The new Genesis GV 80 SUV has been fully revealed ahead of a local arrival in mid-2020.
Design-wise, the GV80 gets a massive crest grille flanked by quad lamps, parabolic sidelines and power lines above each wheel.
Genesis is keen to point out the level of sophistication present in the GV80’s lighting package. “The G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light. The pattern also appears on the available 22-inch wheels.”
The body structure of GV80 makes use of hot-stamped, high-strength steel, as well as lightweight aluminium used on the doors, bonnet, and tailgate to deliver a competitive kerb weight.
On the inside, Genesis says the width of the car has been emphasised by the thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment, along with the 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display that sits at the top of the dashboard.
It’s a minimalist layout with a limited number of hard buttons and switches. There are also soft-touch materials covering “every surface”, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.
The gear selector is a dial-style shifter, similar to the one used in Jaguar and Land Rover products.
The brand’s Integrated Controller features handwriting recognition that assists users to set a destination or enter phone numbers without having to operate a keyboard on the infotainment screen. This has also been done before in Audis and BMWs.
Genesis has packed the car with plenty of new tech including an augmented reality navigation system that uses virtual driving guidelines over actual driving images to help drivers recognise roads.
According to the company “video taken by the front-mounted camera will be displayed on the infotainment screen, and the optimal driving path will be displayed in a virtual graphic so that the driver can drive along the route easily and accurately.”
Genesis also claims the GV80 features the world’s first application of Road-Noise Active Noise Control (RANC) technology, which dramatically reduces road noise.
Another world-first technology is an active motion driver’s seat that contains seven air cells which apparently reduces fatigue from long hours of driving.
There’s also a clever air purification system that automatically operates according to indoor air quality, through an in-vehicle fine dust sensor. “Active air purification with dual filters monitors the in-vehicle air quality in real time, and removes 99 per cent of fine particulate matter, which maintains a clean and fresh cabin environment.”
Genesis has confirmed it will deploy a six-cylinder diesel engine for the first time, it will be a new 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six developing around 205kW and 590Nm.
An entry-level 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit producing something in the vicinity of 225kW is also likely to be offered Down Under, along with the new 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 which should deliver approximately 285kW.
The V6 engine is a new version of the 3.3-litre unit currently used in the Genesis G70 and Kia Stinger.
Depending on the spec, an eight-speed automatic transmission will send the power to the rear or all-wheels.
GV80 models equipped with all-wheel drive will feature Multi-Terrain Control with Sand, Mud and Snow modes. There’s also an electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear axle.
When it comes to safety, smart cruise control with machine learning, lane-change assist, lane-keeping assist and active blind-spot collision assist are all included. The GV80 also includes 10 standard airbags, including a centre-mounted airbag between the front occupants to mitigate interior impacts.
Genesis Australia expects the GV80 to arrive mid-year. At this stage, buyers wanting a test drive will need to visit the brand’s studio in Sydney. Local specs and pricing will be confirmed in the lead up to the GV80’s launch.
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