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GENESIS GV70: ANDREI AVARVARIIGENESIS
GV70,
GV80,
ESSENTIA
When Genesis transitioned
from a luxury model under
Hyundai to its own luxury
marque, just two sedans
composed the entire lineup.
Now, three sedans exist—
G70, G80, and G90, in order
of smallest to largest—and
Genesis promises two SUV
models based on sedan
counterparts. The smaller
of the two crossovers is the
GV70, which will use the
G70’s compact C2 platform.
A direct competitor to the
BMW X3 and Mercedes-
Benz GLC, the GV70 will
be sporty, slotting into the
smaller crossover segment
that emphasizes fun-to-drive
qualities and stylish good looks
as much as it does luxury and
technological features. As for
engine options, Genesis is
rumored to be working on a
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-
four to replace its current
252-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four,
with the current 365-hp
3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 likely
to continue on as the premium
option. Although the smaller
engine is available with a
manual gearbox for the rear-
wheel-drive G70 sedan variant,
we expect the GV70 will only
be available with an eight-speed
automatic regardless of rear- or
all-wheel-drive configuration.ON SALE:
GV70: Mid 2021
GV80: Mid 2020
Essentia: Late 2022 (est)
BASE PRICE:
GV70: $40,000 (est)
GV80: $55,000 (est)
Essentia: $100,000 (est)The 2021 Genesis GV80
will be the marque’s first
crossover offering, built to
provide an alternative luxury
midsize sport ute against
segment heavyweights BMW
X5 and Mercedes-Benz
GLE. We first saw the GV80
Crossover Concept at the
2017 New York auto show
in hydrogen fuel cell form,
but when the three-row SUV
arrives in showrooms in 2020,
we expect to see traditional
engines only. That said, it won’t
be available with the brand’s
current Tau 5.0-liter V-8
engine, which will be phased
out soon in the G80 sedan, as
well. Going forward, the G80/
GV80 will top out with the
365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6,
but it could well be we’ll see
a significant evolution of that
engine (possibly with increased
displacement and/or power)for the GV80’s launch. An eight-
speed automatic transmission and
all-wheel drive should both be
on the GV80’s docket, along with
sleek, contemporary, and upscale
styling from chief of design Luc
Donkerwolke. Whereas the GV70
will focus on delivering a sporty
driving experience, the GV80 will
offer more comfort and elegance.
When we caught our first
glimpse of the Genesis Essentia
concept at the 2018 New Yorkauto show, we were cautiously
optimistic. Sure, the swoopy
coupe was drop-dead sexy,
but its concept styling and
all-electric powertrain felt a
little too good to be true for
a fledgling automaker that’s
yet to bring a two-door coupe
or electric power to market.
All that said, Genesis claims
the Essentia is viable, and
more than that, it could enter
production by 2022. Yes,
Genesis will probably swap the
gullwing doors for traditional
units, the interior likely won’t
be as minimalistic, and the
more dramatic lines on the
concept will undoubtedly be
toned down for production, but
the brand says its carbon-fiber
body is production-possible as
a low-volume halo car (think
Acura NSX). It’s a car that
would go a long way in helping
define the Genesis image. AMGV70GV80Essentia Concept