This large, luxurious coupe SUV will soon top the Genesis range in the UK
It looks like the coupe-SUV fad is still going strong according to Genesis. The Korean brand is previewing the latest addition to its range in the form of the sleek Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept. Despite the concept tag on this model, a production-ready GV80 Coupe will go on sale almost unchanged later this year, representing the next step in the Genesis plan for premium car market domination through more emotional and performance-oriented models.
The GV80 Coupe will be mechanically based on the standard GV80 SUV, which itself is built on a bespoke platform developed by Genesis. This is what informs the coupe’s proportions – its long bonnet and dash-to-axle ratio, now joined by a steeply raked rear end. The front is largely based on that of the existing SUV, but comes with new detailing and an aggressively styled lower bumper. Genesis was also keen to point out the new seamless lighting, which replaces the existing LED units with their jewel-like internals for a cleaner opaque lens.
It’s the rear end that’s seen the biggest change over the standard GV80, however. Drawing inspiration from the Inspiration X Speedium Coupe Concept, the sloping tail terminates in an aggressive ducktail and houses new full-width double light bars. The rear overhang has also been reduced, giving the whole car a sportier silhouette.
The rest of the bodywork is largely derived from the standard GV80 which itself is defined by the combination of a strong main character line that gently falls away as it reaches the rear axle. The body is balanced out by large wheels, which on the production variant will probably share the 22-inch diameter seen on the concept.
Inside, the GV80’s sumptuous cabin has been updated with new colour and trim elements that channel the coupe’s sportier mantra. The four hard-backed bucket seats and additional internal strut-brace on the concept are likely to be just for show, but the rest accurately previews the direction Genesis looks to be heading in for its sportier future products.
Genesis is yet to reveal production specifications for the GV80 Coupe, but it is expected to share the SUVs global engine range with petrol and diesel-powered four and six-cylinder options. In the UK, Genesis only currently offers the existing GV80 with a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, but the range in other markets is topped by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 that could potentially be offered in the UK, an engine that will go a long way to help the Coupe’s claim of being more performance oriented.
When the new Genesis GV80 Coupe does eventually arrive, expect it to carry a small premium on the existing SUV model which currently starts at just over £60,000 in the UK.
Now read our review of the Genesis GV80…
Keyword: New Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept previews imminent production version