Premium upstart looks to make big impression
New high-end challenger can mix it with the big boys, writes Matt Allan
Since arriving in Europe, Genesis’s leadership have insisted they are taking a softy-softly approach.
There are no big sales claims and no specific mentions of rivals but it’s clear that the Korean brand wants to be considered in the same breath as BMW, Audi and Mercedes.
To compete with the major players,themarquehasquickly introduced a comprehensive line-up in key segments, includingtheimportant“large SUV”sector,wheretheGV80is trying to take on the Audi Q7, BMW X5 , Mercedes GLE etc.
To do so, Genesis needs to make a statement, which is why the GV80 is a big bold piece of engineering, rolling on 22-inch wheels and with a huge grille that screams “look at me”.
It won’t be to everyone’s tastesbutinthissegment,road presenceisabigattraction,and the GV80 has that in spades. It also has shovelfuls of high-end touches.
The whole Genesis range has a high-quality feel to it but the GV80 moves that on with proper luxury touches. Things like soft-close doors, or the Ergo Motion function which adjusts the seats on long journeys to stop you slouching.
That’s on top of the spec you’d expect from a flagship SUV, including Nappa leather, open-grain wood trim, advanced driver assistance and a high-spec audio system.
In fact, the GV80 is a hightech haven. All three rows of seats are power operated and can be controlled via the 14.5-inch touchscreen. The front two rows are also heated and ventilated. The Innovation pack adds a head-up display, 3D-effect 12.3-inch digital instruments,adaptivecruisecontrol, remote parking assist and variable dipping headlights.
The GV80 is available as a seven-seater and while the seats aren’t as easy to access as inatrueMPVtheyofferimpressive quality and comfort and a surprising amount of legroom. Elsewhere, there’s more than enough space for passengers to get comfortable and the materials, fit and finish are easily good enough to stand comparison with the GV80’s rivals.
What isn’t quite up to scratch is the driving experience. It’s not just that something like an X5 is more engaging, it’s that the chassis and drivetrain lack the refinement and polish of rivals.
The biggest offender is the ride. Too often the GV80’s
suspension gets caught out by lumps and bumps despite a camera-assisted system that’s supposed to prime for upcoming impacts.
Theenginealsoisn’tonapar with rivals’. Our test car’s 3.0-litre diesel sounds well suited to the car’s size and purpose but lacks the punch, refinement or efficiency of the best from rivals.
Neitherissueisahugeproblem if you’re cruising easily on the motorway, and the overall comfort and refinement mean you’ll finish most long journeys feelingfreshandrelaxed,butrivalshandlethesedetailsbetter.
The GV80, however, offers better value. Prices start from £56,000 and rise to around £75k - substantially less than an equivalent Q7 or X5.
Overall, the GV80 is an impressive machine that in most facetscanstandtoe-to-toewith the biggest players. Only that slightly gruff drivetrain and occasionally iffy ride let down its air of luxury motoring.