Genesis GV80 ditches more efficient engines

While most carmakers are looking to improve fuel efficiency and launch more electric vehicles, this one has made its new SUV more performance focused.

Fledgling luxury brand Genesis is stepping up the opulence with an updated version of its GV80 large SUV and the introduction of a sleeker coupe body style.

Due on sale within weeks, the freshened GV80 and its GV80 Coupe sibling will come exclusively with a thirsty but potent 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as part of a simplified line-up that focuses on performance and luxury.

Genesis has discontinued the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that previously accounted for almost a quarter of sales. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel was discontinued last year.

A more advanced 3.5-litre V6 engine with an electronic supercharger won’t be offered in Australia.

While a high claimed average fuel use of about 11.7 litres per 100km potentially puts the GV80 at a disadvantage against predominantly German opposition with thriftier engines – including the BMW X5/X6, Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE – the Hyundai-owned luxury brand continues to fight back with a lengthy list of equipment that has been further extended with this update.

Genesis has dropped the 2.5-litre four-cylinder in favour of a V6. Picture: Supplied.

Inside, there’s a larger screen across the dash, The instrument cluster and infotainment screen now combine for a combined 27 inches.

There’s also a new 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a digital rear vision mirror, a heated centre console and fingerprint recognition for storing seating and infotainment preferences.

Genesis has also removed some of the options and made the Luxury Pack standard. The brand says 95 per cent of customers ordered the pack.

The GV80 now has over-the-air software updates and an intelligent front lighting system that can blank out other road users.

The new GV80 has 11 exterior colours and 11 interior design themes. Picture: Supplied.

Genesis will also focus on personalisation. There are 11 exterior colours – including matt finishes – and 11 interior themes, as well as five different trims that incorporate traditional wood and more modern materials.

As part of the update the GV80 has new bumpers front and rear, a new grille and new 22-inch alloy wheels.

The active safety systems have also been upgraded with improvements to the lane-assist and forward collision avoidance systems.

The interior features a mix of traditional woodgrain and more modern finishes. Picture: Supplied.

In line with its sportier positioning the GV80 Coupe also picks up interior tweaks, including carbon fibre trim, alloy pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Other cues that separate it from the wagon version include a rear spoiler, coloured brake calipers, dual exhaust tips and a different front bumper.

The Coupe also gets a Sport+ drive mode – on top of regular Sport mode – and the ability to adjust the brake feel as well as a unique suspension tune.

Genesis says pricing details will be announced closer to its July launch, but expect small increases from the circa-$120,000-drive-away start price of the outgoing model.

Originally published as Genesis GV80 ditches more efficient engines