Genesis GV80 is big and beautiful

Fully justifying its flagship status for Hyundai’s upmarket sub-brand, this premium SUV is accomplished enough to steal sales from more established rivals including BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Highlights include excellent quality, both inside and out, generous levels of standard equipment and a reassuring comprehensive five-year warranty package.

The six-seater Luxury Plus version, tested here, brings an extra level of comfort, especially for second row passengers who are treated to two single seats with airline-style winged headrests, a centre console with cup holders and their own entertainment screens.

The GV80 has a bold and confident appearance

With no hybrid or diesel versions available, power is provided by a 2.5 litre turbo-charged petrol engine, which benefits from state-of-the-art cooling and injection systems.

The engine delivers up to 304PS and the sprint from 0-62mph can be performed in 7.7 seconds, which feels brisk for such a sizeable vehicle. The power also makes for a generous towing capacity of 2,722kg.

The engine is paired with high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission – a combination that delivers smooth performance.

With Genesis prioritising comfort over ride and handling, the GV80 doesn’t feel as sharp or fun to drive on a twisty and undulating B-road as some of its German rivals.

The GV80 is pictured in a rural setting

Weighing in at 2,300kg, it’s undoubtedly a heavy car, but there are some clever innovations to compensate, including a camera that analyses the road surface and tweaks the dampers accordingly, giving more control over bumps.

The all-wheel drive system gives the GV80 a sure-footed feel, while drivers can use the Terrain Mode to switch between Mud, Sand, or Snow settings to balance power between wheels for excellent grip.

The all-wheel drive system, petrol engine and bulk of the vehicle means fuel economy isn’t among the vehicle’s strong points, officially standing at 25.3mpg to 26.1mpg on the combined scale. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are rated at 241g/km to 248g/km.

The interior of the vehicle has a premium feel In terms of looks, the GV80 is an elegant machine that has more than a passing resemblance to a Bentley. It certainly attracted some admiring looks during my week in its company.

The bold crest grille and quad headlamps evoke the winged Genesis emblem to create an eye-catching front end.

The long bonnet and roof line gives the vehicle an athletic profile, while the tapered windows enhance the sense of dynamism. Meanwhile, the flared arches and 22-inch wheels give balance to the proportions.

The uncluttered, horizontal design of the rear creates a feeling of stability and control, while the rear lights cleanly continue the signature two-line design feature from the front headlamps.

Those in the second row seats have entertainment screens and climats controls Once you step inside, you’re greeted by a luxurious interior that features many high-quality and soft-touch materials.

The two-tone leather steering wheel is designed with minimal switches to enhance the ergonomics.

The 12-way power front seats have driver memory and four-way power lumbar support, meaning you’ll have no problem getting comfortable.

A large 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system is located across the top of the dash and can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel or a rotary controller on the centre console.

All in all, the GV80 Luxury Plus is a great piece of kit. Then again, at over £70,000, it should be!

The Lowdown

Genesis GV80 Luxury Plus
PRICE: From £72,800
ENGINE: 2.5-litre petrol, 304PS and 422Nm 
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and top speed 147mph
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto AWD
ECONOMY: 26.1mpg combined and 241g/km