Genesis has just revealed its first crossover. The GV80 expands the luxury brand's lineup to include one of the most important segments in the industry, and while the North American version won't be revealed until the end of the month, this is what we've learned about the GV80 so far.
The company calls the model "a new chapter for Genesis," joining the company's three sedans. It shares a design language with the sedans, scaled up to give the crossover suitable proportions and elegance. The new and large Genesis grille links it to the new G90 sedan, along with the quad lamp headlights, a design that will be the Genesis signature.
“The Quad Lamp graphic will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity," said design boss Luc Donckerwolke. “Two lines will come to define Genesis.”
Inside, Genesis says the sleek and thin air vents emphasize wideness, as does the 14.5-inch infotainment display on the dash. Genesis says it chose to keep buttons to a minimum for aesthetics, though we generally prefer physical controls. On higher trims, at least internationally, every surface will see soft materials like quilted knee pads. It also has a rather unique two-spoke steering wheel that helps set it apart from other luxury rides.
While a diesel will be available internationally, Genesis says that two turbocharged engines will be available in the US. We'll assume the same pair here, but we're not sure which engines they'll be yet. We do know that AWD will be standard in Canada.
The GV80 will get extensive active safety features including smart cruise control with artificial intelligence-based navigation and machine learning so it can learn how you drive and drive itself the same way. Highway Driving Assist II adds lane-change assist with the turn signal as well as merging assist, and it will have a driver attention monitoring system.
With ever-growing crossover sales across the industry, this will no doubt be an important model for Genesis. We'll have more details, including Canadian specs, when the North American reveal happens later this month.
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