When you think of countries that manufacture luxury car brands, Germany, England, Japan and even America have been the obvious answers for decades. However, for the first time ever, South Korea is making strides in this category thanks to Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai. Initially born as a coupe and sedan among Hyundai’s lineup, in 2015 Hyundai announced that Genesis would be an independent marque with the introduction of the G90 sedan. Fast forward to 2020, and after numerous awards among the industry, Genesis continues to challenge the notion of what a luxury brand should be with the introduction of two brand new models: the G80 sedan and the GV80 SUV. I recently had the opportunity to view both vehicles first hand at an event hosted by Genesis de L’Ouest, part of Groupe Gabriel, that took place at the Elm Ridge Country Club.
Let’s start off with the G80 sedan. With its sleek design that is very reminiscent of its European counterparts (Filippo Perini, former Lamborghini head of design, is now the chief designer at Genesis), the G80 is a real head-turner. Its interior is just sleek as its exterior where you will find quilted leather seats, a 14.5’ touch-screen navigation system as well as plenty of other standard features. In Canada, the G80 also comes standard with All-Wheel Drive along with two engine options: a 2.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft) and a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine (375 hp, 390 lb-ft torque). The cost? The 4-cylinder starts at $66,000 and the V6 starts at $76,000 which is not too shabby at all compared to other vehicles in its segment.
Next up is the GV80. As we all know the SUV segment continues to soar, the GV80 is Genesis’ first-ever SUV and is a crucial component for the brand. The GV80 shares many design elements from the G80 sedan resulting in an elegant SUV that has a ton of presence. Just like the G80, the interior of the GV80 has been carefully crafted and designed with plenty of high-end materials throughout. 5-passenger seating is standard, though for those seeking additional space, there is an optional 3rd row available. Power options are the same as those in the G80 sedan: a 2.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft) and a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine (375 hp, 390 lb-ft torque). Depending on the trim level and engine choice, the price of the GV80 range from $64,500 to $85,000.
As this was a preview event, I did not have the opportunity to test-drive either vehicle but I look forward to doing so when Genesis de L’Ouest’s first demo vehicles arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. From my first impressions of both vehicles and the overall direction forward that the brand is going, the future is looking extremely bright for Genesis. Within the next few years, I am confident that the Genesis will have the same success that Toyota has had with Lexus.
Learn more online via Genesis and Genesis de L’Ouest
Photography by Olivier Lessard