Genesis is working on a sleeker version of its large SUV to rival the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
Hyundai’s premium sub-brand is Genesis and it’s certainly taken aim at the usual German premium brand suspects with the rapid-fire launches of the GV60, GV70, G70 and G80 in recent years. Now, helping to expand that line up even further is a new coupe-SUV version of the GV80.
The Genesis GV80 SUV has been with us since 2020 and a mid-life facelift has been rumoured for next year. That range update could coincide with the arrival of the more stylish coupe model spotted undergoing winter testing here.
While this test car is draped in camouflage, we can still make out some key design details for Genesis’ rival to the BMW X6, Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. At the front there’s a tweaked headlight signature and grille outline, suggesting a full GV80 facelift is indeed in the works. There’s also a redesigned lower scuff plate on the bottom of the bumper.
The windshield looks unchanged from the conventional SUV, but the sloping roofline creates a more coupe-like profile. Unlike on the GV80 SUV and G80 limousine, the exhausts are quad-tips rather than two single-exit tips. This could hint at a sportier outlook for the coupe model.
In terms of powertrains the current GV80 is offered with a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 225kW or a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel with 205kW. These options will most likely be carried over to the Coupe. Although the G80 and the G80 Electrified EV sit on the same Hyundai-Kia M3 platform, a pure-electric GV80 Coupe is unlikely. The GV80 SUV’s multi-link suspension front and rear should be utilised for the coupe version.
While the GV80 can be had with a seven-seat layout, the Coupe’s less spacious boot will surely mean the third row of seating will have to be sacrificed.
The interior is a standout feature of the current GV80, so expect only minor changes to the cabin. A knurled rotary gear lever, plenty of premium materials and a 14.5-inch screen on the dash should all be offered in the Coupe.
As with most other coupe variants of SUV models, you’ll probably have to pay a premium for the added dose of style.