One of the most underrated luxury cars on the market is the Genesis and the GV70 medium SUV is not making the sales numbers it deserves.
The first-ever Genesis GV70 was launched in Australia in 2021 and has a choice of three turbocharged powertrains, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either rear- or all-wheel drive, with extensive standard equipment, and optional Sport Line and Luxury Packages.
Even as an entry level model, the GV70 has all the looks. It’s bold, there is the big open grille, the tail lights flow across the body into the tailgate, the twin exhausts give a strong and bold rear stance, and all of the lines make the GV70 stand out from its Euro competitors.
Driven for this test was the GV70 2.5T AWD with this engine is teamed to an electronically controlled Genesis AWD system. This engine produces 224kW of power and 422Nm out of a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and is matched with an 8-speed automatic.
The power of this combination is smooth yet gets up and goes when the foot goes down. The transmission knows the best gear to be in and uses the computer technology to match everything perfectly to what you want it to do.
Every Genesis GV70 features a panorama sunroof, adjustable ambient lighting, an acoustic laminated windshield and front door glass, genuine leather-appointed seats and stitched leather-appointed dashboard and door trims.
Adding to the standard conveniences are a 12-way power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, reclining rear seats, remote start via Smart Key, a power operated tailgate with hands-free opening, and manual sun-shades for the rear doors.
Inside the GV70 is like a masterpiece artwork. It is comfortable, quality all round, looks are incredible and there is plenty of room for a family of five or even five adults to travel in pure class.
Infotainment features include a 14.5-inch HD touch screen display, navigation with Augmented Reality (AR) view function and live traffic updates, integrated controller with handwriting recognition, digital radio (DAB+), and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto compatibility.
There is also a nine-speaker Genesis audio system, wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging, and dual-zone climate control with temperature control for the second row.
The screen on the infotainment is nice and wide and has a great deal of functionality and cool tech to keep anyone happy. The only real issue with it is that it can collect dust easily and if you like to use it as a touch screen and not the control knob in the centre console, you will get fingerprints left over it.
The GV70 we drove included the two optional packages, Sport Line and Luxury Package, which further enhanced this luxury SUV.
The Sport Line Package for GV70 brings 19-inch Sport Line alloy wheels, a sport brake package, large caliber dual exhaust finishers, and a Sport+ drive mode.
It also incorporates a Sport Line exterior package including Sport front and rear bumpers, gloss black sport radiator grille, front skid plate and roof rails, and dark chrome radiator grille surround and window frame trims.
Inside the Sport Line package includes Nappa Leather and suede appointed sport seats, and a suede headlining and pillars, a sport steering wheel, sport alloy pedals, sport aluminium trim, and sport gauges for oil temperature, torque and turbo boost.
The Luxury Package for GV70 introduces additional Genesis Active Safety Control technologies, including Forward Attention Warning (FAW) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Rear (PCA-R) systems.
There is also an Intelligent Front-Lighting System (IFS), puddle lamps with Genesis logo, rear privacy glass and, for 3.5T AWD Sport or Sport Line Package versions, 21-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is enriched with Nappa Leather appointed seats and a suede headlining and pillars, a quilted seat pattern and 3D effect backlit trim.
Additional features include a 12.3-inch full screen Instrument Cluster with 3D function, a Head Up Display (HUD), driver position memory system, power tilt/telescopic adjustable steering column, an advanced fingerprint authentication system, and 1050 watt, 16-speaker Lexicon by HARMAN audio.
If you want a Euro SUV than there will never really be a way to convert you from that. While they are good in their own right, the Genesis brand, and the GV70 in this case is really overlooked for all the wrong reasons.
The GV70 without the extra packages is a great SUV and will be fit for purpose of luxury on a budget. When you add the two extra packs the luxury goes through the roof and is just as good, if not better than any Euro brand out there.
While it is a downfall to see hardly any on the road, it is a good thing if you own one as not many people seem to know the brands badge or the vehicle and it brings plenty of attention. However, this really needs to change as the Genesis GV70, and its cousins really deserve to be given much great respect.
Price
Model Driven - $83,000 plus on-road and dealer costs
2.5T AWD - $68,800 plus on-road and dealer costs
Sport Line & Luxury Packages - $13,000
Matte Paint - $2,000
Standard Specs
Every GV70 includes the safety of eight airbags, with a centre side airbag between the front seats to prevent serious injuries due to potential driver and passenger collision, in the event of a side impact.
There is also an extensive range-standard suite of Genesis Active Safety Control advanced technologies, which include:
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist (BCA)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- including Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), including:
- Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist detection
- Junction Turning/Junction Crossing function
- Lane-Change Oncoming/Side function
- Evasive Steering Assist function
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Multi Collision Brake (MCB)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA)
- Rear Occupant Warning (ROW)
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- including Stop & Go function
- Surround View Monitor (SVM) with 3D surround view
- Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
