The forthcoming 2019 Genesis GV80 is the brand’s first SUV, but definitely, it won’t be its last. The South Korean company launched three sedans in the recent period of time and now, Hyundai wants to expand in the crossover class with two vehicles, at least. Unlike the other brands, Genesis jumps in the SUV bandwagon with a full-size automobile.
The biggest attributes of the new model will be appealing exterior design, a premium interior with a decent tech and powerful V8 engine under the hood. Moreover, the price of the 2019 Genesis GV80 should be lower than the competition. The main competitors of the 2019 Genesis SUV will be the upcoming BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and the Cadillac Escalade.
2019 Genesis GV80 Exterior
The upcoming 2019 Genesis GV80 won’t drift too far from the familiar design. First, the Genesis will come with more sedan-like headlamps instead of the slender, twin-stripe headlamps. These elements will be significantly bigger with a swept-back design that continues toward the upper front fenders. Moreover, the new model will have slimmer chrome trim for the front grille and the upper section finished in the same color as the body. We expect that Genesis will also bring new honeycomb-like mesh.
The Genesis GV80 will come in two different versions: a standard SUV with slim horizontal stats and a Sport variant with a honeycomb mesh. The bumper will also see a significant amount of changes. Instead the organic looking side vents the new model will have a proper side intake. Also, the additional vent will be placed on the lower side of the apron.
2019 Genesis GV80 Interior
For the 2019 Genesis GV80, The Korean carmaker plans to come with the interior heavily based on a four-door vehicle. Considering the size of the new model, this SUV could borrow design cues from the G80 model. The sedan appearance is very stylish and modern, so this seems like the right path to follow. The dashboard will have a large wood veneer panel, which gives the whole cabin a premium and classy look.
In the center of the dash is a big screen, which helps the interior feels more driver-friendly. Also, the cabin comes with aluminum and chrome inlays, a multi-function steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster and elegant door panels with leather and wood veneer. The seats will be as comfortable as it gets, but the seating position will be slightly higher. In the back, there’s plenty of legroom and a very spacious trunk.
2019 Genesis GV80 Engine Specs
The new 2019 Genesis GV80 will probably use the company’s existing drivetrains. Genesis currently employs a spectrum of four-cylinder V6 and V8 engines, but he new GV80 will probably have the same engines like its sedan doublet. The bigger G80 has a 3.8-Liter V-6 that makes the most of a three-stage variable intake system, two-stage oil pump, the triangular fuel injection pattern, and air-gap exhaust manifold. This mill produces 311 hp at 6,000 rpm and 293 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
We expect that this powertrain should be powerful enough to push a large SUV to a solid performance. Furthermore, the second available powertrain option should be is the 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine. With a high-pressure direct injection, increased compression ration, a low-torque exhaust manifold the V8 produces 420 hp at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
2019 Genesis GV80 Release Date and Price
At this moment, we don’t have precise information about the potential price range of 2019 Genesis GV80. However, the Genesis needs to have pricing similar to the competition in order to stand strong on the growing market. The new model should cost less at first since the Genesis isn’t really as famous brand as Marcedes-Benz or BMW. The Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $70,000 and the Cadillac Escalade around $75,000. So, the new Genesis would be an attractive option at around $66,000.
Of course, if the new model comes with significantly more premium features and improved tech the price will rise. The release date is also one of the things that are difficult to estimate, considering the information we have. But, we expect that the new SUV of the South Korean carmaker is set to arrive before the autumn of 2019.
So, the new Genesis would be an attractive option at around $66,000. Of course, if the new model comes with significantly more premium features and improved tech the price will rise. The release date is also one of the things that are difficult to estimate, considering the information we have. But, we expect that the new SUV of the South Korean carmaker is set to arrive before the autumn of 2019.
2019 Genesis GV80 Competition
The main rival of the 2019 Genesis GV80 will surely be the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The current generation of the GLS was updated for the 2017 model year. This massive SUV brags with a slightly sportier design and more than enough tech upgrades, but the mid-cycle update isn’t exactly comprehensive. For the US market, the GLS is available in three different engine types.
The first one is a 3.0-liter V6 that can produce 363 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the GLS450. The GLS550 comes with a turbocharged V6 and this unit is capable to develop 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of twist. The third option is the AMG GLS63 which uses powerful V8 that burst 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. The price of the GLS in the States starts at $70,000. Also, the 2019 Cadillac Escalade will probably be one of the main competitors of the GV80.