Genesis GV80 News

Large, luxurious SUVs with copious amounts of power and performance as well as the standard features commensurate with a healthy six-figure price tag. They may account for a relatively modest percentage of new vehicle sales but the technology they contain and the standard they set establishes a benchmark for others to chase. Yet the family transport fundamentals still apply. Practicality, space-efficiency, cost of ownership and safety remain critical factors for buyers in this part of the market and competition is fierce. In this top-shelf category from the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUVs with an entry-price under $220K (listed in alphabetical order) with a summary detailing why they’re on the shortlist.Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Dramatic design and an ultra-smooth ride as well as rapid acceleration, impressive dynamics and strong value for money set the pure-electric BMW iX apart from other large SUVs in this segment.Updated in September last year (after four years in the local market), the iX now boasts even more power, a bigger battery for increased range and faster charging capacity.There are still some niggles around ergonomics (a lack of physical controls) and energy consumption is relatively high for a car of this size, which despite an improvement, limits range.Offered in three dual-motor, AWD grades - xDrive45, xDrive50 and the powerhouse M60 - the BMW iX is a sleek and sophisticated machine.Through 25 years and four generations the ground-breaking BMW X5 has been a family favourite at the top end of the large SUV market.Boasting a spacious interior, leading-edge tech and top-shelf safety, the X5 also presents a compelling value proposition on top of the German brand’s well-deserved reputation for dynamic performance.Thoughtful design touches across the cabin and load space make the X5 a supremely comfortable, low-stress proposition for day-to-day work around town as well as effortless freeway cruising.   Available in plug-in hybrid (xDrive50e), pure-petrol (xDrive40i / M60i xDrive) and turbo-diesel (xDrive30d) form the BMW X5 is a consistent, high-quality, luxury all-rounder. The X6 brings swoopy coupe styling to BMW’s luxury SUV formula, aiming to capture buyers with a head that says family practicality and a heart that longs for a sporty design personality.  Facelifted in 2024, the X6 is currently offered in three flavours for Australia, two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one diesel (xDrive30d). As their model designations imply, all are all-wheel drive.The relatively recent update delivered new adaptive LED headlights and an even more highly polished interior treatment including a sleek curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.Despite the sloping roofline, interior space is generous, as is boot volume. And despite big rims and a solid kerb weight, the X6 manages to combine superior dynamics with supreme comfort.BMW has multiple options at the smaller end of the large luxury SUV market, but for the time being (until the rumoured X9 arrives) the three-row X7 is the German maker’s SUV flagship. Measuring close to 5.2 metres end-to-end, the X7 is offered in a seven- or (optional) six-seat configuration, with powertrain choices including two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one mild-hybrid diesel (xDrive40d) engine, each driving all four wheels.Launched here in 2019, the X7 was given a substantial facelift in mid-2023 which brought an aggressive two-tier headlight treatment that hasn’t met with universal approval.But the car continues to be a consistent performer for BMW accounting for around 20 per cent of Upper Large SUV segment sales.Despite a gradual expansion of the brand’s model range and retail footprint, Australian Genesis sales have remained at a steady but relatively modest level in recent years. That said, the GV80, in coupe and more conventional wagon form, consistently stands as the Korean luxury brand’s second-best seller, combining comfort and overall refinement with sleek looks and impressive value.Powered by a 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, the GV80 is available as a six- or seven-seater.The flip-side of its strong performance, however, is a relatively substantial thirst for premium unleaded fuel. But in terms of included features, quality and ownership costs (complimentary servicing for the first five years) this is a compelling luxury package.The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (as opposed to the similarly named EQE sedan) is a popular pure-electric choice for families chasing a luxurious, tech-laden mid-sizer with comfort, quality and performance to burn.Available in three grades across the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 300, dual-motor all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic and high-performance AMG 53 4Matic, the EQE is offered alongside the internal-combustion GLE line-up.We like its useful size and clever packaging, high level of standard equipment for the price and top-tier safety as well as the car’s refined, luxurious feel and impressive technology.Gripes are confined to the EQE’s substantial weight for its size and relatively high maintenance costs. But overall it’s a high-quality option at the top end of the segment.The long-serving five-door, five-seat Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4WD has come a long way from its utilitarian, military-focused ‘Galendawagen’ roots of the late 1970s to now be offered in multiple forms.The local line-up includes the hard working G450d Professional models, powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as well as the brutal twin-turbo, V8 petrol Mercedes-AMG G63.Plus the recently introduced G580, a wild, pure-electric beast boasting a powerful motor on each wheel for fine off-road control and spectacular on-the-spot ‘G-Turns’.While this machine’s ultra-tough character remains intact, successive upgrades to safety, tech and comfort features have allowed it to thrive in the 21st century. A unique luxury SUV.The S-Class limousine has long been a luxury figurehead for the three-pointed star and the three-row Mercedes-Benz GLS channels that premium positioning into the high-end SUV space.Entry-point to the local line-up is the GLS 450d 4Matic AMG Line, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and featuring racy 22-inch AMG rims and AMG body elements.The full-fat Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic brings twin-turbo V8 propulsion and an even more impressive specification, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic pushes the luxury quotient through the roof.If your family demands even a base model featuring genuine leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control and screens galore in a package providing heaps of space and smart, comfort-focused features, this is the large SUV for you.  The model that turned the car enthusiast world upside down on arrival more than two decades ago is now a mainstay of the German brand’s global line-up.No less than 10 Porsche Cayenne variants are on offer in Australia across pure-combustion, plug-in hybrid, and more recently, pure-electric form.All are all-wheel drive, with Porsche refining the Cayenne SUV formula over three generations to deliver the brand’s characteristically brilliant dynamic performance in combination with effective day-to-day family practicality.Even the entry-grade 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 delivers a stonking 260kW/500Nm, while the Turbo E-Hybrid flagship pumps out a staggering 544kW(730hp)/950Nm. Quite the large luxury SUV. As the name implies, this large five-seater puts a performance spin on the Range Rover luxury SUV formula. Slightly smaller and lighter but packing the performance required to add a satisfying dynamic edge.A more overtly muscular stance is another sign of this SUV’s intent, with powertrain options including a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid and a fearsome 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in SV models packing 467kW/750Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds.We’ve been impressed by the Sport’s sharp handling, especially for a car of this size and weight as well as its deluxe interior, subtly muscular good looks and the PHEV’s useful EV-only driving range.At the same time, we’ve been wary of Range Rover’s pricey options list prices, but the overall value equation across the Range Rover Sport range remains strong. Not just a pretty SUV face, then.

Genesis renews the lease on life for its twin-turbo V6 engine in the GV80 luxury SUV

People hate change. It’s just a fact of life, once we get accustomed to doing things a certain way, we’re happy to keep doing them even if a better alternative emerges.And if you want proof, look no further than the mixed results brands such as Genesis, Tesla and others have had with trying to make the buying experience better by doing away with the conventional new car showroom.But as Hyundai’s luxury brand has discovered, people actually prefer a conventional buying experience rather than the seemingly superior option Genesis is providing.The marque eschewed the traditional dealership model and opted for boutique-style retail spaces in Sydney and Melbourne CBDs which would arrange for a brand representative to bring a car directly to the would-be customer at their convenience. However, the brand has since added ‘Test Drive Centres’ in more conventional locations and recently announced plans to expand dramatically, with new showrooms on the Gold Coast and Sydney as well as introducing ‘agents’ that will be positioned at existing dealerships (most likely Hyundai dealers).Genesis Australia Chief Justin Douglass said the brand has tried multiple methods of reaching customers, but the preference is clearly towards the traditional.“So both sites do have the opportunity to test drive on site,” Douglass explained. “We do Genesis-to-you as well, so if a customer lives in that area and doesn't want to travel, to Parramatta, for example, or in Prahran in Melbourne, then our staff from those studios will take a car to them. So we certainly do sell cars from those sites, but certainly not at the level that we sell through our established showcases.” While Douglass made it clear the inner-city retail ‘studios’ will stay, he acknowledged they have some limitations.“I guess the opportunity for us is, when you look at the way the studios are structured, they're really brand experience centres. So we don't have the capability of showcasing our full range of vehicles at the sites," he said.“But, as I mentioned before, some customers are certainly happy to purchase through that type of environment, that type of experience, but you're right, there's still customers that prefer the traditional method, but we just happen to be conveniently located for those customers as well.”Genesis is by no means alone in this new trend of trying to make buying a car more convenient for buyers in recent years. It has been a period of upheaval in the car industry, with both Mercedes-Benz and Honda moving to the so-called ‘agency model’ that sees all sales handled directly by the brands, with the previous dealerships now only responsible for customer handovers. This has seen both brands endure a sales decline as seemingly both customers and dealers have come to terms with this new way of doing business.But that won’t deter new brands from trying to do things differently, General Motors Australia recently opened its first Cadillac Experience Centre in Sydney, with plans for more as it tries to compete with more established luxury rivals.Those who prefer to drive to a showroom, look at different vehicles, test drive and buy will likely be able to continue to do that for years to come though, as it will take a long time for people to accept such dramatic change.

The Audi Q7, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE rival may be a lot dearer on paper – its entry price up a whopping $24,300 – though Genesis says this reflects buyer preference for the Luxury pack and petrol power.

Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, has sharpened its offerings as it looks to make ground in the increasingly competitive luxury car market.

Genesis has joined the swoopy coupe-style SUV brigade with the reveal of its new GV80 Coupe large SUV.

Genesis Australia has streamlined its GV70 and GV80 SUV line-ups, while also increasing pricing by as much as $2030 across the board from September this year.

The Genesis story in Australia has been a slow burn - not exactly the six days it took in that Genesis - but it's starting to prove there's a market for its niche offering of luxury-focused models built from platforms and mechanicals of Hyundai and Kia's

Hyundai’s tough ladder-frame rival for the LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol could spawn a luxury-soaked Genesis version, giving the Korean premium brand an answer to vehicles like the Lexus LX and the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.That’s the word from Genesis’ Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke, who says he has sketches of a Genesis-badged off-roader ready to go, while at the same time hinting that a true Hyundai Group 4WD is coming by saying that he couldn’t talk about it “yet”.If and when that model appears, it will be on the table for a Genesis version, with Mr Donckerwolke saying “I don’t see why it wouldn’t fit the brand”.“I cannot talk about that yet” he said. “But it’s always the same thing — we make synergies within our group, and when we see that there is a potential to utilise (a vehicle), when this is inline with the brand values, why not?“I don’t see why it would not fit the brand. We have a defined line-up of vehicles, and whether there are extra satellites that will add to that, this is something to be discussed, but first we have to do the homework.”A ladder-frame 4WD has long been rumoured at Hyundai and Kia, with the work going into the latter’s dual-cab ute expected to be adopted into an off-road-focused SUV.And with Genesis on board, the model could be among the most powerful in Australia. Genesis uses a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six engine, good for a substantial 205kW and 588Nm, in its GV80, for example. And then there’s the not-so-small matter of that same model’s lusty twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6. That engine produces a significant 279kW and 530Nm, fed through an eight-speed auto and sent to all four wheels.The only question Mr Donckerwolke has to answer is whether the model would be the "right genetic fit" with the brand."If you have a G-Wagon, for example, then this car is justified because of its heritage, even more than because of its performance," he says."To plug something artificially into a brand could be a mistake if it does not have the right genetic fit with the brand. As a design? Yes? As a business opportunity, that’s another story."That said, the design guru says he has sketches of a Genesis 4WD ready to go so he'll "Will we see a Genesis answer to the Lexus LX? We'll have to wait and see.

Genesis has just revealed the vehicle that it hopes will take the fight to cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X6, with the GV80 Coupe expected to land in Australia in the first half of 2023.