SPY PICS: Genesis GV80 goes incognito

First seen in concept form at the 2017 New York Auto Show, the large, seven-seat GV80 SUV from Hyundai luxury-class offshoot Genesis is advancing towards production.

These spy photos of a heavily-wrapped test mule undergoing winter testing indicate that the final version of the first SUV to wear the Genesis badge will essentially follow the styling cues evident in the show car, pared back in the usual fashion to play it safe in a traditionally conservative luxury-SUV market.

Clearly aimed at Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 and Audi Q7 in the luxury SUV segment, the Genesis GV80 is expected to cater to normal expectations in this market segment: Rear or all-wheel drive, and a range of smooth and powerful engines including a 3.8-litre V6, a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8.

There is also word of a 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder, as well as a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, while fuel-cell or plug-in hybrid versions are also a possibility.

Genesis is also working on the smaller GV70, an SUV version of its mid-size G70 sedan, with plans to compete in the Mercedes-Benz GLC/BMW X3/Audi Q5 segment.

The Genesis GV80 is expected to go on sale globally in early 2020, with Australia at this stage remaining a question mark.

Genesis Australia, which is about to open its first dedicated retail outlet in Pitt Street mall in Sydney, will soon offer the G70 sedan, which shares its platform with the Kia Stinger, and the large G80 sedan.