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The 2021 Genesis GV80 is the new player in the midsize luxury market. Hyundai’s sub-brand will challenge likes of Lincoln Aviator, Lexus RX, Acura MDX… The Korean carmaker is growing in last few years, and the new Genesis branch is showing the company has the highest ambitions. After the success of Tucson and Santa Fe, this is a new chapter in the life of this manufacturer. In future, we can expect even bigger projects, such as all-electric SUV, or performance N model.
The GV80 is open for reservations. The price is under $50,000, which is something we expected to see. The SUV is based on the Hyundai Palisade, but it comes with a lot more advanced technology. The highlights of the new model are cool exterior styling with a huge grille as the centerpiece. Also, there are two different drivetrains to choose from. Turbocharged four and V6 are available. High-end models are packed with the most advanced features and the price of the 2021 Genesis GV80 can reach $70,000.
2021 Genesis GV80 Specs
The SUV is based on Palisade, but these two models are not sharing the same architecture. While Hyundai’s vehicle is FWD, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is a rear-wheel drive SUV. This is something new for the company, which also adds a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine as the initial offer. This powertrain is good for 300 horsepower. Engineers squeezed the maximum from this four-pot unit, but it still lacks 75 ponies compared to a V6. A 3.5-liter displacement is also turbocharged and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Another optional feature is an all-wheel drive.
In some markets, the 2021 Genesis GV80 will get a diesel unit. A 3.0-liter displacement is capable do serious damage. Turbodiesel mill can produce 275 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque. It is currently available only in its homeland, but the company will bring it to Europe soon. The appearance in the US is not likely. Instead, the company is working on a hybrid system.
Exterior and Interior
New styling is something we didn’t see before. Hyundai’s designers surprised everyone with practicality and options. The design is eye-catching and the highlight is a larger grille with the wing badge. Also, there are quad-lamps at the ends. Air vents are large, as well as the wheels. The offer starts with 19-inchers and rims will grow up to 22 inches. Some fans found similarities with other models in the same segment. The shape somehow reminds of Bentley Bentayga, with shades of Lincoln Aviator and Infiniti QX60. Well, the last one will be redesigned soon.
Inside, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is original and new. The overall impression is good and we believe there won’t be too many complaints about comfort. The design is clean and there are no too many details that will distract a driver. We can add this to the safety enhancements. A 14.5-inch display is the center of the dashboard. The combination of buttons and knobs are controls for most features. The GV80 is nothing like we’ve seen before. Fans expected similarities with other models, the G90 sedan in the first place. But, the SUV is unique and special.
2021 Genesis GV80 Accessories and Prices
There are three different trims available for the 2021 Genesis GV80. The base models with any engine configuration, will get the Standard Package. the company is not unveiling too many details, but this one is bringing electronically-controlled suspension system. Advanced package is a real deal. It costs $5,000 and adds heating for the second row, blind-spot monitor and 360-degree view camera. Interior is boosted with a premium audio supported with 21-speaker system. Between this and next package is Advanced+, which only adds power-folding third row.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 Prestige package costs $12,000 and builds the SUV up to $70,000 with all additional options. This trim brings the largest wheels available for this model, 22-inchers. Also, the cabin is quiet thanks to active noise cancellation, a system we can get with the latest headphones. The company also adds electronic limited-slip differential. Inside, the cabin is enhanced with the Nappa leather, 12-inch infotainment screen, ventilated middle row as part of the Comfort package for the second row, and power shades for side windows.
What’s Next?
Genesis presented the new model and introduced itself to the new market. The GV80 is just the first step. We already read about the next moves by the Korean company. It is not a secret that GV70 and GV90 are waiting in the queue. Test mules are caught in the streets, but no official statement has been made. However, fans won’t be tricked and larger and smaller models will be on the market soon to compete with other luxury vehicles, such as Toyota Land Cruiser, or BMW X3.
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