The GV80 Coupe is a new model from Genesis for 2025. If it seems familiar, it’s because it should. This is a coupe-ized version of the GV80 SUV. It is the next vehicle in a trend started by BMW by trimming the rear area and hatch off the X5 and making it into an X6. Mercedes did this with the CLC and GLE, Audi did it with the “Sportback” versions of a whole line of cars, and Porsche with the Cayenne Coupe. Clearly there is a market for a less practical and more expensive versions of typical SUVs.
Engine:
This particular GV80 Coupe was equipped with an updated version of the brand’s 3.5-liter turbocharged V6. The update consisted of a 48-volt electric supercharger. It raised the power output from 375hp and 391 lb-ft of torque to 409 and 405, respectivly. In a hybrid-like fashion, that improved the fuel economy in the city from 16 to 18 MPG. In terms of driving and additional power, I really cannot say that I felt a big difference between this and the GV80 SUV I drove some years back.
Video Review:
Interior:
My hot take here is that Genesis vehicles may have some of the best interiors on the market. This is not only in terms of design and the look of materials, but also of ergonomics. Further, there are so many little things that make these vehicles nicer, such as illumined light stalks. It shows the design team’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail. The way everything is assembled together just gives these cars a very solid feeling – think 1990’s Lexus or 1980’s Mercedes.
Driving:
With the sporty 22-inch wheels and the low-profile 265/40 tires, the ride was surprisingly nice. Gensis is very vague in the technical specifications on the exact suspension setup, only calling it “High Performance Gas Shock” with “Electronically Controlled Suspension w/ Road Preview”. Basically, it’s adjustable shocks over coil springs. Those shocks are controlled by a camera that scan the road surface and adjusts them as needed – I think Mercedes tried that some years back. Whatever is going on there, it works great.
The engine is smooth and mostly quiet, with a hint of what seems like a tuned exhaust note reminiscent of the old Infinities with VQ engines. But it needs more serious left-foot motivation to really get going above the smooth cruising. With the driving mode set to sport, most of that power work is being done by transmission staying on lower gears longer, sometimes too long. I feel like a slight tune to the throttle input would polish it up nicely.
Conclusion:
It looks great, drives very well, and is smooth and quiet. The interior is modern and opulent without being over-the-top in any way (have you seen modern Mercedes? That’s what I mean, way over-the-top). It lacks a spare tire, which is always a red flag for me. The GV80 Coupe has only one option choice, and that is that of the e-SC engine, which I really don’t see a point of. Having everything standard in a luxury car is a luxury!
The 2025 GV80 Coupe 3.5T AWD starts at $79,950. The 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD starts at $85,750. That is not cheap but comparing it to its direct German rivals it quickly comes out on top. Personally, having seen the latest GLE Coupe and Cayenne Coupe, and their prices, I would be hard pressed to get either of the vehicles from Stuttgart over the one from Seoul.