Genesis introduces GV80 luxury SUV

Genesis Motor, the luxury vehicle division of leading South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai, launched the GV80 sports utility vehicle (SUV) at an event held in Seoul. The car, for the time being, will be available only in South Korea. It would compete with other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 and will come in both three-row and two-row seating arrangements.

The GV80, according to Genesis, is a technologically advanced car. It sports a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The driver and the front passenger will have a number of systems at their disposal that includes an augmented reality navigation unit. The car is fitted with the Genesis Integrated Controller which is an advanced handwriting recognition system. It allows occupants to write down phone numbers and driving destinations, which the technology recognizes and then implements. These are the additions to the usual suite of applications found in most modern cars.

The GV80 borrows its styling cues from the 2020 G90 sedan with some changes. The oversized mesh-like grille sports the winged Genesis emblem. The headlight strips flank both sides of the grille and hold squared-off projector headlamps. The front fenders get a similar treatment.

The Genesis GV80 has an in-cabin noise cancellation system which monitors real-time road noise and emits a contra-sound wave to block it out. The car also has an automatic purification unit which monitors the air quality. The system gets activated when needed. The GV80 carries all current safety apparatus and driver-assist features. These include a system that monitors driver's activity and issues a warning when he/she becomes inattentive or gets a bit drowsy.

Genesis has not disclosed the powertrain details of the GV80. Industry sources suggest that the entry-level version of the luxury SUV will be hauled by a 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.5-liter diesel motor which produces 304 bhp. The car’s higher version is expected to be hauled by a 6-cylinder, 3.5-liter diesel engine which outputs 380 bhp. The latter version, Genesis claims, can reach 0-60 kmph in 5.7 seconds.

The GV80 luxury SUV is expected to arrive at dealerships soon with sales beginning later this month. The car will have its international rollout later this year.

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