Luxury SUVs are no longer the exclusive playground of Europe’s finest marques. In recent years, Genesis — Hyundai’s premium arm — has steadily carved out its identity as a serious luxury contender. With the arrival of the 2025 Genesis GV80, Australians are being offered a fresh alternative to stalwarts like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
This refreshed GV80 doesn’t just represent a facelift — it reflects a statement of intent from Genesis. With new styling, re-engineered features, and upgrades to both technology and performance, the GV80 aims to prove that a Korean luxury SUV can genuinely rival the very best in Europe.
In this in-depth review, we’ll unpack what the 2025 GV80 offers, covering its design, performance, technology, comfort, safety, and overall value for Australian buyers.
Exterior Design: Where Elegance Meets Bold Presence
Genesis has always championed a design language known as “Athletic Elegance,” and the GV80 embodies this philosophy in every curve and line.
Front Fascia
The imposing Crest Grille remains the centerpiece, framed by Genesis’s signature Quad Lamp headlights that split horizontally. These thin, futuristic lights set the GV80 apart from other SUVs on the road, delivering an unmistakable identity.
Side Profile
From the side, the GV80 strikes a balance between muscular stance and refined elegance. The sleek roofline tapers subtly without compromising headroom, while 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels give it a grounded, powerful presence.
Rear Design
The tail-end adopts a minimalist aesthetic, with slim quad rear lights echoing the front’s split design. A subtle roof spoiler and chrome accents complete the premium look, ensuring the GV80’s road presence is as commanding as any European rival.
Paint & Customisation
Genesis offers a broad palette of finishes, including deep metallics and matte options. For Australian buyers, the Matte Brunswick Green and Uyuni White stand out as particularly popular.
Interior: A First-Class Experience on Wheels
Step inside the 2025 GV80, and the first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere of calm sophistication. Genesis has put enormous effort into making the cabin rival the best from Germany and Britain.
Material Quality
Every surface feels meticulously crafted — soft-touch Nappa leather, brushed aluminium trim, open-pore wood, and even eco-friendly suede options are available. The attention to detail here is remarkable for a brand that only entered the luxury market a few years ago.
Seating & Comfort
The GV80 is available in five- and seven-seat layouts, with the second row offering exceptional legroom and reclining capability. Optional captain’s chairs with ventilation and massage transform the second row into a near-business-class experience.
Front seats are equally pampering, featuring 18-way adjustability, memory settings, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
Cabin Ambience
Ambient lighting, acoustic glass, and sound-dampening materials create a cocoon-like environment. The cabin is so hushed that even at 110 km/h on Australian freeways, conversation flows effortlessly without raising your voice.
Technology & Infotainment: Future-Focused Features
The 2025 GV80 brings cutting-edge tech to match its premium positioning.
- 14.5-inch Central Touchscreen: A wide, ultra-responsive display sits neatly atop the dashboard, controlling everything from navigation to entertainment.
- Rotary Crystal Controller: Instead of cluttering the cabin with buttons, Genesis uses a jewel-like rotary dial for infotainment control, giving the interior a clean yet luxurious vibe.
- Augmented Reality Navigation: The system overlays guidance onto real-time camera feeds, making navigating unfamiliar streets effortless.
- 14-Speaker Lexicon Sound System: Tuned for audiophiles, it delivers crisp, immersive sound. An optional 21-speaker upgrade rivals Bang & Olufsen and Burmester systems.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Ensures the GV80 remains current with software improvements long after purchase.
- Digital Key 2.0: Allows drivers to unlock, start, and share access to the car using their smartphone or smartwatch.
For tech-savvy Australian buyers, the GV80 is no longer playing catch-up — it’s leading.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
Luxury isn’t just about comfort; performance matters, too. The 2025 Genesis GV80 comes with a choice of engines designed to meet varied driver expectations.
Engine Options
- 2.5-litre turbo-petrol producing around 224kW, offering a balance between performance and efficiency.
- 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol delivering an impressive 283kW and 530Nm, ideal for those wanting effortless acceleration and towing capability.
- Rumours of a plug-in hybrid variant for future Australian release suggest Genesis is aligning with evolving eco-regulations.
Driving Feel
Despite its size, the GV80 handles corners with remarkable composure. The adaptive suspension scans the road ahead and adjusts damping in real time, ensuring comfort over Sydney’s patched-up streets and stability on regional highways.
The all-wheel-drive system enhances grip, whether on wet suburban roads or when venturing onto light off-road trails. While the GV80 isn’t pitched as a hardcore 4WD, it can comfortably handle gravel tracks, making it suitable for family trips into the outback.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The GV80 continues to emphasise safety — a core expectation in this category.
Key features include:
- Highway Driving Assist II: Semi-autonomous driving that adjusts speed, keeps lanes, and even changes lanes with minimal input.
- Smart Cruise Control with AI learning: Adapts to your driving style over time.
- Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays a live video feed of blind spots in the instrument cluster.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- 10 Airbags including a centre airbag for front occupants.
Genesis is targeting ANCAP 5-star safety ratings, placing it squarely among the safest luxury SUVs on the market.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
Beyond luxury and performance, the GV80 must function as a daily family vehicle.
- Boot Space: With five seats in place, the GV80 offers up to 735 litres, expanding to over 2,100 litres with rear seats folded.
- Towing Capacity: Rated up to 2,722 kg, the GV80 easily tows boats, campers, or trailers.
- Fuel Economy: While the 2.5L variant averages around 10L/100km, the 3.5L V6 edges closer to 12.5L/100km.
Ownership Experience: A Different Luxury Proposition
Genesis is positioning itself not just as a carmaker, but as a luxury lifestyle brand. In Australia, this translates into an ownership experience that few rivals can match.
- Genesis Concierge Service: Pick-up and delivery for servicing, so owners never need to visit a service centre.
- Five-Year/Unlimited Km Warranty: Outshines the three-year coverage from most European brands.
- Complimentary Servicing: Five years of free scheduled maintenance adds huge long-term value.
These ownership perks reduce the stress of luxury car ownership and make Genesis especially appealing for first-time luxury buyers.
Comparing the GV80 with European Rivals
How does the 2025 Genesis GV80 stack up against its biggest rivals?
- BMW X5: The BMW edges out with sportier handling, but the GV80 delivers a more value-packed feature list at a lower price.
- Audi Q7: The Audi offers refined driving and a strong badge appeal, yet the GV80’s cabin feels more luxurious and distinctive.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE: The Mercedes carries a premium brand aura, but Genesis counters with superior warranty, service, and unique styling.
In essence, the GV80 challenges European SUVs by offering luxury without compromise and value without gimmicks.
Pricing & Value in Australia
Pricing is expected to start around $95,000 AUD for the 2.5L petrol, climbing to around $115,000–$120,000 AUD for the fully loaded 3.5L V6 with luxury and tech packs.
While not cheap, it significantly undercuts equivalent German SUVs by $15,000–$25,000 when comparably equipped.
Final Verdict: A Genuine Luxury SUV Alternative
The 2025 Genesis GV80 proves that luxury isn’t defined by heritage alone. With its refined design, cutting-edge features, comfort-first cabin, and competitive ownership benefits, the GV80 has arrived as a serious alternative to European heavyweights.
For Australians, it offers a blend of exclusivity, value, and forward-thinking luxury. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, a premium daily driver, or a status symbol without the obviousness of a German badge, the GV80 is a compelling choice.
Genesis set out to rival Europe — and in the GV80, it may have just surpassed expectations.
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