Korean luxury brand is going after the Germans whole-heartedly with a new coupe-shaped large SUV
Our spy photographers have managed to snap the first ‘coupe’ version of the Genesis GV80 undergoing winter testing in the frozen north ahead of its release alongside what’s expected to be a mid-life facelift for the large luxury SUV within the next 12-18 months.
Pictured here shrouded under a dense camouflage wrap, it’s clear this particular GV80 is not the seven-seat wagon we’re used to seeing and instead an upcoming rival for the popular Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, BMW X6 and Audi Q8.
There’s no hiding or disguising the sloping roofline regardless of how much camouflage the GV80 is wrapped in, with the downward trajectory starting just behind the B-pillar and continuing all the way down to what will probably be an integrated lip spoiler mounted not too much higher than the window line.
We reckon the rear-end will look like an elevated and slightly taller version of the one on the Genesis X Speedium Coupe, albeit with a smaller spoiler.
The sloping roofline is mirrored by a sloping window line but the changes aren’t as drastic as one might expect given the GV80 wagon already has a curved upper edge to its glasshouse towards the rear of the body.
Our sources in Europe suggest the GV80 Coupe – or whatever it ends up being called – will launch as part of a portfolio-wide GV80 facelift next year, bringing the revised front lighting signature you can see poking out from under the camo.
The GV80 launched globally in 2020, which means a 2024 update would align nicely with Hyundai’s usual circa-eight-year model life.
We wouldn’t be at all surprised if an electric version of the GV80 – trademarks for which have already been filed – also emerges or is at least announced as part of the facelift.
However, this spied prototype is undeniably powered by an internal combustion engine, judging by its quad exhaust outlets and functional radiator grille.
Odds are all the existing four- and six-cylinder powertrains will be carried over to the upgraded model, but like its German rivals Genesis could be a bit more select as to which engines are offered in the GV80 coupe. The inclusion of the flagship twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 is a surety, however.
The coupe-esque body’s lower drag efficient would also lend itself well to a battery-electric set-up, which could ultimately be transplanted straight across from the established Genesis GV70 Electrified.
As usual in this segment, the GV80 coupe will almost certainly carry a price premium over the wagon version, and prices are tipped to rise in general for the facelifted wagon line-up.
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: Genesis GV80 Coupe coming in 2024