# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals, but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals, but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals, but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals, but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content.description[]
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content.description[]
but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content.description[]
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content.description[]
but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.field_cars_chosen_derivative_v2.derivative_name
2.5T Luxury Plus Line 5DR Auto AWD [6 SEAT]

# data.attributes.field_cars_driving.value
As mentioned on the previous page, your sole available engine is now the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol. Official performance figures are 300bhp and 311lb ft, for a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 147mph.

It's decently quiet and smooth while cruising, but it does become strained when worked hard – not surprising given the two-tonne-plus kerbweight. The eight-speed transmission is at least well calibrated and shifts through the gears smoothly.

IS IT AS COMFORTABLE AND RELAXING AS PROMISED?

It’s impressively quiet, for a start. That’ll be down to the double glazing, and the noise cancelling tech that works much the same way as your expensive pair of headphones. Take it from us: it’s highly impressive.

And it’s not the only clever bit of tech. There’s also a front facing camera system that scans the road ahead and adjusts the electronically controlled dampers to prepare for each bump or pothole (we've seen similar from Mercedes and DS). It works well enough on open sections of road, less so on rutted B-roads, where the ride becomes unsettled and you find yourself taking extra care to avoid any bumps and ruts.

Mind, that’s probably not helped by the minimum sized 20-inch alloys, rising to 22s in every other trim except base-spec. Watch out for those kerbs, too.

The lane cantering and active cruise system also has an AI component. Even when it's turned off it watches how sharply you make steering and speed corrections, and then aims to mimic you when you next turn it on. Meanwhile, terrain mode adjusts the four wheel and traction systems to help in any sticky situations. But let’s be honest, you won’t be taking this thing off-road.

IS IT GOING TO COST ME AN ARM AND A LEG TO RUN?

Well, Genesis claims 30.5-31.4mpg, but we averaged around 25mpg, which is really pretty poor. With returns like that, you can expect to get to know your local petrol station attendant on a first name basis the amount you’ll be visiting.

CO2 emissions of 241-248g/km are far from company car BiK friendly either, and while rivals offer ultra-low tax PHEVs, Genesis doesn’t, and says it won’t.

# data.attributes.field_cars_driving.processed
As mentioned on the previous page, your sole available engine is now the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol. Official performance figures are 300bhp and 311lb ft, for a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 147mph.

It's decently quiet and smooth while cruising, but it does become strained when worked hard – not surprising given the two-tonne-plus kerbweight. The eight-speed transmission is at least well calibrated and shifts through the gears smoothly.

IS IT AS COMFORTABLE AND RELAXING AS PROMISED?

It’s impressively quiet, for a start. That’ll be down to the double glazing, and the noise cancelling tech that works much the same way as your expensive pair of headphones. Take it from us: it’s highly impressive.

And it’s not the only clever bit of tech. There’s also a front facing camera system that scans the road ahead and adjusts the electronically controlled dampers to prepare for each bump or pothole (we've seen similar from Mercedes and DS). It works well enough on open sections of road, less so on rutted B-roads, where the ride becomes unsettled and you find yourself taking extra care to avoid any bumps and ruts.

Mind, that’s probably not helped by the minimum sized 20-inch alloys, rising to 22s in every other trim except base-spec. Watch out for those kerbs, too.

The lane cantering and active cruise system also has an AI component. Even when it's turned off it watches how sharply you make steering and speed corrections, and then aims to mimic you when you next turn it on. Meanwhile, terrain mode adjusts the four wheel and traction systems to help in any sticky situations. But let’s be honest, you won’t be taking this thing off-road.

IS IT GOING TO COST ME AN ARM AND A LEG TO RUN?

Well, Genesis claims 30.5-31.4mpg, but we averaged around 25mpg, which is really pretty poor. With returns like that, you can expect to get to know your local petrol station attendant on a first name basis the amount you’ll be visiting.

CO2 emissions of 241-248g/km are far from company car BiK friendly either, and while rivals offer ultra-low tax PHEVs, Genesis doesn’t, and says it won’t.

# data.attributes.field_cars_editor_title
Genesis GV80 review: a premium package let down by the way it drives

# data.attributes.field_cars_inside.value
This is a big, luxurious crossover, and it certainly looks and feels the part in here. The biggest compliment we can give is that it feels on par with any of its premium rivals, and arguably more than its £58k starting price would suggest.

Almost every surface that can be is skinned in stitched leather, or a good imitation. The wood is real wood, although apparently Genesis buyers don't want anything that looks too real. Some of the knurled 'metals' are plastic too, but it's all assembled with accuracy and conviction. And there’s plenty of common sense in here too.

Tick the right boxes and you get quilted leather, a monster hi-fi, plus electrically reclining rear seats with their own seat-back entertainment screens. A word of warning, though: that £58k starting price can quickly become £70k.

IS THE TECHNOLOGY UP TO SCRATCH?

You get three screens in total. The first is the instrument cluster, which is eight inches as standard, or 12.3 inches if you spec the £3,900 Innovation Pack, which also brings with it 3D-effect dials and a head-up display. Well worth it, we reckon.

In the centre of the dash you get a 14.5-inch touchscreen, which can also be controlled using the glass-topped rotary knob on the centre console. It certainly looks the part without taking over the entire cabin, and works as well as anything we’ve tried. Let that be a lesson to others.

The third and final screen is the climate panel with haptic response, though it does also feature a couple of big temperature knobs. Works just as well as the Audi equivalent. Other things you need to find fast have their own switches, too.

WILL MY PASSENGERS BE AS COMFY AS ME?

Well, you can spec the GV80 in five-, six- or seven-seat configurations. We were quite taken by the 2+2+2 formation of the six-seater, with the second row of seats getting a fancy centre console. It’s undoubtedly a great way to impress passengers.

In the five-seater you get 735/2,152 litres of space seats up/down, which falls slightly to 727/2,144 litres in the six and seven seaters. That's more than the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, and only just shy of the Audi Q7. Any four-legged friends surely won’t be complaining.

# data.attributes.field_cars_inside.processed
This is a big, luxurious crossover, and it certainly looks and feels the part in here. The biggest compliment we can give is that it feels on par with any of its premium rivals, and arguably more than its £58k starting price would suggest.

Almost every surface that can be is skinned in stitched leather, or a good imitation. The wood is real wood, although apparently Genesis buyers don't want anything that looks too real. Some of the knurled 'metals' are plastic too, but it's all assembled with accuracy and conviction. And there’s plenty of common sense in here too.

Tick the right boxes and you get quilted leather, a monster hi-fi, plus electrically reclining rear seats with their own seat-back entertainment screens. A word of warning, though: that £58k starting price can quickly become £70k.

IS THE TECHNOLOGY UP TO SCRATCH?

You get three screens in total. The first is the instrument cluster, which is eight inches as standard, or 12.3 inches if you spec the £3,900 Innovation Pack, which also brings with it 3D-effect dials and a head-up display. Well worth it, we reckon.

In the centre of the dash you get a 14.5-inch touchscreen, which can also be controlled using the glass-topped rotary knob on the centre console. It certainly looks the part without taking over the entire cabin, and works as well as anything we’ve tried. Let that be a lesson to others.

The third and final screen is the climate panel with haptic response, though it does also feature a couple of big temperature knobs. Works just as well as the Audi equivalent. Other things you need to find fast have their own switches, too.

WILL MY PASSENGERS BE AS COMFY AS ME?

Well, you can spec the GV80 in five-, six- or seven-seat configurations. We were quite taken by the 2+2+2 formation of the six-seater, with the second row of seats getting a fancy centre console. It’s undoubtedly a great way to impress passengers.

In the five-seater you get 735/2,152 litres of space seats up/down, which falls slightly to 727/2,144 litres in the six and seven seaters. That's more than the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, and only just shy of the Audi Q7. Any four-legged friends surely won’t be complaining.

# data.attributes.field_cars_owning.value
It opens at £58,305 in entry-level Premium (five seats) spec. One up Luxury (seven seats) is £66,625, while Luxury Plus (six seats) is a rather daunting £75,825. Sport (five seats) drops the price back down to a reasonable £66,325.

That puts the GV80 at the cheaper end of the spectrum (at least, in entry-level trim) in its segment, but whether Joe Public will be willing to part with his/her hard-earned cash with a lesser known brand is another matter entirely.

OTHER THAN SEATS, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIMS?

Premium spec highlights include 20in alloy wheels, LED lights front and back, heated folding wing mirrors, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry/start, and an electric tailgate.

Luxury spec models get 22-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior detailing, a heated steering wheel, quilted and heated seats front and rear, three-zone climate control and a premium interior air filter.

Luxury Plus adds adaptive headlights, soft closing doors, a two-tone leather heated steering wheel, suede headlining, door pillars and sun visor, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless charger, rear screens, a Lexicon audio system, and active road noise cancelling.

Sport trim models get black 22-inch alloy wheels, copper brake callipers, aluminium interior detailing, a heated steering wheel and seats, and premium interior air filter. And breathe.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SO-CALLED PURCHASE JOURNEY...

Ah, you're buying into the lingo. Well, the first thing to note is that there are no dealers, and no chance of a discount. Genesis is offering transparency and the simplicity of buying online, albeit with help from a 'Genesis Personal Assistant' when you ask.

When you want a test drive the GPA will bring a car to your home or work. Once you've bought a car they bring it and explain it. If you've driven it a few weeks and still have questions on, say, the driver assist, they'll come back and explain it again.

When the GV80 needs a service, they'll bring a courtesy car and take yours away, and that's rolled into the purchase price up to five years or 50,000 miles. You also get five years' unlimited-miles warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and five years of OTA software and map updates.

WHAT’S THE BEST SPEC?

A car like this is all about the experience, and the 2+2+2 formation of the Luxury Plus six-seater undoubtedly makes a great first impression. Particularly so when combined with the vanilla beige/obsidian black quilted nappa leather interior colour scheme (a no cost option) our test car came in.

Granted, with its starting price of £75,825 there’s no denying it’s expensive. But when you look at the options that are included over the Luxury trim – including the the £3,900 Innovation Pack (head-up display, 3D effect dials, bigger infotainment screen) and the £1,200 Lexicon premium sound system (plus active road noise cancelling) – it doesn’t work out as that much more.

# data.attributes.field_cars_owning.processed
It opens at £58,305 in entry-level Premium (five seats) spec. One up Luxury (seven seats) is £66,625, while Luxury Plus (six seats) is a rather daunting £75,825. Sport (five seats) drops the price back down to a reasonable £66,325.

That puts the GV80 at the cheaper end of the spectrum (at least, in entry-level trim) in its segment, but whether Joe Public will be willing to part with his/her hard-earned cash with a lesser known brand is another matter entirely.

OTHER THAN SEATS, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIMS?

Premium spec highlights include 20in alloy wheels, LED lights front and back, heated folding wing mirrors, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry/start, and an electric tailgate.

Luxury spec models get 22-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior detailing, a heated steering wheel, quilted and heated seats front and rear, three-zone climate control and a premium interior air filter.

Luxury Plus adds adaptive headlights, soft closing doors, a two-tone leather heated steering wheel, suede headlining, door pillars and sun visor, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless charger, rear screens, a Lexicon audio system, and active road noise cancelling.

Sport trim models get black 22-inch alloy wheels, copper brake callipers, aluminium interior detailing, a heated steering wheel and seats, and premium interior air filter. And breathe.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE SO-CALLED PURCHASE JOURNEY...

Ah, you're buying into the lingo. Well, the first thing to note is that there are no dealers, and no chance of a discount. Genesis is offering transparency and the simplicity of buying online, albeit with help from a 'Genesis Personal Assistant' when you ask.

When you want a test drive the GPA will bring a car to your home or work. Once you've bought a car they bring it and explain it. If you've driven it a few weeks and still have questions on, say, the driver assist, they'll come back and explain it again.

When the GV80 needs a service, they'll bring a courtesy car and take yours away, and that's rolled into the purchase price up to five years or 50,000 miles. You also get five years' unlimited-miles warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and five years of OTA software and map updates.

WHAT’S THE BEST SPEC?

A car like this is all about the experience, and the 2+2+2 formation of the Luxury Plus six-seater undoubtedly makes a great first impression. Particularly so when combined with the vanilla beige/obsidian black quilted nappa leather interior colour scheme (a no cost option) our test car came in.

Granted, with its starting price of £75,825 there’s no denying it’s expensive. But when you look at the options that are included over the Luxury trim – including the the £3,900 Innovation Pack (head-up display, 3D effect dials, bigger infotainment screen) and the £1,200 Lexicon premium sound system (plus active road noise cancelling) – it doesn’t work out as that much more.

# data.attributes.field_cars_stand_first
Posh Hyundai looks and feels the part, but doesn't match rivals when it comes to driving dynamics

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict.value
The Genesis GV80 is a tricky one to sum up. On the one hand it looks smart – and it will be mistaken for a Bentley by countless people, which’ll do wonders for your ego – its cabin is a fantastic place to be, and there’s lots of impressive tech.

But those things aren't unique, and the driving experience lets it down. The 2.5-litre petrol engine – now your only option we remind you – isn’t the most refined, and very thirsty. And the ride leaves a lot to be desired.

But shopping (for nearly everything) is changing. Add to basket, click for home delivery, online support. Genesis is bringing that to car shopping and there’s a lot to be said for that convenience. Time will tell if it’s enough to tempt buyers.

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict.processed
The Genesis GV80 is a tricky one to sum up. On the one hand it looks smart – and it will be mistaken for a Bentley by countless people, which’ll do wonders for your ego – its cabin is a fantastic place to be, and there’s lots of impressive tech.

But those things aren't unique, and the driving experience lets it down. The 2.5-litre petrol engine – now your only option we remind you – isn’t the most refined, and very thirsty. And the ride leaves a lot to be desired.

But shopping (for nearly everything) is changing. Add to basket, click for home delivery, online support. Genesis is bringing that to car shopping and there’s a lot to be said for that convenience. Time will tell if it’s enough to tempt buyers.

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_against
Luxury is undermined by a sub-par ride, 2.5-litre petrol engine isn’t the most refined, poor economy

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_for
Nicely designed and made, cabin as good as anything else out there, online buying and caring ownership proposition

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_text
The Genesis GV80 is a tricky one to sum up. On the one hand it looks smart... but the driving experience lets it down

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_is_it.value
Not the start of the Bible, not a bicycle, not a prog-rock band. Genesis is in short the posh-car arm of the mighty Hyundai Motor Group.

This, the GV80 crossover, and the G80 saloon, were the first cars to emerge through its doors. Now, there’s also a smaller GV70 crossover and a similarly smaller G70 saloon and estate. Plus an all-electric GV60, and electrified versions of the G80 saloon and GV70 crossover. Something to please everyone. Perhaps.

The target audience are people who are just tired of the obvious choices like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Let's hope they don't mind repeatedly having to explain what Genesis is.

WHAT OF THE CAR?

It's a big crossover, almost exactly matching the X5 in size. You can have it with five, six or seven seats. At launch you had the option of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and a straight-six 3.0 diesel engine, both with four-wheel-drive as standard, but the latter has now been discontinued.

The design was led by Sangyup Lee, ex of Bentley. It wouldn't actually be a ridiculous stretch to think of this as a better-looking Bentayga. There's lots of chrome and sweeping curves on the outside. Inside it's a world of prominently stitched leather, knurling on the knobs, and flourishes of wood.

Count the luxury gewgaws and fancy driver assist system, and you have a car that's on par for the expensive territory it’s being pitched at.

DOES IT DRIVE EXPENSIVELY?

The 2.5-litre petrol offers a respectable 300bhp and 311lb ft of torque and is generally fine, but it isn’t the most refined four cylinder and becomes noticeably strained when pushed hard. Which you’ll need to do, given the weight of this thing.

It steers and corners well enough, but lots of rivals do it better. Then again, the experience is what really matters here, thanks to things like double glazing, noise cancelling technology, and the fancy camera-controlled damping system.

And by and large, it is a very pleasant place to be. But it’s not perfect. The camera system which scans the road ahead and adjusts the damping accordingly works so so, and the ride isn’t great, often becoming unsettled.

[node:field_onward_journey_card-themed]

At least on our typically broken roads. On smooth motorways you're better served. It tracks well and stays subdued, thanks in part to active noise cancellation. All the better to enjoy the optional hi-fi upgrade, which is truly excellent.

You'll find more details by clicking through to this review's Driving section.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Genesis is all about new ways to explore and acquire the car, and about the warranty and service rolled in. If you're playing buzzword bingo, it's the purchase journey and the ownership experience.

You never need go to a dealer. In fact, there aren't any. Much of the process is online, but 'online' is more than purely digital.

When you're ready, ask questions of a human. Traditionally, car dealers are full of salespeople paid commission for each car they shift. Genesis takes a different tack. The company's 'Genesis Personal Assistants' (GPAs) answer your questions, hold your hand, and bring the car to you. More on that over on the Buying tab.

SPEAKING OF BUYING, HOW MUCH IS IT EXACTLY?

Prices start at £58,305 in base specification, rising to an eye-watering £75,825 in top-spec trim. Head over to the Buying tab for the full lowdown.

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_is_it.processed
Not the start of the Bible, not a bicycle, not a prog-rock band. Genesis is in short the posh-car arm of the mighty Hyundai Motor Group.

This, the GV80 crossover, and the G80 saloon, were the first cars to emerge through its doors. Now, there’s also a smaller GV70 crossover and a similarly smaller G70 saloon and estate. Plus an all-electric GV60, and electrified versions of the G80 saloon and GV70 crossover. Something to please everyone. Perhaps.

The target audience are people who are just tired of the obvious choices like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Let's hope they don't mind repeatedly having to explain what Genesis is.

WHAT OF THE CAR?

It's a big crossover, almost exactly matching the X5 in size. You can have it with five, six or seven seats. At launch you had the option of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and a straight-six 3.0 diesel engine, both with four-wheel-drive as standard, but the latter has now been discontinued.

The design was led by Sangyup Lee, ex of Bentley. It wouldn't actually be a ridiculous stretch to think of this as a better-looking Bentayga. There's lots of chrome and sweeping curves on the outside. Inside it's a world of prominently stitched leather, knurling on the knobs, and flourishes of wood.

Count the luxury gewgaws and fancy driver assist system, and you have a car that's on par for the expensive territory it’s being pitched at.

DOES IT DRIVE EXPENSIVELY?

The 2.5-litre petrol offers a respectable 300bhp and 311lb ft of torque and is generally fine, but it isn’t the most refined four cylinder and becomes noticeably strained when pushed hard. Which you’ll need to do, given the weight of this thing.

It steers and corners well enough, but lots of rivals do it better. Then again, the experience is what really matters here, thanks to things like double glazing, noise cancelling technology, and the fancy camera-controlled damping system.

And by and large, it is a very pleasant place to be. But it’s not perfect. The camera system which scans the road ahead and adjusts the damping accordingly works so so, and the ride isn’t great, often becoming unsettled.

At least on our typically broken roads. On smooth motorways you're better served. It tracks well and stays subdued, thanks in part to active noise cancellation. All the better to enjoy the optional hi-fi upgrade, which is truly excellent.

You'll find more details by clicking through to this review's Driving section.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Genesis is all about new ways to explore and acquire the car, and about the warranty and service rolled in. If you're playing buzzword bingo, it's the purchase journey and the ownership experience.

You never need go to a dealer. In fact, there aren't any. Much of the process is online, but 'online' is more than purely digital.

When you're ready, ask questions of a human. Traditionally, car dealers are full of salespeople paid commission for each car they shift. Genesis takes a different tack. The company's 'Genesis Personal Assistants' (GPAs) answer your questions, hold your hand, and bring the car to you. More on that over on the Buying tab.

SPEAKING OF BUYING, HOW MUCH IS IT EXACTLY?

Prices start at £58,305 in base specification, rising to an eye-watering £75,825 in top-spec trim. Head over to the Buying tab for the full lowdown.

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_we_say
Genesis’ big plush SUV looks and feels as premium as any of its rivals, but can’t quite compete when it comes to driving dynamics