{"id":155289,"date":"2020-11-06T14:09:51","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T19:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?p=155289"},"modified":"2020-11-06T14:36:59","modified_gmt":"2020-11-06T19:36:59","slug":"first-drive-2021-genesis-gv80","status":"publish","type":"reviews","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/reviews\/first-drive-2021-genesis-gv80\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: 2021 Genesis GV80"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The new Genesis GV80 is the brand’s first-ever SUV, setting the tone for the utes to follow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Genesis, the luxury brand spun off from Hyundai Motor Co., finally has filled the yawning gap in its line-up with the launch of its first-ever SUV, the GV80. Until now, Genesis has had to make do with three sedans.<\/p>\n

While they\u2019ve all been well reviewed \u2013 and the G70 named North American Car of the Year \u2013 that\u2019s just not a winning formula in a market where utility vehicle now openly dominate the market.The GV80 \u201cstarts a new journey for Genesis,\u201d suggested brand boss Mark Del Rosso.<\/p>\n

As TheDetroitBureau.co has reported, Genesis has several other crossovers, including the smaller GV70, due to join it next year as well as the brand\u2019s first all-electric offering still a few years out. How the GV80 fares in the near term could set the stage for whether Genesis can finally break through and pose a real challenge to more familiar luxury brands, such as BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.<\/p>\n

(Genesis offers closer look at GV80 \u2014 its first SUV.)<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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The GV80 platform is designed around rear-wheel drive but the SUV will get optional AWD, as well.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Overview:<\/strong> For Genesis, the GV80 is meant to be a game-changer, finally offering it an entry into the booming luxury crossover market. Roughly on a par with the G80 sedan, it will take on such competitors as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.<\/p>\n

The 2021 Genesis GV80 features bold styling, inside and out, lavish appointments and a pair of solid powertrain options. As with the rest of the brand\u2019s line-up, meanwhile, the new SUV has been aggressively priced, something that its key competitors shouldn\u2019t ignore.<\/p>\n

Exterior:<\/strong> The GV80 picks up on many of the design cues recently seen with the launch of the latest-generation G80 sedan \u2013 with which it shares its underlying platform. That includes an oversized version of the brand\u2019s \u201ccrest grille,\u201d framed by slit-like quad headlamps that also are set to become a Genesis styling cue. Twin character lines distinguish the body sides, with subtly flared wheel arches accenting the SUV\u2019s power.<\/p>\n

“… One of the more distinctive details is the quarter-window over the cargo bay with its almost S-Curve-like shape…”<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The overall look can be thought of as \u201cathletic elegance,\u201d suggests Luc Donckerwolke, newly named Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s chief creative officer. What we like about the design is that the GV80 isn\u2019t just another SUV amidst a widening sea of highline models. Yes, that massive grille is a bit over the top, but it somehow strikes a balance between upscale elegance and muscle car edginess.<\/p>\n

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Quilted seats and a larger infotainment screen give GV80 a decidedly upscale feel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interior:<\/strong> Here\u2019s where the 2021 GV80 aims to show it can stand up to comparisons with the best European competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE. There are quilted leather seats and plenty of subtle details like machine-knurled knobs.<\/p>\n

The dimensions of the GV80 almost make it a \u201ctweener,\u201d with a wheelbase of 116.3 inches, a length of 194.7 inches, and a 77.8-inch width that really pays off inside. The front seats are capacious and exceedingly comfortable on long drives, Genesis designers aimed to give passengers a feeling of width that carries over to the standard second-row bench. Captains chairs are optional, as is a third-row, though you\u2019ll sacrifice cargo space for a couple additional, kid-size seats.<\/p>\n

(Genesis reveals its second SUV, the GV70.)<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Powertrain:<\/strong> Genesis will offer the GV80 with a choice of two different powertrain packages: A turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four in the 2.5T model makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, reasonably impressive numbers for its size. The upgrade in the GV80 3.5T is a 3.5-liter V-6 that is also turbocharged and punches things up nicely at 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.<\/p>\n

Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic; and the smaller engine is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. The GV80 2.5T delivers 21 mpg City, 30 Highway in AWD trim, the 3.5T AWD cutting that down to 18 and 23. In rear-wheel-drive configuration, the 2.5T delivers 22 City and 32 Highway.<\/p>\n

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The GV80 picks up on key cues found on the latest G90 sedan, including the large Crest Grille.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We\u2019re waiting for preliminary factory times but a very rough estimate is around 6 seconds 0-60 for the GV80 2.5T AWD, the 3.5T coming in a second faster.<\/p>\n

Technology and Safety:<\/strong> Here\u2019s one of the places where the new Genesis crossover really shines \u2013 and where it could connect with younger, tech-oriented buyers. The ute uses a new take on active noise control that can cancel out road and engine noise. Those quilted front seats, meanwhile, can be ordered with what the Korean carmaker calls \u201cactive motion\u201d technology. Each contains seven automatically adjusting air cells and, Genesis claims, can help reduce driving fatigue.<\/p>\n

The instrument panel features not only a wide digital gauge cluster but a 14.5-inch touchscreen atop the center stack. The widescreen format has its advantages, starting with the ability to display several different functions simultaneously, such as a map and radio info. The downside is that it\u2019s not going to show you very much of what\u2019s ahead of you if you\u2019ve got the map orientation set so your car is always pointing up.<\/p>\n

“…Another neat feature is the Digital Key function that lets you operate the GV80 without even a key fob…”<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Instead, you rely on a smartphone app which can be shared with several other drivers. The SmartPark function, meanwhile, allows you to exit when dealing with a tight parking spot and have the car roll in on its own.<\/p>\n

An audiophile? You also can equip the GV80 with a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. They\u2019ll handle both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Surprisingly, Genesis hasn\u2019t added wireless version yet, nor a WiFi hotspot.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There are plenty of advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, such as smart cruise control, blind spot detection and semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist II. There also are 10 airbags, including one in the center of the front row to reduce the chance passengers will slam into one another during a crash.<\/p>\n

Driving Impressions:<\/strong> As with the rest of the Genesis line-up, we were impressed with the drive dynamics of the 2021 Genesis GV80. We spent most of our time behind the wheel of a well-equipped 3.5T all-wheel-drive package and found it to be extremely comfortable on Michigan\u2019s traditionally potholed roadways, the suspension readily soaking up all but the biggest bumps.<\/p>\n

While not quite delivering the spirited sort of handling you might find with the BMW X5, the Genesis SUV came impressively close under more aggressive maneuvering. And the fact that the turbo came on quick, with little lag and no apparent torque-steer were definite pluses.<\/p>\n

While the 5,700 pounds of the GV80 are a lot to throw around, the 2.5-liter turbo manages to do so with reasonable aplomb. The 3.5-liter package clearly has its advantages, however. And that includes not only the improved performance but the nicely resonant growl it makes when your foot is down to the floorboard.<\/p>\n

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The interior gets a “minimalist architectural” look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

(Genesis CEO Mark Del Rosso talks about the brand\u2019s future plans.)<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Wrap Up:<\/strong> As earlier noted, Genesis has positioned itself as a \u201cvalue\u201d luxury brand, much as Lexus and Infiniti did when they entered the market 30-some years ago. The GV80 isn\u2019t cheap, but it clearly has a price advantage when compared to competitors like the X5 and GLE with its starting price of $49,925 for the rear-drive version of the 2.5T. At the high end, expect to spend a bit over $70,000 for a lavishly equipped 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T in AWD. (Add another $1,025 to those numbers for delivery fees.)<\/p>\n

The reality is that, even at a somewhat higher price, the various GV80 models would stand up nicely against the competition. The Genesis line-up, as a whole, is impressive. But, in this crowded market, it takes a lot for a new entrant to really stand out. It\u2019s likely to take some time for the GV80 to carve out a niche, but it\u2019s a critical addition to the Genesis line-up in today\u2019s market. And it would be a mistake to ignore it if you\u2019re looking for an SUV in this class. The 2021 Genesis GV80 may be late in arriving but it is clearly worth the wait.<\/p>\n

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Genesis, the luxury brand spun off from Hyundai Motor Co., finally has filled the yawning gap in its line-up with the launch of its first-ever SUV, the GV80. However, after getting some time behind the wheel, TheDetroitBureau says it was definitely worth the wait.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":142205,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"category_reviews":[27,19,30],"make":[61],"post-state":[],"category_old":[118,150,151,123,131,299,168,231,163,132,284,125,120,139,128,291,278,288],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews\/155289"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reviews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155289"},{"taxonomy":"category_reviews","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_reviews?post=155289"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=155289"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=155289"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=155289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}