Genesis GV70 details revealed

UPDATED 20/04/2021 5:30pm: Full Australian pricing and specifications for the Genesis GV70 have been announced ahead of the all-new mid-size luxury SUV’s local release in July (see the full price list below).

The headline news is a starting price of $66,400 plus on-road costs, undercutting direct rivals including the Audi Q5 ($68,900 plus ORCs), BMW X3 ($71,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLC ($70,300).

The 2021 Genesis GV70 will be available in four equipment grades and with two petrol engines and one turbo-diesel, plus Sport Line and Luxury options packs.

In addition to the specs announced by Genesis Australia in March, the company today also confirmed extra standard equipment for all models including a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, Fingerprint Authentication System, memory front seats and puddle light projection, all of which were previously listed as part of the Luxury Package.

Original article published 10/03/2021: Genesis has today confirmed standard features and equipment levels for the all-new Genesis GV70 mid-size luxury SUV, along with a choice of three engines.

Pricing for the 2021 Genesis GV70 – the second SUV from the upstart Asian luxury brand after the GV80 – will be announced closer to its Australian showroom launch around May, but it’s expected to match rivals such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 with a starting price of around $70,000.

Consisting of four model grades – 2.5T, 2.5T AWD, 2.2D AWD and 3.5T AWD Sport – the Genesis GV70 is offered with two petrol and one diesel engine.

Buyers can choose an entry level 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (224kW/422Nm), a mid-spec turbo-diesel four (154kW/440Nm) or the flagship six-cylinder model.

The 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 is good for 280kW/530Nm and unlike other models comes with a limited-slip rear differential to improve driving dynamics.

The potent six-cylinder version should have enough thrust to accelerate to 100km/h in around 5.1 seconds and all models drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Genesis Australia CEO, Jun Heo, says the GV70 brings a fresh design philosophy to the medium luxury SUV segment along with “unprecedented luxury”.

Unlike most of its rivals, all Genesis GV70 models come with the same level of kit, so the entry-level rear-drive 2.5T has the same goodies as the top-spec 3.5T model, starting with 12-way power-adjustable leather front seats with heating and cooling functionality.

All models get a giant 14.5-inch high-definition touch-screen display complete with augmented reality navigation, handwriting recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging and a nine-speaker audio system with digital radio.

A panoramic sunroof, leather-appointed dashboard and door trims, remote engine start via smart key fob, a power-operated tailgate with hands-free operation plus dual-zone climate control with temperature controls for second-row passengers and sun blinds on the windows are also standard features.

Adjustable ambient lighting, an acoustic laminated windscreen and front door glass are designed to make the cabin quiet and relaxed.

Genesis has loaded the GV70 with advanced safety equipment as well, starting with eight airbags including a centre airbag between the front seats.

Key driver assistance system include blind-spot view monitor (with live feed) with collision avoidance-assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, high beam assist, intelligent speed limit assist, safe exit assist and smart cruise control with stop and go functionality in heavy traffic.

There’s also a 3D surround view parking system and even trailer stability assist. All models will come with a 2200kg braked towing capacity and 19-inch alloy wheels, except the top-spec 3.5T which gets 21-inch rims, along with higher-spec Nappa leather seat trim and suede roof/pillar lining.

Two available options packs are also offered – Sport Line and Luxury – and owners who wants a digital instrument cluster will have to add the Luxury pack that adds 12.3-inch driver and head-up displays.

The Luxury pack also adds a power adjustable steering column, fingerprint authentication system, adaptive front headlights, automatic parking assistant, puddle lamps with Genesis logo, remote parking feature via the key fob, 18-way adjustable driver’s seat, 21-inch alloy wheels and massage function for the driver’s seat.

Nappa leather appointed seats with quilted patterning are also added, along with a heated steering wheel and second row seats, suede headlining and pillars, three-zone climate control and a beefed-up 16-speaker, 1050-Watt Lexicon by HARMAN audio system.

The Sport Line package adds a range of exterior upgrades but is off-limits to the 3.5T model grade as it gets half of the upgrades anyway. Other models with the Sport Line package add gloss-black body highlights, dark chrome grille and window frames, special 19-inch Sport Line alloy wheels and redesigned front and rear bumpers.

There’s also a gloss-black front skid plate and black roof rails, plus a sport brake package.

Larger dual exhaust outlets are added, as is a Sport+ drive mode, Nappa leather and suede-appointed sport seats, an upgraded steering wheel, alloy pedals, aluminium trim in the cabin and sport gauges that show turbo boost, torque and oil temperature.

Genesis is hoping to attract new buyers not only with its unorthodox designs and high equipment levels, but also what it calls a ‘worry free’ ownership experience.

All Genesis vehicles are covered by a five-year/unlimited-km warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Genesis also offers free servicing for five years or 50,000km/75,000km for petrol/diesel models. The car-maker will also collect and return vehicles for servicing as part of its valet service. It also provides a temporary vehicle for owners to use.

Genesis currently sells the G70 and G80 sedans in Australia, along with the GV80 large SUV. The luxury car-maker is also plotting a GV60 small SUV and a cavalcade of EVs for good measure.

The South Korean brand recently opened its first test drive centre in Australia and is planning more in future.

How much does the 2021 Genesis GV70 cost?
2.5T – $66,400
2.5T AWD – $68,800
2.2D – $71,800
3.5T Sport – $83,400

* All prices exclude on-road costs