Most sport utility vehicles place function over form.
On the other hand, sportback versions like the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe diverge from tradition by trading some practicality for a slippery roofline that arguably adds some sexiness. BMW started the trend back in 2008 with the X6, and since then just about every premium brand has been getting in on the action. As the latest to do so, Genesis is making a serious fashion statement four years after the conventional GV80 launched as its first ever SUV.
Different Strokes
In practice, there’s still enough cargo room in the GV80 Coupe to stuff a stroller and one or two kids’ worth of stuff, but don’t expect to stack up as much junk in the trunk as the conventional version can handle. Otherwise, the coupe gets a few sportier extras, including carbon fibre trim throughout the elegant interior, a flat-bottom steering wheel, 22-inch wheels, and a unique quilted Nappa leather seat pattern.
To up the ante at least a little, the GV80 Coupe also gets an exclusive powertrain. It borrows the electrically supercharged 3.5L V6 engine from the brand’s flagship G90 sedan, with peak output of 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque — increases of 34 and 14, respectively, compared to the GV80 that’s offered with the same twin-turbocharged engine sans supercharger.
All-wheel drive is standard, and output is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the battery-powered electric supercharger, no plug-in hybrid or battery-electric variants were announced at the time of writing.
On the Road
Compared to the conventional GV80 with the same engine, the addition of the electric supercharger here fills the power gap at lower engine speeds before the turbos get going, and there's a bit more oomph felt from the driver's seat. Merging and passing happen quickly, and the eight-speed transmission is remarkably smooth and refined. Fuel economy figures have not yet been announced, but expect similar consumption compared to its sibling (12.7 L/100 km combined).
A new sport+ drive mode adds launch control combined with more aggression in the engine and suspension calibration. Moreover, brake pedal feel can be independently adjusted with the comfort (smoother) and sport (more responsive) settings. While the new settings offer a bit more handling engagement and outright performance, the GV80 Coupe does its best in more sedate drive modes where comfort is preferred.
Thanks to active noise cancellation and double-pane glass on all four doors, road noise and vibration isolation are impeccable. In more comfortable drive modes, ride quality matches the SUV's, and both front seats get pseudo-massage functionality through the use of the brand’s so-called Ergo-Motion technology. Because there's no third row to contend with, the rear seats can power recline to a maximum 40-degree angle.
Safety and Technology
The Genesis GV80 Coupe gets the same advanced driver-assist systems as the SUV. The usual suspects include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and collision avoidance, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam settings. There’s also a highway driving assist system that automates some steering functionality and keeps the GV80 Coupe centred in its lane of travel with the driver’s hands placed firmly on the wheel.
There’s no shortage of other tech, either. The 27-inch OLED infotainment screen and 12-inch head-up display are sharp and legible in all lighting conditions, and the 18-speaker stereo packs a strong punch. There's a fingerprint-based authentication system, and keys can be shared amongst primary or guest drivers via Apple or Android smartphone apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be added via an over-the-air software update later this year.
Canadian Pricing
The GV80 Coupe comes only in a single trim in Canada that’s priced at $104,000, with options limited to paint finishes that run from $500 to $1,700. It competes with a few hard-hitting competitors like the BMW X6 xDrive40i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. For the sake of comparison, the priciest version of the GV80 SUV rings in at $95,500 before tax.
Every Canadian copy of the GV80 Coupe comes with a set of Michelin winter tires wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels, so no need to swap rubber each fall and spring to stay stylish. That’s in addition to the brand’s concierge service where it’s available that includes at-home vehicle pick-up for appointments, and more.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe combines bold design, excellent road manners, and a few extra ownership perks to create a well-rounded SUV. While some may think the six-figure price tag is a lot to ask for a Genesis, it's still a comparative bargain next to its German rivals.
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