Car Reviews Motoring

Genesis GV80

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Genesis is a new name in the automotive world, but the luxury brand of Hyundai has been making waves.

With that brief history lesson done, you might be a bit struck by the Bentley-esque looks of the car, not to mention the Genesis logo.

But if you reproduce a Bentley and end up with even 50 per cent of one, you’ll have struck gold.

The GV80 is a mid-size crossover SUV similar in size to a BMW X5.

It looks incredible from the outside, sporting a large Bentley-like grille at the front and two horizontal LED taillight strips on each side at the back.

While some Genesis models utilise electrification, the GV80 is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic ‘box.

It is available as a five-seater, or Genesis will chuck two more in the back to make a seven-seater.

The Luxury Line grade under review comes with big and beautiful alloy wheels, wood interior trim, heated leather seats and three-zone climate control.

The automatic gearbox is decent – and the engine – capable of 0-62mph in a flash – is fab. But the steering isn’t much to write home about when cornering, and the ride feels a tad unsettled.

Inside, it’s spacious, practical, and very sumptuous. But you can’t get away from the less than frugal 30mpg-ish fuel economy, which sticks out like a sore thumb in a world of hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

Still, this is a car to be seen in – and in that respect, it’s a huge head turner.

Fast Facts – Genesis GV80 [2.5T AWD Petrol 7-Seater] Luxury Line as tested:

  • Max speed: 147 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 6.9 secs
  • Combined mpg: 30.5 – 31.4 (WLTP)
  • Engine layout: 2497cc four-cylinder turbo petrol
  • Max. power (PS): 304
  • CO2: 241 – 248 g/km
  • Price: £62,315

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