaller display for the air conditioning complete the digital excess. However, the operation of the many functions via different interfaces is not beyond doubt. As a driver, you have to stretch your right arm to make entries on the touchscreen. Alternatively, you can use the rotary pushbutton with touchpad function in the center console.

However, the control panel, which is pleasing to both the eye and the hand, does not always translate exactly what the finger is trying to command it into the display. Finally, an occasional slow-witted voice control also causes frustration. You should therefore bring some time to get used to it and, in some situations, a little patience. The connectivity technology, which enables uncomplicated coupling with the smartphone, which is supplied with power via induction wirelessly in a bowl, is clearly a good solution.

The GV80 is also easy to drive. A push of the start button next to the steering wheel brings a mighty R6 diesel to life. Its pithy, grumpy sound promises a high level of performance, which the almost 2,3-ton all-wheel drive vehicle also offers in abundance in almost all situations. With a big ship of this format, the diesel engine, which has been much criticized in the recent past, is still an attractive alternative, which is mainly due to the 588 Newton meters of torque, which is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission that changes gears quickly.

The sprint to 100 takes 7,5 seconds, a maximum of 230 km/h is possible, which can also be achieved quickly with a consistently tight pull. In view of the moderate wind noise and the road holding that inspires confidence at high speeds, you should always keep an eye on the speedometer if you don't want to be unintentionally speeding. The assistance technology can help, because thanks to traffic sign recognition, the distance cruise control automatically adjusts the speed not only to the vehicle in front, but also to the applicable limit.

Sporty optimized SUV

It is also advisable to check the speed display when turning and cornering, because occasionally you notice from a certain list that you are driving around the corner faster than you want. Despite the comfort-oriented nature and the high weight, the GV80 can be fun and quickly shooed through curves. A platform that is essentially designed for rear-wheel drive is helpful here, which, with power distribution to both axles and an electronic limited-slip differential, allows powerful acceleration without traction problems.

Nothing for environmentalists

Those who drive faster will easily increase their fuel consumption to double digits. With an average consumption of 8,9 litres, we only surpassed the WLTP manufacturer value by two tenths of a liter, but it is around two liters more than that of a Mercedes GLE with a similar performance anyway. The GV80 certainly doesn't deserve an environmental angel.

A lot of fine things and plenty of them is the motto of the GV80, which applies above all to the top luxury equipment we tested, which is offered in combination with the 3,0-liter diesel for just over 70.000 euros. In addition to a few individual extras, you can also order the recommended technology package for 4.300 euros, which includes the 3D instrument cluster, which is well worth seeing, as well as a head-up display and Autobahn Assistant II. The 85.000 euros rises to around 80 euros if you tick a few boxes. In view of what is on offer, this is relatively cheap compared to the even more expensive German premium league and the GVXNUMX is a typical Korean in this respect, which all in all offers a lot of car for the money.

Technical data

Four-door, five-seater luxury-class SUV; Length: 4,95 meters, width: 1,98 meters (width with exterior mirrors: not specified), height: 1,72 meters, wheelbase: 2,96 meters, trunk volume: 735 - 2.152 liters

3,0 liter straight-six diesel; 204 kW/278 hp, maximum torque: 588 Nm at 1.500 - 3.000 rpm, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, 0-100 km/h: 7,5 s, Vmax: 230 km/h, standard consumption: 8,7 liters /100 kilometers (WLTP), test consumption: 8,9 liters, CO2 emissions (WLTP): 224 g/km, emission standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: C, price: from 63.400 euros

In brief

Why: because Genesis offers more car for the money than the competition
Why not: because the age of electric cars has already dawned in the upper class
What else: Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX, VW Touareg

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