Hot Wheels: GV80 SUV

Genesis Lavishes Luxury, Safety on GV80 SUV

BY NITISH S. RELE There’s just no stopping Genesis. Ever since Hyundai launched the off shoot in 2015, enthusiastic reviews have followed. The G70, G80 and G90 sedans in the Genesis stable have been joined by the hot-selling luxury label’s fi rst SUV, the GV80. It provides more proof that quality, styling, design, and ease of use have been trademarks of the Korean car builder’s upmarket off shoot from Day One.

For our test drive, the all-wheel-drive GV80 was equipped with a beefy 3.5.-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine cranking out 375 horsepower @ 5800 rpm, and 391 pounds-feet of torque @ 5800 rpm. A seamless 8-speed automatic transmission off ers Comfort, Eco, Sport and Custom Drive modes. Its electronically controlled multilink suspension handles the bumps and thumps of real-time roads with little sacrifi ce. The motor-driven power steering is perfectly weighted and provides ample feedback.

Up front, the long hood of the handsome SUV meets all comers with a bold and mammoth crest grille topped by the winged emblem, and fl anked by quad LED headlights. Step inside and you’ll discover a large 14.5-inch split-screen HD display for phone, nav and audio that can be controlled via a knob. Need to shift into park? The rotary dial selector is a handy touch. To be sure, Genesis coddles the occupants with tri-zone auto a/c, 12-way front heated/cooled leather seats, along with and power tilt/telescopic steering column and tilt-and-slide sunroof, and a suede headliner. A 12.3-inch digital cluster helps the driver

GV80 (Prestige)

Tires: P265/50R20 Wheelbase: 116.3 inches Length: 194.7 inches Width: 77.8 inches Height: 67.5 inches Weight: 4,907 pounds Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons City: 18 mpg Highway: 23 mpg Base price: $59,650 Price as tested: $73,510 Web site: www.genesis.com

monitor systems. Matte-fi nished wood adds luxury to the center console, dash, and doors. A Lexicon sound system with 21 speakers tune out outdoor noise. Power rear window sunshades further add to the restful environment.

Safety is paramount for Genesis. Four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist provide sure stop along with electronic stability and traction control system, front/rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, rearview camera, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffi c alert, lane departure warning/lane keep and forward collision avoid assists, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.

Further wrapping the GV80’s occupants in safety are a front center airbag — located between the driver’s seat and center console, a fi rst in its segment, dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.

The extravagant GV80 is fi tted out with a forceful power train, well-appointed and classy cabin, and numerous safety features. Hats off to Genesis for a job well done. Listen up, European competitors (Audi, BMW, Benz!): You have been put on notice.

Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, is a former automotive editor/columnist for The Tampa Tribune. He can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.