2021 Genesis GV80 First Test Review: Four- and Six-Cylinder Luxury – Motor Trend

The SUV market has been red-hot for the higher a part of a decade, so loads of confused-cat emojis ensued when Genesis pushed its nascent model by launching a trio of sedans. Y NO SUV, guys?

Nicely, the wait is over. The Korean luxurious marque, the premium offshoot of Hyundai Motor Co., lastly has put a crossover available on the market. Though the 2021 Genesis GV80 has all of the touches one would count on from a luxurious model automobile and can possible serve many upscale households nicely with its lavish inside, it could go away these on the lookout for an fanatic really feel behind the wheel or a correct luxurious automobile trip wanting.

On paper, the GV80 appears to be like prepared for motion. Like most midsize luxurious SUVs such because the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE-Class, and Lincoln Nautilus, the GV80 gives a selection of two powertrains: a 300-hp, 311-lb-ft turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 375-hp, 383-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6. Each engines mate to an eight-speed computerized transmission.

Each engines present enough thrust. The four-banger zips to 60 mph in 6.Four seconds, whereas the quarter mile is available in 14.9 seconds at 94.Three mph. The V-6 will get to 60 mph in six seconds flat, with the quarter arriving in 14.Four seconds at 98.Eight mph.

Does not sound like a lot of a distinction, and with a beginning value hole of about 10 grand between a base turbo-four and the entry-level V-6, you may take into consideration saving a couple of bucks if a half second is not a deal-breaker. You may additionally save a couple of bucks on the pump. In keeping with EPA figures, the four-cylinder nets 21/25/22 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed, whereas the twin-turbo-six will get you 18/23/20 mpg. That mentioned, options editor Christian Seabaugh famous: “This 2.5-liter engine would not make a lot low-end energy, and it will get coarse and grainy up excessive in its powerband.”

However uncooked acceleration numbers do not inform the entire story. Head of editorial Ed Loh mentioned: “There is a little bit of lag within the throttle tip-in and downshifts. The three.5 sounds good and positively will get up and goes, however powertrain response is delayed and makes the complete package deal appear a bit disjointed and never as tight because it might be.”

As for dealing with, the four-cylinder GV80 can carry 0.79 g on the skidpad and dashed via our determine eight in 27.Four seconds at 0.63 g, whereas the six-cylinder GV80 carried 0.82 g on the skidpad and wanted 26.9 seconds at 0.65 g on the determine eight.

Once more, evaluating to the Mercedes, the bottom GLE 350 was slower across the determine eight at 28.2 seconds, and the GLE 450 4Matic was additionally a contact slower, although its 0.69 whole common g-vector determine across the course is spectacular.

Braking from 60 mph was 117 ft for the entry GV80, and the upmarket V-6 mannequin shaved 5 ft off the quantity—spectacular on condition that it weighs 270 kilos extra. On this occasion, the Genesis stomps the Mercedes: The GLE 350 requires 130 ft, and the GLE 450 takes 115 ft to return to a cease. Each Nautiluses wanted 117 ft to return to a halt.

However once more, it isn’t a lot the numbers you get from the Genesis as the way it delivers them.

Throughout our SUV of the 12 months testing, judges commented on a scarcity of steering response and issue in matching the cornering and precision of European SUVs.

“There is no really feel, and because of the very quiet luxe-oriented tires, no grip,” Seabaugh mentioned. “On a curvy highway, the motive force is working additional time simply to maintain the GV80 centered within the lane. I am not asking for a sporty drive expertise as a result of Genesis, like Lincoln, has eschewed that as a model worth. However the GV80 ought to however offer you confidence as you drive down a slender, twisty highway.”

Maybe an even bigger subject is the GV80’s harsh trip over sudden bumps and jolts.

“Even in Consolation mode, it rides like different vehicles’ Sport mode,” options editor Scott Evans mentioned. “I do not know why it is so stiffly sprung and damped. The physique is simply continually in movement. You are getting jostled on a regular basis by each potential imperfection within the highway. You will be sporty and nonetheless trip nicely.”

When you can look previous these points and develop into ensconced contained in the cabin, the GV80 rewards you handsomely. From the diamond-stitched seats (with a ridiculous variety of changes together with modifications for posture) to the crisp Lexicon stereo, from the three-dimensional instrument cluster to the “nature sounds” chillout perform, the Genesis delivers a luxurious expertise.

“The GV80’s inside reveals that Genesis is severe about being a luxurious carmaker,” senior options editor Jonny Lieberman mentioned.

However to channel Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for a second, “God is within the particulars,” and right here the Genesis nonetheless has some studying to do.

After complaints that its early-gen sedans’ infotainment show and consumer interface felt an excessive amount of like these of a mere Hyundai, the Genesis system has swung wildly the opposite method. A recessed, beveled scroll wheel controls all features, and the icon shows and interplay carry a definite Mercedes MBUX vibe—and never essentially in a great way.

“It is arduous to make use of, troublesome to get used to, and its display saver comes on after just a few seconds of you attempting to make use of the infotainment,” MotorTrend en Español‘s Miguel Cortina mentioned. “Every part appears to be buried in menus.”

Total, although, “The inside is a knockout,” Loh mentioned. “The outside is crisp, sharply tailor-made, and the package deal total is kind of compelling. The automotive may be very nice to be in and zone out. It is quiet and good for a turn-off-your-brain cruise. I can be very involved if I used to be Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti.”

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