Car Review: Luxurious 2025 Genesis GV80 Begins New Chapter

EAST HADDAM, CT – The Genesis GV80 is aptly named because this luxury utility opens a new chapter within the narrative of fabled upscale competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Like the later evolution of Lexus, truth might end up being stranger than fiction when it comes to this South Korean automaker’s ultimate aspiration.

Genesis was established by Hyundai as a luxury brand here in 2015 and has accelerated in fits and starts ever since. This new beginning was initiated to provide premium product at a bit more of a mainstream price. It’s an old marketing strategy that essentially gives a manufacturer the opportunity to enter a segment by buying share. 

The trick is to ensure that the end product over delivers by providing utmost value and delight; so much so that while the pure purchase price is, of course, critical, other attributes begin to ascend and start driving buying intention.

Such elements as style, practicality, comfort, ownership experience and more cause mindshare shifts from just cost to complete consideration. 

That’s the way it worked with Hyundai cars and crossovers, which have now advanced as direct competition to the industry establishment. No excuses or discounts required (anymore) because these solid citizens earned their entre and are now selling in record numbers. 

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But the Genesis luxury offensive has been somewhat different. It’s been stymied by a lack of retail representation commensurate with its position as a premium contender. Just as you don’t go to Walmart to buy a Rolex watch, prospects here don’t want to shop for something like a GV80 among aisles of commonplace Elantra sedans.

So the challenge of “What is it?” and “Where do I buy it?” has overshadowed the demonstrated reality that “The proof is in the product” – which is indeed the case with the GV80. While the Korean company lacks the heritage of Mercedes and BMW, obviously, at least Genesis has finally started to establish model-exclusive, standalone dealerships in Connecticut. 

When it comes to the large-and-in-charge GV80 itself, let me say, you won’t be disappointed. It’s available as a utility and/or a racier fastback coupe crossover. They’re both four-door hatchbacks and those two examples which I drove were fitted with 3.5-liter turbocharged, V6 engines that delivered 375 horsepower. 

Quiet, refined and dignified, the Genesis proved to be a compelling proposition. If you survey the company’s media materials you’ll routinely see such cavalier claims as “distinctive, athletic, invigorating, practical, sporty, dynamic, elegant.” But in the case of the GV80, that’s more than just self-serving swagger because the brand has been recognized as everything from one of the World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors by “Newsweek” to a “Best Buy” by Kelley Blue Book.

Then, there are the inherent Genesis engineered-in accolades. Such as an IIHS Top Safety rating and NHTSA Five Star Overall Safety performance.

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From behind the wheel, the GV80 is a pleasure to drive. It runs down the road with complete confidence while coddling occupants in posh surroundings. The luxury Genesis is spacious, with ergonomics that have been carefully considered to ensure utmost user friendliness. Upholstery and trim materials deliver a rich and rewarding interior experience.

GV80 prices span a wide swath. They start at an extremely competitive $58,200 with the 2.5T Standard AWD, while my top-of-the-line 3.5T Prestige AWD listed for $79,800. The Coupe went for $85,750. The man or woman on the street could easily think that these are six-figure offerings.

What didn’t impress was the fuel economy: 16 City/22 Highway. And while admittedly fashionable, the low, 40-series cross section tires conveyed a touch of road noise that could have otherwise been avoided by slightly taller and more compliant rubber.

With the arrival of Genesis, Hyundai has climbed the ladder to build a very good, premium product. But is it good enough? Mercedes and BMW have long defined the luxury pecking order, while Lexus has proven to be a superlative fast follower. So perhaps the answer lies in the provocative – if not, predictive – question I was asked by a Hyundai Santa Fe owner at the gas pump: “Is that a Bentley Bentayga?”

It’s no secret that that’s where the Genesis Division’s design DNA (and chief stylist) came from. If the exterior evokes such unsolicited flattery, then the GV80 is sincerely “distinctive, athletic, invigorating, practical, sporty, dynamic and elegant.” With a silhouette that not only inspires but will make the neighbors green with envy. 

We’ll just have to see how the late-to-the-party saga of Genesis awareness, understanding, image and acceptance unfolds as it attempts to elbow its way in and succeeding installments emerge.

(Photos courtesy of Genesis unless otherwise noted)