Genesis GV70 revealed

UPDATED 8/12/2020: Genesis has detailed the engine types and tech specs available for its new mid-size Audi Q5 fighter, the Genesis GV70, including a range-topping 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol (280kW/530Nm) powerplant.

The high-performance model accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds as tested in Korea by Genesis, which is suitably rapid.

The new Genesis SUV also gets 2.5-litre turbo-petrol (224kW/422Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (155kW & 441Nm) four-cylinder engines in the Korean market.

It's all but certain that all three engine types will be offered in Australia when the Genesis GV70 arrives here in the first half of 2021, when it's tipped to become the brand's top-selling model.

Pricing is yet to be announced.

Rear-drive and all-wheel drive models are offered across the range, but this may be changed for Aussie-spec vehicles to reduce model range complexity.

Key technology features include a fingerprint authentication system that will start the car with pre-set parameters, such as seat positions, and also make in-car payments.

The new Genesis GV70 will also adopt the brand's latest semi-autonomous driving aids, including intelligent speed limit assist (via road sign/speed limit recognition), navigation-based smart cruise control and Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) which features a lane change assistant.

Forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), blind spot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning and forward attention warning are also part of the GV70 package.

Measuring 4715mm long, the Genesis GV70 is slightly longer than the top-selling mid-size luxury SUV in Australia thus far in 2020, the Mercedes-Benz GLC (4669mm). Both have a similar wheelbase – 2875mm versus 2873mm and should offer similar passenger space as a result.

“SUVs will play a very important part in the growth and future success of the Genesis luxury brand in Australia, thus we are eagerly awaiting the launch of GV70 next year,” said Genesis spokesman Guido Schenken.

“Genesis will launch three new models locally next year: the updated G70 sport sedan, our brand’s first all-electric model, and GV70 our second smaller SUV.

“With this accelerated growth of our model range in Australia, and planned expansion to the Genesis showroom network, we see a great future for the brand. Genesis will be driven by great product and customer experience.”

The Genesis GV70 has made its world debut exactly a month after the all-new mid-size luxury SUV was revealed in camouflaged form.

Confirmed for Australian release in the first half of next year, the premium Korean car-maker’s first direct rival for the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC will slot below the larger new Genesis GV80 in the Hyundai-owned luxury brand’s growing SUV family.

While the GV80 and its closely related large sedan sibling, the new G80, both arrive in Australia in November, the GV70 shares its rear/all-wheel drive platform with the upgraded G70 mid-size sedan, which like the GV70 will land Down Under in the first half of 2021.

No mechanical details have been announced for the Genesis GV70, which we’ve previously referred to as the GV60 – a name that should be applied to an all-new small Genesis SUV due to appear in late 2021. Genesis’ answer to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA could be exclusively battery-powered since it has confirmed an all-new small EV crossover is coming.

Meantime, the Genesis GV70 should be powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.3-litre V6 turbo-petrol engines as the G70.

But it’s possible the GV70 will score the Hyundai Group’s latest 3.5-litre turbo-petrol V6 (280kW/530Nm) from the new G80 sedan, and its new 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four (225kW/420Nm).

Also possible, but less likely, is the new 204kW/588Nm 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel from the new GV80.

In design terms, true to its promise, Genesis has avoided the temptation to make the GV70 simply a shrunken version of the GV80, with a new ‘Athletic Elegance’ design theme bringing slimmer quad-lamp headlights flanking a new take on Genesis’ logo-shaped ‘Crest Grille’, plus a distinctive new C/D-pillar design.

At the sides, the fifth model in the Genesis line-up (including the G90 limousine not sold here) features an arching ‘Parabolic Line’ that starts at the headlights and finishes above the tail-lights to accentuate the coupe-like roofline.

Other design elements for the all-new mid-size prestige SUV include lower ‘skid plates’ for the front and rear bumpers, which wear a G-Matrix pattern, plus a unique vertical-shaped muffler and a body-coloured rear diffuser.

Inside, Genesis says the GV70’s cabin “exhibits characteristics of the elegant South Korean architectural philosophy, ‘the beauty of white space’” and aims to maximise occupant comfort and convenience, while a driver-centric layout “borrows inspiration from the aerodynamic sections of aircraft wings”.

The second Genesis SUV is certain to bring all the new technologies from the upgraded 2021 G70, including a big 10.2-inch infotainment touch-screen and operating system, with over-the-air software updates, plus wireless phone charging.

Exclusive to the 2021 Genesis GV70 Sport model also revealed today are a unique front bumper, 21-inch alloy wheels with a G-Matrix pattern, dark chrome garnishes, a larger exhaust outlet and, inside, specific colours and trims, including a carbon-fibre-appointed console and door, plus a special sports steering wheel.

“The audaciously designed new GV70 breaks new ground for Genesis through purity of design execution,” said SangYup Lee, senior vice-president and head of global Genesis design.

“This follows the Genesis G80 and GV80 which demonstrated the perfect balance of our design identity ‘Athletic Elegance’.

“The new GV70 inherits the Genesis design DNA including signature elements such as the ‘Wing Face’ and ‘Two Lines’. Along with the G70, the athletic 70-series line-up expands our design territory.

“As a luxury brand based in Korea, we are excited to offer ‘Beauty of White Space’, Genesis’ contemporary spatial experience exclusively to our special customers,” he said.