When Hyundai announced the arrival of Genesis in the UK, many of us raised an eyebrow. Here was another luxury marque looking to pinch a piece of the premium pie, vying for attention alongside the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. Bold move, Genesis. But then they started rolling out the likes of the GV80, and more specifically, the Sport Line trim, and suddenly, those raised eyebrows turned into nods of approval.

On-Road Ride

The GV80 Sport is a big, bold SUV with the road presence of a sumo wrestler in a Savile Row suit. But how does all that heft translate to the tarmac? Surprisingly well, actually.

Under the bonnet, you’ve got a 2.5-litre 300bhp turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 8-speed automatic gearbox that shifts smoothly, though it can occasionally hesitate when you’re asking for a quick burst of speed.

Ride quality is superb. Genesis has fitted the GV80 with an electronically controlled suspension system that uses a front-mounted camera to read the road ahead. It’s like having a psychic butler smoothing out every pothole before you reach it. On motorways, the GV80 glides along like a cruise ship in calm waters. Around town, it’s a bit more of a challenge due to its size, but the light steering and excellent visibility make manoeuvring less stressful than you’d expect.

It’s worth noting that, unlike many of its competitors, the GV80 isn’t available with air suspension, I’ll leave you to decide whether that’s a good thing or not.

Off-Road Ability

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: can the GV80 actually handle the rough stuff, or is it all show and no go? Thankfully, it’s not just a pretty face. The all-wheel-drive system comes as standard, and there are several drive modes, including a Terrain setting that adjusts the power delivery and traction control to tackle mud, sand, and snow.

I took the GV80 to a few green-lanes - think gravel, a bit of mud, and the occasional water splash. It handled the lot with aplomb. The ground clearance (up to 205mm) isn’t exactly Land Rover Defender territory, but it’s more than enough for your average countryside adventure. The hill descent control is a nice touch, making steep inclines feel like a walk in the park.

That said, the GV80 is more of a “luxury SUV that can go off-road” rather than an out-and-out off-roader. If your weekends involve green-laning or tackling boggy fields, there are better tools for the job. But if you’re just looking to get to a remote holiday cottage or a particularly scenic picnic spot, the GV80 will get you there in style.

Interior Spec

Step inside the GV80 Sport, and you’re greeted with a cabin that’s as plush as a private members’ club. Genesis has pulled out all the stops here. The seats are wrapped in quilted leather, the dashboard is adorned with brushed aluminium, and there’s a liberal sprinkling of soft-touch materials wherever your hands might wander.

The Sport Line trim adds a few extra touches, including sportier seats and a unique steering wheel. It’s subtle but effective, giving the cabin a slightly more dynamic vibe. The 14.5” infotainment screen is a standout feature, with crisp graphics and an intuitive layout. It’s controlled via a rotary dial on the centre console, which is a bit of a Marmite feature - some love it, others prefer a touchscreen.

Space-wise, the GV80 is incredibly accommodating. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear, and the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light. The boot is equally impressive, offering 735 litres of space with the rear seats up and a cavernous 2,152 litres with them folded flat. That’s enough for a family’s worth of luggage, a couple of Labradors, and possibly a kitchen sink.

Comfort

Genesis has clearly prioritised comfort in the GV80, and it shows. The seats are some of the best in the business, with plenty of adjustment options and a massage function that’s perfect for long journeys. The cabin is also whisper-quiet, thanks to active noise cancellation and double-glazed windows.

Whether you’re cruising down the motorway or crawling through city traffic, the GV80 remains composed and relaxing. Even the air conditioning system is a cut above, with three-zone climate control and an air purification system that’s said to eliminate 99% of fine dust particles. Ideal for those with hay fever or an aversion to smoggy city air.

Practicality

Big SUVs are often criticised for being impractical - too large for tight car parks and too thirsty for eco-conscious buyers. But the GV80 makes a strong case for itself.

Firstly, there’s the aforementioned space. It’s genuinely family-friendly, with enough room to keep both kids and adults happy. The rear seats recline and slide, making long journeys more bearable for back-seat passengers. There are also plenty of cubbies and storage compartments dotted around the cabin, along with USB ports for all three rows.

Parking can be tricky due to the GV80’s size, but the 360-degree camera system and parking sensors take most of the stress out of it. Genesis also offers a Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, allowing you to park the car using the key fob. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but it’s undeniably cool.

Efficiency

Luxury SUVs aren’t exactly known for their frugality, and the GV80 is no exception. After around 300 miles of very mixed driving, the 2.5-litre petrol engine returned around 32mpg. Not band considering the GV80’s size and weight.

CO2 emissions range from 220g/km to 248g/km, which means you’ll be paying a fair chunk in road tax. However, Genesis offsets this somewhat by including a five-year care plan that covers servicing, warranty, roadside assistance, and even a courtesy car. It’s a generous package that makes the running costs a bit more palatable.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the GV80 is absolutely loaded. It’s packed with advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking. There’s even a system that monitors your attention levels and suggests a break if it thinks you’re getting drowsy. My only problem I had with the GV80 was that whilst in cruise control, I couldn’t find a way to switch off lane-assist - which was annoying.

The GV80 has also been designed with crash protection in mind. The structure is reinforced with high-strength steel, and there are no fewer than 10 airbags, including one between the front seats to prevent head clashes in a side-impact collision. As with the rest of the European genesis range, the GV80 has Euro NCAP five-star rating

Verdict

The 2023 Genesis GV80 Sport is an impressive entry into the luxury SUV segment. It’s comfortable, stylish, and packed with tech, making it a serious contender for anyone considering alternatives like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7.

Its on-road manners are impeccable, and while it’s not a hardcore off-roader, it’s more than capable of handling the odd adventure. Yes, it’s a bit thirsty, and yes, it’s big and bold in a way that won’t appeal to everyone. But if you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd while still delivering substance, the GV80 Sport is well worth a look.

Genesis might be the new kid on the block, but with offerings like this, it’s clear they’re here to stay.

Price of vehicle tested: £79,475

Website: Genesis UK