MOTORING APRIL: 2025 Genesis GV80 Luxury Plus

George Loveridge driving Around for Travel News Update

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This year, we will sadly see Genesis pause production of all petrol and diesel cars. As they do not yet make any hybrids, we will be served electric cars for the foreseeable future. However, this 2.5 litre petrol SUV is still something to get excited about. Let us find out why.

Overall, we do like a Genesis here on TNU. The last time we looked at something from the G80 family, it was the luxury saloon. This time, we are working with the GV80 Luxury Plus. A fancy name for a fancy car. With chrome 22-inch alloy wheels and rear TV screens, Genesis is hot on the heels of other luxury marques. Often referred to as a budget Bentley, the GV80 oozes class and refinement. So what if it comes from Korea, it is still a very nice motor!

Being a six-seater luxury vehicle, it is quite heavy − 2.3 tonnes to be exact. Therefore, we have got 304bhp and 422Nm being delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. I would be pretty greedy if I said that the power was not enough. Sadly, it looks like I am. It is not slow by any stretch of the imagination, although the poor 4-cylinder petrol engine just feels overworked in this package. A six-cylinder diesel engine would suit this ensemble much better. With that said, straight line speed and cruising ability is admirable.

Across a long drive, it can really chew through counties. An electronic limited slip differential gives this SUV an edge in the bends. Despite being badged as a luxury model, it does handle better than you would expect. I have also sampled the Sport version of this car, and it drives the same as this car if truth be told. Just with a lot less chrome! The gearbox works well though, and is operated via twin paddle shifters, and once in sport mode, you get full control of the gears.

When you are not being a hooligan, the GV80 does settle down rather well. We are not on air suspension, but it does glide around nicely, and almost wafts when on smoother roads. Despite the supreme levels of wood and leather on the interior, the road noise is verging on unacceptable, especially on the motorway. Sadly, this is down to the hulking tyres. Anything smaller than what it has would look silly within the wheel arches, but they do make a lot of noise. But, if you are sat in the back, all of your worries are taken away.

Despite being a six-seater, most of the time this will be used as a premium 4-seater machine. The middle pair of seats are separated by a command centre, benefiting passengers with heated and ventilated cupholders, heated and cooled seats, and the controls for your own TV screen bolted to the back of the front seats. It is all rather special. Each rear seat has a ‘relax’ button which reclines the chair and raises the lower section, providing extra support. Moreover, there is a ‘passenger talk’ feature which allows the driver to communicate with the rest of the car via a microphone, which sends their voice through the rear speakers.

The third row of seats in the boot are full size, and although they are not heated, they still have access to charging ports and cup holders. All of this comes thanks to the Luxury Pack which is a £3,600 option, along with the innovation pack which is another £3,900. Oh and you cannot forget the Nappa Leather seats pack at £2,350.

The George Loveridge Verdict

I would be mad to say that I did not like this GV80 luxury. It pretty much does it all. Handles well, chews up miles in comfort and has a competent 4x4 system that works really well amid the sporty tyres. As with every Genesis I have driven, the fuel economy is laughable. Especially with this GV80. On a 300-mile round trip on the motorway, I nudged 26mpg. Furthermore, across local trips, I was lucky to see 14mpg. For a 2.5-litre petrol engine, I cannot justify that at all! Considering that it has an 80-litre fuel tank, you will be spending a lot at the pumps. Although, if you are looking to swap your Range Rover or Volvo XC-90, this could be the bargain of the century. In terms of value, exclusivity and class.

Price as tested: £78,605
Lead in price: £72,800
Average fuel consumption: 14mpg
Range (petrol): 300 miles  
Engine size: 2497cc
0-60: 7.7 seconds

Performance 8
Handling 7
Transmission 8
Noise 6
Economy 2
Ride and Comfort 10
Accommodation 9
Styling 8
Brakes 8
Finish 9
TOTAL = 75%

www.genesis.com/uk/en/models/gv80

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