Is the Genesis GV80 a game-changer or just hype?
By Nik Miles
For those weary of German smugness on four wheels, salvation may now come with a Korean passport.
There are cars that scream for attention—and then there’s the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe, which simply shows up looking like a Bond villain’s daily driver and lets the room go silent.
Genesis, Hyundai’s upmarket alter ego, has long played the role of the polite party guest—elegant, unassuming, and surprisingly good at trivia. But with the GV80 Coupe, they’ve decided to spike the punch.So:
Is this just another coupe-SUV mashup, or has Genesis genuinely cracked the code?
Let’s dive in.
What sets this car apart?
At first glance, it’s that silhouette—swoopy, sculpted, and just aggressive enough to scare a Range Rover off its valet perch. But under the bonnet (that’s “hood” for the American audience), the GV80 Coupe packs a choice of two engines: a 375-hp twin-turbo V6 or a 409-hp “e-supercharged” version for those who feel personally victimized by slow traffic.
It’s not just the power—it’s the presentation. The 27-inch OLED display stretches across the dash like an Apple Store on wheels, framed by real wood, Nappa leather, and the sort of stitching you’d expect on Savile Row.
In short, the GV80 Coupe has the nerve to waltz into a segment ruled by German old money and declare, “I’m not here to blend in.”
Is it truly a performance SUV?
Yes—and no. The GV80 Coupe isn’t trying to lap the Nürburgring. It’s not a sports car masquerading as a crossover. What it is, however, is brisk, refined, and occasionally cheeky. Think of it as a Bentley that moonlights as a nightclub bouncer.
It wafts. It purrs. It even leans in when you’re being a bit irresponsible on an on-ramp. But does it handle like an X6 M? Of course not. And thank heavens for that—most owners will be dodging potholes in Westchester, not chasing lap times.
How does this affect everyday drivers?
In ways that genuinely matter. The GV80 Coupe is the rare luxury vehicle that doesn’t demand a personality transplant to drive. You don’t have to choose between ride quality and tech, or between power and poise.
Genesis also equips it with adaptive cruise, auto lane changes, and a suspension that reads the road like it’s checking Yelp reviews. It’s practically clairvoyant—and remarkably unflustered, even when your in-laws are not.
The only caveat? That dramatic sloping roofline does nibble away at rear headroom and cargo space. If you’re over six feet tall, bring a chiropractor.
Is this a game-changer or just hype?
This might be the most important SUV Genesis has ever built. Why? Because it doesn’t chase German templates—it subverts them.
Genesis didn’t try to out-Audi Audi. They didn’t bolt on carbon fibre and call it “sporty.” Instead, they’ve crafted a bold, luxurious, and technologically savvy SUV that dares to be different.
And in a market flooded with anonymous metal, different is priceless.
Why should you care?
Because we’re entering a new era of automotive identity. The GV80 Coupe isn’t trying to be for everyone—and that’s precisely why it works. It’s confident without being cocky, futuristic without being faddish.
It speaks to drivers who are over badge-snobbery but still crave quality. Drivers who want theatre, but also silence. Who want sportiness, but not spinal trauma.
And in a world where every luxury SUV seems to come in three shades of gray and four flavors of “mildly intimidating,” the GV80 Coupe dares to be… orange. Literally. There’s a limited “Magma” paint option, and it’s glorious.
So… is it worth the $81K to $87K price tag?
If you’re shopping German, that barely gets you into the game. In the Genesis, it gets you the works—premium trim, serious power, and enough tech to launch a small satellite.
And here’s the thing: Genesis doesn’t make you pay for prestige. You won’t be nickel-and-dimed for heated cupholders and semi-functional gesture controls. You get value. Actual, measurable value. A shocker, I know.
Final verdict?
The GV80 Coupe isn’t trying to outgun the competition—it’s rewriting the rules. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably special. It’s the sort of car that makes you nod knowingly at red lights and feel rather pleased with yourself in Whole Foods parking lots.
In other words, Genesis didn’t just build a car. They built a point.
