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10/10/24 UPDATE: This review has been updated with instrumented test results for a 3.5T E-Supercharged model.
The Eye-Catching 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe
Even parked in front of the ritzy Four Seasons Hotel in Minneapolis, the row of 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupes draws attention. Passersby and wealthy patrons alike turn their heads to admire the design, even if they don’t quite know what car company is responsible for it. For a luxury brand with only about a decade under its belt seeking to attract customers from premium brands like BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, building cachet is essential. However, it’s important to note that impressive looks alone won’t secure sales—they may entice potential buyers to visit the showroom, but they’re unlikely to convert them into loyal customers on their own.
Sporty Design and Features
The GV80 Coupe offers a sportier interpretation of the standard GV80 SUV—a strong starting point, as the latter is our top pick in the class. The Coupe’s aggressive roofline and prominent duckbill spoiler set it apart. The signature crest-shaped grille and twin-line headlights enhance its visual appeal. Moreover, the interior design reflects the brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, with meticulous attention paid to materials and color palettes.
HIGHS: Head-turning looks, Bentley-quality interior, top powertrain improves straight-line speed.
Luxury Utility Vehicle Performance
The dimensions of the GV80 Coupe closely mirror those of the regular SUV. Both models share a wheelbase of 116.3 inches, while the Coupe’s overall length measures 195.5 inches, an increase of one inch. Yet, it maintains acceptable rear headroom, sacrificing under an inch despite the unique fastback design. However, the sportier focus means forgoing the optional third row of seats.
Engine Options and Performance
By eliminating the standard GV80’s four-cylinder engine, the Coupe adopts the more powerful 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 as its standard option. Additionally, an E-Supercharged variant, exclusive to the Coupe, features an electrically driven supercharger that bolsters power delivery. This variant delivers 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the E-Supercharged model achieves slightly better fuel efficiency, estimated at 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, compared to 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for the standard model.
Despite its impressive powertrain, the GV80 Coupe emphasizes luxury over sports vehicle performance. The acceleration is smooth and the gear shifts are nearly imperceptible thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard, ensuring a comfortable driving experience, with the V-6 engine operating quietly even under load.
Driving Dynamics
While the GV80 Coupe boasts a luxurious interior, challenges arise when comparing its handling and dynamics to competitive models such as the BMW X5 M60i and the Porsche Cayenne S. The GV80 Coupe achieves 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, falling short of the performance benchmarks set by competitors like the 2024 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe, which achieves the same mark in just 3.9 seconds.
LOWS: Poor body control, sleeker looks hamper interior space, pricing lessens value over rivals.
During testing, we noted that the GV80 Coupe’s handling capabilities were hindered by its substantial 5132-pound curb weight. The E-Supercharged model provides a Sport+ mode that enhances control by holding gears longer and allowing for a more forgiving stability system. Despite these enhancements, the Coupe’s chassis design fell short, as body roll became apparent during sharp turns, and steering feedback was muted.
Noise and Ride Quality
Regardless of the drive mode selected, the GV80 Coupe delivers a refined ride, with minimal intrusion from wind, tires, and road noise, thanks to additional soundproofing and an active noise-cancelling system. At idle, ambient noise measured a mere 38 decibels, and even at 70 mph, it only increased to a quiet 66 decibels. Furthermore, despite the 22-inch wheels, the electronically controlled dampers effectively manage rough surfaces, providing a plush ride.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Where the GV80 Coupe excels is in interior comfort. The vehicle’s surfaces feature a sophisticated blend of leather, wood, metal, carbon fiber, and microsuede. The front seats are well-cushioned and provide excellent support, boasting an integrated massage function that activates automatically during drives to encourage good posture. A standout feature is the expansive 27.0-inch OLED touchscreen, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, responding quickly to user inputs. A rotary dial located conveniently on the center console offers an alternative means of control. Although it wasn’t active in our testing model, the new system will support wireless versions of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through an upcoming over-the-air update.
Conclusion
As a stunning work of art, the GV80 Coupe captures attention and entices potential customers to the brand. Its exterior exudes premium quality without appearing overdone. Those accustomed to luxury models such as the Cayenne or X5 may very well be impressed upon experiencing its interior. However, as a high-performance luxury SUV, the GV80 Coupe may fall short for some. While it retains the impressive quality and luxury associated with its standard SUV counterpart, the Coupe encounters challenges matching its sporty aesthetics with an equally dynamic driving experience.
VERDICT: The GV80 Coupe’s attractive silhouette and spectacular interior are hampered by less-than-sporty driving dynamics.
Specifications
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe E-Supercharged
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $87,100/$87,780
Options: Bering Blue paint, $650; NFC keycard, $30
ENGINE
supercharged, twin-turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 212 in3, 3470 cm3
Power: 409 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.9-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
265/40R-22 106W M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.3 in
Length: 195.5 in
Width: 77.8 in
Height: 67.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 59/49 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 62/30 ft3
Curb Weight: 5132 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.2 sec
100 mph: 13.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.9 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 25.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 150 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 353 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/22 mpg
Jack Fitzgerald
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
