[Taboleo] Captivated by That Graceful Back Silhouette

Test Driving the Domestic Top-Priced SUV GV80 Coupe

The Genesis GV80 Coupe is the most expensive domestic sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Korea. The base model with a 2.5 turbo gasoline engine costs 82.55 million won, and adding just a few popular convenience features pushes the price over 100 million won. Considering that the standard GV80 model, not the coupe, starts below 70 million won, the price gap that potential customers might feel is significant. Even those considering a car over 100 million won tend to be sensitive to price. At this price range, most people would likely consider high-end foreign brands as well.

This model was launched alongside the GV80 facelift last year. From the name itself, an SUV emphasizing practicality and a coupe characterized by sleek, stylish design are not originally a natural combination. However, things have changed somewhat. Recreational vehicles (RVs) are no longer just for suburban use. With the popularity of urban SUVs, various sizes and types of SUVs have each created their own unique demand.

GV80 Coupe
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

The coupe-style SUV is also part of this trend. It is a lineup mostly seen in high-end brands centered in Germany, but Genesis, still a newcomer in the premium market, boldly took on the challenge. Since the sibling model GV80 was released first and quickly established itself mainly in Korea and North America, they seem to have some confidence.

Did they truly capture the coupe’s style?

As a coupe, the exterior design stands out the most. The basic structure is based on the GV80, but the rear roofline slopes down low and gently, emphasizing a sleek and graceful impression. The front air intake is large, and the active air flap and air vent design highlight that this is a car built for performance. It’s not just the rear that changes in the coupe; the overall design was altered and details refined throughout.

The window line from the side, rear lamps, and roof rack are also differentiated from the standard GV80. The muffler design, which is hidden in the GV80, is prominently integrated into the bumper in the coupe. The two-tone rear bumper and coupe-exclusive wheels are also interesting points. Design preferences vary greatly depending on taste, but at least no one around expressed dislike.

GV80 Coupe
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

Is the interior very different from the GV80?

Compared to the old GV80, the biggest change in the facelift is the interior layout. Since the GV80 Coupe is a new model itself, direct comparison is difficult. However, it can be said that it addresses areas that existing customers wanted more of.

The interior configuration is almost the same as the GV80 facelift model released together. Only a few details that catch the eye or touch, such as the steering wheel and seats with coupe-exclusive stitching, are different. The driver’s instrument cluster and center display are connected into one screen showing various information, which is the biggest difference from the old GV80. The design and overall graphic layout are decent, but there were occasional delays in response during operation.

GV80 Coupe interior display
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

GV80 Coupe trunk
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

Despite being a coupe, as an SUV, the second-row passengers do not lack headroom. The trunk is spacious front-to-back and side-to-side, but since it’s a coupe, luggage must be loaded lower. Compared to the boxier GV80, the official capacity is about 80 liters less, but it felt like the actual usable space was even smaller. However, the foldable luggage shelf was very useful during the test drive. It can be completely removed when not in use.

Should you get the supercharger that costs over 5 million won?

The base model uses a 2.5 turbo gasoline engine, and if you want a more relaxed drive, you can choose the 3.5 turbo gasoline engine. The 3.5 turbo can be equipped with a 48V electric supercharger engine. Compared to the base model, it costs 9.35 million won more, and 5.15 million won more than the 3.5 model without the supercharger. “Is it worth spending 5 million won more?” is a dilemma for those who have decided to buy this car.

The supercharger compresses air once more with a motor at low engine RPMs, supplying more compressed air. This advances the maximum torque point, allowing quicker response during initial acceleration. Maximum output increases by 35 horsepower to 415 hp, and torque rises by 2 kgf·m to 56 kgf·m. Even the 3.5 turbo alone has decent acceleration performance. Adding the supercharger makes driving more relaxed. However, it’s not easy to recommend outright. Since it requires a significant additional payment, whether the improvement is worth the price will vary by individual. With higher output and about 0.5 km per liter better fuel efficiency, it seems more suitable for those who frequently drive medium to long distances.

GV80 Coupe
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

What are the pros and cons?

If design is the first, the second recommended feature is quietness. Sound-absorbing and insulating materials have been reinforced in various places such as tires and the tailgate. The GV80 was already quiet, but it has improved further. The active sound design, which artificially reproduces the exhaust sound typical of high-performance cars, adds to the driving enjoyment. The image of a “car over 100 million won” could be perceived negatively, but for actual buyers, it can be a positive point. If you minimize options on the lower trims, you can configure it in the 80 million won range.

It is still disappointing that there is no air suspension, which allows adjustment of ride comfort and height. Many have lamented this option since the GV80 was launched. Despite being the flagship SUV of a premium brand, it is completely absent even as an option. Although advanced technology is used to monitor road conditions and reduce vibrations accordingly while driving, the comfortable ride provided by air suspension is something that often comes to mind.

GV80 Coupe
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.