The Genesis GV80 turned out to be a pioneering model. First, it is the first vehicle of the South Korean brand to offer 22-inch wheels in the top trim (simpler versions get 19- and 20-inch wheels). Second, the crossover received an unusual airbag: it deploys between the front seats, preventing the driver and passenger from colliding. The GV80 has a total of ten airbags. Third, the model debuted the RANC (Road-noise Active Noise Control) active noise cancellation system for the cabin.
In terms of dimensions, the new model is comparable to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE: the GV80 is 4945 millimeters long, 1975 millimeters wide, 1715 millimeters high, with a wheelbase of 2955 millimeters. The body is made of steel, while the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum to reduce the weight of the structure.
In South Korea, the GV80 will be offered with rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch for connecting the front axle and an electronically controlled rear differential. The Genesis GV80 comes standard with a coil-spring suspension, and for an extra cost, you can order a version with adaptive dampers that adjust stiffness depending on the road surface (the system analyzes data from a front camera that scans the road ahead).
At the initial stage, the crossover will hit the market with a sole three-liter turbo diesel producing 278 horsepower and 588 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Later, the engine lineup will be expanded with gasoline units of 2.5 and 3.5 liters, producing 300 and 380 horsepower, respectively.
Inside, the Genesis GV80 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch multimedia system display. Additionally, there is a head-up display, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a driver monitoring system with an interior camera that tracks facial expressions, as well as ventilation and power adjustments for the second-row seats. In South Korea, the model is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, with prices starting at $57,000 and $60,000, respectively.
