Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis continues its march on the local market. Now with four models, the G70 and G80 sedan and the GV70 and GV80 SUV’s.

This relatively new upper luxury brand continues to win plaudits ranked highest for tech innovation in the U.S. J.D. Power 2021 Tech Experience Study, while locally, its GV80 SUV won the 2021 Good Design Award in the Automotive and Transport Product category.

I’ve just tested the top line Genesis GV80 with 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 linked to an 8-speed automatic. Despite a kerb weight of 2248 kilos the GV80 jumps off the mark with strong performance, feels absolutely bulletproof, quiet and despite its dimensions shrinks around you when pushed hard.

Road grip from 22-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot 40-series tyres is inspiring. 10 Airbags in total but interestingly, the head airbags do not extend to the third-row seats which are somewhat cramped at best. In an upper luxury market where badge cred rules the Genesis GV80 in the short term will have a hard job to sell in the numbers of its German competition.

Genesis is also still building its studio presence and with only two dealerships in Sydney and one each in Brisbane and Melbourne is still gaining exposure. GV80 models gain welcome free scheduled maintenance for the first five years or 50,000kms.

I’m David Berthon.

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