GENESIS SHINES WITH STUNNING NEW SUV AND SAFETY AWARD
South Korean luxury automaker Genesis is having a moment. On May 3, 2024, they announced the U.S. pricing for their new 2025 GV80. It’s a luxurious SUV with a reasonable price tag of $57,700.
Then, three days later, on May 6, 2024, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2024 Genesis G80 and G90 sedans TOP SAFETY PICK+ honors. In the case of Genesis, the old saying that good things come in pairs is true.
The 2025 GV80 SUV
According to a press release from the automaker, the 2025 GV80 SUV offers drivers an “elevated” experience with its sleek modern design and revamped interior that promises “enhanced comfort.”
Claudia Marquez, the chief operating officer for Genesis Motor North America, said of the GV80s lush trappings, “The 2025 GV80 brings a new level of elevated cabin experience to the Genesis SUV lineup, making all occupants feel like honored guests. Its new 27-inch widescreen display and array of new interior colors, materials, and finishes introduce an even greater sense of elegance to GV80.”
While some luxury car enthusiasts might shrug off the GV80 with its 27-inch widescreen display and say something like, “So what? The BMW i7 comes with an 8K theater setup. Why do we care about a 27-inch infotainment display?”
We’d point out that Genesis offers the GV80 at a much more consumer-friendly price point than what BMW makes the i7 available for. If you want luxury that doesn’t break the bank, the GV80 offers something hard to refuse.
The 2.5
The first GV80 trims have a gas-powered 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 engine, generating 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. For $57,000, Genesis has loaded the GV80 with features that make the SUV an enticing buy for consumers. The 27-inch OLED touchscreen mentioned above comes standard and features a Fingerprint Authentication System, Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, and USB Type-C ports.
Additionally, the 2.5 trim comes with Two-Line Headlamps with Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology and front 4-piston fixed monobloc brake calipers. According to their press release, the 2.5 also has four additional trims: 2.5T AWD, 2.5T Select AWD, 2.5T Advanced AWD, and 2.5T Prestige AWD.
Additional 2.5 Trims
The 2.5 AWD trim has manual rear door sunshades, a Genesis Digital Key, and a heated steering wheel. The Select AWD trim has luxurious trappings like a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch Alloy Wheels, and a matte finish wood trim.
The Advanced AWD trim adds even more features to the mix. This trim’s offerings include Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, a Bang & Olufsen® premium audio system, and leather seating surfaces.
The pinnacle of the 2.5, the Prestige AWD trim comes with a package worthy of its name. It sports such excellent features as an ErgoMotion driver’s seat, a head-up display, 3-zone climate control, heated rear seats, Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) with Road Preview, and 22-inch Alloy Wheels.
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The 3.5
The GV80 also comes with a 3.5-liter gas-powered twin turbo V6 engine capable of generating up to 375 horsepower. The Advanced AWD trim for the 3.5 starts at $73,800. It features all of the 2.5’s Advanced AWD trim trappings and some additional goodies.
Extra niceties include a four-zone climate control to keep passengers comfortable in any row and a third row of power-folding seats. That third row gives the Advanced AWD trim the capacity to seat seven passengers.
For an additional $5,500, consumers can purchase the 3.5’s Prestige AWD trim for $79,300. It features sumptuous Nappa leather seating surfaces, suede microfiber pillar trims, and headliners. Its seats have power heating, while the second-row seats have ventilation.
The armrest for the front console is heated, and the driver also benefits from a digital rearview mirror, while the occupants in the second row get their own set of vanity mirrors. The Prestige trim’s rear door sunshades, power door closing, a rear electronic limited-slip differential, and 22-inch Alloy Wheels surround the list of impressive features.
Additional Options for the 2.5 and 3.5
Both powertrain options come with two-tone color steering wheels, large console cup holders, and a revamped wireless charging tray for smartphones. New exterior color options include Storr Green and Storr Green Matte. The lush green of Scotland’s Isle of Skye inspired the South Korean automaker’s color choice.
Interior color options include Bordeaux Brown with Slate Gray, Ultramarine Blue with Glacier White, Smoky Green with Vanilla Beige, and Smoky Green with Earth Brown. According to their press release, trims for the 2025 GV80 will arrive at U.S. dealerships within a few weeks.
Top Safety Pick Award
In a separate press release, Genesis celebrates that the IIHS honored their G80 and G90 flagship sedan with TOP SAFETY PICK+ honors.
It’s an achievement the company’s global chief safety and quality officer proudly addressed in their press release, “The top IIHS rating for G80 and G90 vehicles built after October 2023 proves our commitment to safety remains firm. With two more vehicles added to the growing lineup of Genesis models proudly bearing the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, customer safety remains a top commitment for the brand.”
Qualifying for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the IIHS means a vehicle has good ratings for its small overlap front and updated side tests. Additionally, a car must have “acceptable or good” standard headlights on all its trims and “advanced or superior” scores for pedestrian front crash prevention.
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