Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, used the first day of the new year to share the first official images of the GV80, its first SUV. It will become the fourth model in the Genesis line-up, joining the G70, G80 and G90 sedans. Sales will commence in South Korea this month and progressive launched will take place in other markets during 2020.
Like its sedan siblings, the 3-row GV80 will have a rear-wheel drive platform unique to the Genesis brand; all-wheel drive will be optional. The ‘V’ in the GV80 designation will appear on SUV models, denoting ‘versatility’.
“Over the last 4 years, Genesis has established itself as a respected luxury brand with superior vehicle quality and a line-up of class-leading sedans with charismatic and discriminating style,” said William Lee, Executive Vice-President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “With the launch of GV80, Genesis will elevate expectations for excellence within the luxury SUV market.”
The first images of long-rumoured GV80 provide a complete picture of the first SUV created by Genesis Design. The interior and exterior styling are based on the GV80 Concept displayed at the 2017 New York Auto Show, which was a collaboration between Genesis Design studios located in South Korea, the USA and Germany.
“GV80 allows us to expand our definition of Athletic Elegance design language to a new typology, while retaining sublime proportionality and sophistication of form,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
Signature Genesis design elements
Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80. Surrounded by the high-tech Quad Lamps, the Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of model. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by ‘power lines’ above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence.
“The Quad Lamp, our design signature, introduces an unmistakable visual impression completely unique to Genesis,” explained Sang Yup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Genesis Design. He added that the G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior, as well the design of the wheels, is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light.
South Korean architectural aesthetic interior
The interior focuses on the beauty of open space, characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural aesthetic. Minimalism is in the details, with a commanding driving position surrounded by high mounted control surfaces. The slim air vents stretch across the front to highlight the width of the cabin featuring minimal physical buttons with the new touch screen climate control. The centre console is equipped with a jewel-like, rotating electronic gear selector, providing an exquisite balance of simplicity and glamour.
The Genesis name was originally used for a flagship Hyundai model between 2007 and 2016. It was then used as the name for a division which would focus on luxury models, just as Toyota has Lexus and Nissan has Infiniti. As the company has indicated that South Korea, the Middle East, USA, China, and Europe are its target markets, it would unlikely have right-hand drive variants.
The carmaker recruited a number of experienced designers from European companies who work with Peter Schreyer, a company President responsible for design management of all brands in the group.
