At an event earlier this week in Los Angeles, the Genesis brand unveiled a revamped GV80 crossover plus a production version of the GV80 Coupe which jumps on the bandwagon occupied by cut-roofed rigs like the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe.
There’s nothing on this vehicle to warrant the word coupe, of course – at least not in the most traditional sense of the word. But if we accept that etymology does indeed progress over time, these style crossover vehicles whose shaved rooflines produce a machine which have a whole lot more sport than utility are indeed ‘cut’ to a degree, which is a word that does have French linguistic roots in coupé.
But we digress; back to the cars. The GV80’s fresh front end includes a newly designed two-line crest grille which plays well with those signature two-line headlamps, a styling cue that’s spread across the Genesis lineup with successful results. Larger air intakes, a skid plate of sorts, and new brightwork down the flanks set this one apart from last year’s car. Around back, exhaust tips are tucked in the bumper while body-colored lines tie it all together.
Switching to the GV80 Coupe, it also gets similar front end treatments (hooray for economies of scale!) but, when viewed from the side, there’s a definite arch-shaped parabolic line which denotes this one as the sleeker of two brothers. Intended to be the expressive choice, Coupe variants get their own wheel designs including a 21-inch honker.
A revamp continues inside. The Coupe gets a two-tone D-cut steering wheel and available carbon garnish patterns plus seat upholstery designs unique to the Coupe. The GV80 shown here is boasting a 27-inch-wide OLED display that integrates the multimedia screen complete with touch-based ventilation controls, though at least there is a real dial for audio volume. Thank you. The crystal-like gear selector was given a rethink and you can be sure the material quality will remain high.
The GV80 SUV will be available with one of two powertrains – a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four making 300 horsepower or a 3.5-liter twin turbo belting out 375 ponies. The GV80 Coupe will also offer two engine choices, though one of them is the 3.5L twin turbo with 48V electric supercharger appended to its block to make 409 horses. Guess which one we like.
Further details regarding the upcoming 2025 GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe’s availability in this market, measurement specifications, and pricing will be announced in next year.
[Images: Genesis]
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