Genesis GV80 Coupe 2024 Review

The 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe is available only as a five-seat model priced from $136,000 plus on-road costs.

That positions it $6000 upstream of the upgraded – and now much more expensive – seven-seater GV80 SUV (from $130,000) and $3000 ahead of the six-seater GV80 SUV (from $133,000), which swaps out the second-row bench for two individual ‘business class’ seats.

The $136K pricing places Genesis’ new coupe-style large luxury SUV close to its main rivals: the Audi Q8 (from $138,900), BMW X6 (from $140,900 plus ORCs), Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (from $159,900) and Porsche Cayenne Coupe (from $146,700).

All 2024 Genesis GV80 models are based around a single powertrain and equipment level, although the GV80 Coupe does have some exclusive features.

Prices for the SUV versions have risen by almost $20,000 compared to the pre-facelift series, but this is partly reflected by an uptick in standard equipment that’s also found in the GV80 Coupe. Kit previously part of an optional Luxury Pack ($10,500-$13,500) is now fitted standard, for example.

Headline features – not including safety and tech, which we’ll get to in a moment – include tri-zone climate control, an 18-way electric-adjust front seats (including four-way massage function), heated and ventilated front and rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, heated console arm rest, suede headlining, active noise cancellation, automatic UV-C sterilisation of the centre console area, and much more.

The GV80 Coupe is fitted exclusively with real carbon-fibre trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel, contrast stitching (with matching seat belts) and aluminium pedals.

Exterior updates across the range include a fresh front fascia and advanced micro-lens array LED headlights, while the Coupe has a unique bumper, dual exhaust outlets, rear spoiler and different 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber.

There’s the choice of 11 exterior paint colours, six interior colourways and five additional ‘garnishes’ such as Bassalt Weaving and Olive Ash Real Wood, a juxtaposition to the carbon-fibre trim exclusive to the GV80 Coupe.

There are just two main options to consider: matte paint ($2000) and rear seat entertainment screens ($4500).

The Genesis GV80 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is complemented by free servicing for five years/50,000km (based on 12-month/10,000km intervals).

There’s also 24/7 roadside assistance for 10 years and ‘Genesis to You’ owner benefits for five years, which includes things such as a courtesy car during service time.

Genesis’ German rivals do not offer such strong aftersales support.

The Genesis GV80 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2021, covering vehicles built from October 2020.

However, this rating applies only to AWD 2.5-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel variants that are no longer available, leaving the 3.5-litre V6 petrol models that make up the 2024 Genesis GV80 range as officially unrated.

The latest GV80 SUV and the new GV80 Coupe are fitted with 10 airbags and a higher level of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) than before, adding updates to highway driving assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist and remote parking assist, for example.

A new in-cabin camera monitors the driver’s line of sight and attention and uses a combination audible and visual alerts to keep the driver focused.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe features a raft of clever technology housed in a slick-looking and user-friendly interface.

The 27-inch OLED touch-screen is the hero of the in-cabin tech. The high-definition, crystal-clear graphics match its high-end competitors, while the customisation allows the driver to tailor the dual-screen view. The full-width satellite navigation graphic is epic.

Other tech treats include fingerprint authentication, capacitive sensor exterior door handles, a digital rear-view mirror, voice memo function, in-cabin scenting, head-up display, driver profiles, customisable shortcut buttons, 10 pre-set ‘Sounds of Nature’ and an 18-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system.

Other bases are covered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charging and so on.

A potentially divisive strategy, all versions of the 2024 Genesis GV80, including the new GV80 Coupe, are limited to just one powertrain for the Australian market – a carryover 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that produces 279kW and 530Nm.

The engine sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The previous 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder (204kW/588Nm) and 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (224kW/422Nm) engines have been axed. A higher-output mild-hybrid version of the 3.5-litre turbo-six (305kW/549Nm) is found overseas, but not yet available for right-hand drive markets.
Still, the GV80 Coupe is right on the mark in terms of power, and has more torque, than key rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe (280kW/500Nm) and BMW X6 xDrive40i (280kW/520Nm).

Genesis claims the GV80 Coupe can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.7sec, on its way to a 240km/h top speed.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe has an 80-litre fuel tank and is good for a claimed 11.7L/100km on the official combined cycle.

We’ll need a longer test than the launch drive to ascertain its real-world economy.

Quiet and highly capable. After a short stint behind the wheel of the 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe, first impressions are positive.

It’s clear that the turbo-petrol V6 is a good match for the sporty GV80 Coupe, revving freely and with plentiful power on tap.

Sport+ mode – exclusive to the Coupe variant – brings that little extra pep and playfulness to the drive, as well as a better soundtrack.

At all other times, it’s whisper-quiet inside the cabin. Surprisingly so, with the 2205kg mass rolling on 22-inch alloys – road, wind and tyre noise are minimal.

The steering offers great feedback through the bends and handles the GV80’s ample proportions with ease. There’s a little bit of body roll at speed, but it’s not headline-worthy.

It does, however, stand as a reminder that while the Genesis GV80 Coupe looks the part, it isn’t quite as dynamically polished as its key rivals.

All in all, the GV80 Coupe is a very easy and comfortable vehicle to pilot – and that ease of use and what feels like very manageable power delivery should bring broad appeal.

Importantly, the brake pedal also feels good under foot, the GV80 Coupe’s ‘Flex Brake’ feature allowing drivers to choose between Comfort or Sport mode response.

Outward vision is good, despite that sloping roofline.

Inside the 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe, your generous investment is blindingly obvious.

From the quilted Nappa leather seats to the copious amount of genuine carbon-fibre (if that’s your thing), and with a top-notch technology interface, it feels like Genesis’ brief on this one was to go one better.

Sophisticated and restrained in its design, the finely curated interior feels… special.

My only gripe with the interior functionality is the close proximity of the two centrally located rotary dials – one for gear selection and one for screen navigation – which are easily confused, depending on where your hand naturally falls.

In-cabin storage is sufficient, but not expansive or innovative. Open oddment storage has small items covered, while the lidded arm rest offers more generous stowage. There are two cup holders and drink bottles will fit in the door pockets.

Second-row passengers are afforded the same luxury trappings as up front, with heated and ventilated outboard seats, climate control, window shades and an arm rest with two cup holders. I give particular kudos for the twin overhead vanity mirrors available in the GV80 SUV. Nice touch.

Like all SUVs that succumb to the sloping roofline of a coupe silhouette, boot space is sacrificed. But the GV80 Coupe boasts considerable room nonetheless, with 644 litres (expanding to 1033L) on offer. Split-fold seats in a 40/20/40 configuration add convenient load flexibility.

Stainless-steel scuff plates on entry as well as the boot opening, along with hard-backed front seats, are a nod to the robust family duties the GV80 will no doubt endure.

The GV80 has a braked towing capacity of 2722kg and can lug an additional 100kg via the roof rails.

Hyundai’s standalone luxury brand continues to refine its game with each facelift, update and all-new model launched, and the 2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe is no exception.

If the Genesis GV80’s market share doesn’t improve, it certainly won’t be through lack of trying.

The GV80 Coupe is a joy to steer, delivers a lengthy list of luxury amenity and boasts quality craftsmanship.

Diesel devotees and buyers chasing greener options will mourn the lack of alternative drivetrains, but anyone focused primarily on value for money in the large luxury SUV set will likely justify those compromises.

If Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz or indeed Porsche don’t tick the boxes for you, the Genesis GV80 could be worth a try.

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe at a glance:
Price: $136,000 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
Output: 279kW/530Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 11.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 273g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested