Meet the Genesis GV70, an all-new mid-size luxury SUV that claims to outclass its German rivals
such as the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC, and especially in terms of value and
technology. And while it'll never have the badge status or desirability of those European models,
it's clear a lot of thought and effort has gone into this highly refined and superbly specified
Korean newcomer. The GV70 doesn't do things by the book, not by a long shot. But is it a genuine
rival to long-established Germans in the most popular premium vehicle segment? Let's find out.
The GV70 is the second prestige SUV from Hyundai-owned luxury brand Genesis after the
larger GV80. Based on a tweaked version of the G70 sedan's platform, the GV70 is a clean sheet design
and faces a Herculean challenge, and the fledgling Genesis brand has put some solid fundamentals in
place. You can get the GV70 in rear-wheel drive, not front-wheel drive like some of its rivals,
or all-wheel drive form, and it comes with segment first features like blind spot live
feed and fingerprint recognition. The range starts at around $66,000, which comfortably
undercuts the Germans. We're testing the top-spec high performance sport model, an
$83,400 proposition. But the range extends to $90,000 with the luxury pack added.
Before we go any further, I have to show you the exterior design, which is unusual and eclectic.
Look, it's not gonna win the beauty pageant, but I like the fact it stands out, it's different. My
favourite view is side-on where that long bonnet and short overhangs blend nicely with the curved
window line and sloping rear end. At the front, you've got these twin-line LED headlight clusters
flanking the large crest grille, and the sport model also has a more aggressive front bumper
design. The GV70 Sport rolls on big 21-inch alloy wheels, and at the rear there's a roof spoiler,
twin-line LED tail lights that mimic the headlights, and big bore exhaust outlets.
Powered by a muscular twin turbo V6 petrol engine, this medium SUV is claimed to accelerate
from 0-100 in 5.1 seconds with little help from launch control. And check this out,
extra struts in the bonnet to provide a bit more torsional rigidity, which should help handling
dynamics. We'll find out soon enough. The luxury SUV employs an eight-speed automatic transmission
driving all four wheels, while the all-wheel drive system's variable torque split has a default
rear-wheel drive bias. Well, this is different. I'm getting a real 1930's sci-fi vibe here,
and this overward section that contains all the temperature controls is really out there.
But I like it. There is no way you're gonna mistake this for a BMW or an Audi.
Look a little closer, and you'll find intuitive digital climate controls, which feature haptic
feedback, like up-spec Porsche models. It's all very high-end. Most of all, it's really sensibly
laid out and there's not too much complexity. You don't have to dial through countless menus
to get what you need, like dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, or cold seats.
Everything has a super high quality feel as well, from the leather-covered dashboard to
the suede headlining, the plastics, and even the rotary gear shifter. The backlit unit features
tempered glass and real metal knurling, and every button press and scroll, whether on the
centre console, the steering wheel or the doors has a real premium tactility to it. The attention
to detail is impressive too, with cool door inserts along with adjustable ambient lighting,
and I love the slim air vents with this feature line that runs from the dash along to the doors.
Genesis reckons the GV70 has unprecedented luxury, and while that might be a bit of a stretch,
it is tremendously well-appointed, and I haven't even got to the seats or the tech yet.
Like violence in a Tarantino movie, the GV70 over-delivers when it comes to technology. It
starts with this massive 14.5-inch super high-def ultra wide touch screen infotainment system,
and it looks magnificent. The interface is really easy to use and the native menus are good as well.
Plus, you can also adjust it via this rotator dial down here or a little touchpad if that's your jam.
There's also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you want to use your phone operating system, but both
phone mirroring functions require a cord. I was expecting a wireless set up. You also get this
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with decent customisability. But best of all, there's a little
camera up here that tracks your eyes to deliver the 3D-like parallax graphics that's pretty cool.
There's even a fingerprint scanning sensor that biometrically stores drivers' seat, steering
wheel, and other functions. And let's not forget the big 12-inch head-up display that delivers
loads of useful drive data as well. I've saved the best till last, the seats. These La-Z-Boys are
finished in ultramarine blue and have red piping and stitching, and you also get red seat belts,
and the good news is, they deliver excellent comfort. The quilted Napa leather upholstery is
not quite as supple as top-spec Lexus SUV's, but it's pretty swish and the 18-way power adjustable
driver's seat is wide and welcoming. These seats feature air bladders as well that adjust the side
bolsters, so you can really get tucked in there. And there is a message function that
works really well, although Genesis calls it the stretch feature. Always trying to be different.
What's also really impressive about all Genesis vehicles is that the different
interior color options are complementary, so you don't pay extra for your pine grove green
or white leather seats. When it comes to safety systems, this vehicle leaves no stone unturned.
It even gets a couple of segment firsts, such as a front center airbag and blind spot camera
feeds. Storage solutions are pretty good with two cup holders, big door pockets, and this
beautifully dammed wireless phone charging pocket with twin USB ports, although there's no USB-C.
The central storage bin has a 12-volt socket and a little cash dash area, while up top is a
neatly concealed sunglasses holder. Oh, and it gets a massive panoramic glass roof too.
Back seat room is pretty good. I'm about six feet tall, 183 centimetres and I've got okay headroom,
but very good legroom. And seat comfort is really good too. They're contoured, they're comfortable,
you don't feel like you're sitting on a flat slab, and that bodes well for longer journeys. Back seat
amenity is excellent with window blinds, dual coat hooks, door lock overrides, twin USB ports,
digital climate control and air vents, heated seats, a fold-out armrest with cup holders,
and of course, twin ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The power-operated tailgate reveals
more claim space than its German rivals, and to the naked eye, it looks pretty freaking big. But
this sloping tailgate limits taller cargo a bit. You're not gonna get those square boxes jutting
all the way out. It comes with two shopping bag hooks, two lights, four cargo tie-down anchorages,
and a space saver spare wheel. Like the rest of the cabin, it's beautifully finished too,
with carpeted surfaces everywhere. I also love the fact that it's got a separate area to put
the cargo blind. Lastly, you can fold the rear seats from the back with quick release levers,
opening up enough space for big flat pack furniture boxes. Well, there is a lot going on
inside this car, most of it, super impressive. But how does it drive? Time to cue the funky music.
Genesis may be owned by Hyundai but make no mistake, this ain't no budget family cruiser. And
the first thing that hits me is cabin refinement, helped along by these acoustically laminated
windscreen and side windows. Indeed, it's ultra quiet when cruising around, with low levels
of wind and road noise. And this is helped by extra sound damping materials, a nicely balanced
suspension set up, and electronically controlled engine mounts that reduce vibration. And speaking
of the engine, this twin turbo V6 has more muscle than Sylvester Stallone back in his Rambo days.
With 530 newton-metres of torque on tap, it delivers awesome thrust.
Pin the throttle and it launches like an eagle. Together with the eight-speed auto,
it delivers impressive performance levels and excellent response, which is boosted further
in sports mode by sharpening acceleration and steering. It's even got two selectable
braking modes that vary the amount of brake pressure based on your pedal stroke. Now,
the last time I tested a car with a feature like that was a $350,000 BMW M8 Coupe.
Ride quality is very good for a vehicle on 21-inch alloy wheels,
the adaptive shock absorbers ensuring good levels of comfort. Genesis has also delivered
a suspension tune unique to Aussie models, and while it won't challenge the BMW X3 for dynamics,
it's an impressive all-rounder. Adaptive cruise control is part of the package and it works
really well. It's even got AI adaptive learning, so it figures out how you like to
drive. So if you're a lead foot, it's gonna accelerate much faster than if you're not.
This V6 here on model is not the eco warrior of the range, but there are four-cylinder petrol
and diesel models available, and there's also an EV version coming. So there are ways to reduce
your carbon footprint if you want to. Autonomous steering systems are pretty good too. It doesn't
take long to pick up the lines on the road, and you can let it do its own thing on country roads.
In terms of visibility, the swoopy design with all the curved glass, especially at the back,
create some significant blind spots. But, yet again,
technology comes to the rescue. Head checks be damned, just flip on the
indicator and the blind spot camera switch on providing a clear view of either side.
Spending time in a Genesis GV70 is a very pleasant experience. It's calm,
it's quiet and, ultimately, is effortless to drive, and it feels every bit a luxury SUV.
The reversing camera is good, very good. As well as a 360 degree overhead view, there's a
touch and drag set up, which makes slotting into the car spots really easy. It's very effective.
Better than that, you can exit the vehicle and park it ghost car style with these buttons on the
key fob. It's the ultimate party trick. Like all Genesis models, the GV70 is backed by a five-year
unlimited kilometer warranty with roadside assist, plus free collection and return for servicing.
Despite the GV70's unique proposition, premium fit and finish, and high levels of equipment,
refinement and performance, rusted on German car buyers are unlikely to make the switch.
But this ambitious challenger brand's reputation can only grow in future.
And who knows, one day soon it might become a serious threat to the premium European brands.
The Genesis GV70 is unlike any other prestige SUV out there, but that is not a criticism.
The Koreans have done their homework creating a meticulously crafted high quality SUV that is a
legitimate alternative to its rivals in every respect. Thanks so much for watching. We hope
you enjoyed that. You can check out more videos here and here, or on the Carsales YouTube channel.
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