Genesis may be a young brand compared to its German and American rivals, but in under a decade, it has shaken up the luxury car market, proving that it’s here to stay. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, has earned its stripes in various segments, but perhaps its boldest move yet is its foray into the high-stakes luxury coupe SUV market with the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The brand already made waves with its GV80 flagship SUV, and now, it’s doubling down with a sleeker, more performance-oriented sibling designed to take on the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
Visually, the GV80 Coupe impresses with its athletic yet refined design. While it shares some styling elements with the GV80 SUV—like the dual-layered Crest grille and two-line LED headlights—the coupe distinguishes itself with a more streamlined profile. Its sloping roofline flows seamlessly from the windshield to a custom rear spoiler, emphasizing a sportier silhouette. Quad exhaust outlets and optional 22-inch alloy wheels add to its aggressive stance, giving the GV80 Coupe a distinct look that stands out even in the crowded luxury SUV market. It’s a bold statement for a brand still finding its place among established European luxury automakers.
When it comes to performance, the GV80 Coupe certainly doesn’t disappoint. Genesis offers two engine options, both equipped with all-wheel drive. The standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 produces a respectable 375 horsepower, but the real highlight is the new 48V electric supercharger version of the same engine, which bumps power output to 409 horsepower. This supercharged variant is now the most powerful engine in Genesis’ lineup. While it may not offer the same heart-pounding power as the 523-horsepower BMW X6 M60i, it holds its own in a segment that prioritizes luxury and refinement just as much as raw performance.
The GV80 Coupe doesn’t just aim for speed; it aims for an all-around driving experience that balances power with comfort. The supercharged engine offers strong acceleration, allowing the SUV to launch confidently from a standstill and merge onto highways effortlessly. The adaptive suspension, which uses a forward-looking camera to adjust to road conditions, ensures that the GV80 Coupe delivers a smooth, composed ride even over rough surfaces. This balance between performance and ride comfort makes the GV80 Coupe a compelling choice for drivers who crave dynamic handling but don’t want to sacrifice luxury.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the GV80 Coupe surprises. Despite being more powerful, the supercharged variant is also more fuel-efficient, delivering 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for a combined 20 mpg rating. The non-supercharged version lags slightly behind with a combined 19 mpg. These figures put the GV80 Coupe slightly ahead of its direct competitors like the BMW X6 M60i and on par with the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 Coupe. For an SUV that offers this level of performance, these efficiency figures make it a more practical option for daily driving.
Inside, the GV80 Coupe showcases Genesis’ commitment to luxury and technology. The interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring high-quality materials like Nappa leather and polished carbon-fiber accents. The centerpiece of the cabin is a 27-inch OLED display that seamlessly integrates the driver’s gauges with the infotainment system. This cutting-edge screen offers crisp visuals and intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate through various functions. Genesis has also made an effort to retain physical knobs for climate and audio controls, a move that will be appreciated by drivers frustrated with the trend toward touchscreen-dominated interfaces.
Despite its coupe-like roofline, the GV80 Coupe doesn’t skimp on interior space. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the sloping roofline only minimally impacts headroom. In fact, the GV80 Coupe offers more legroom than rivals like the BMW X6, and while it doesn’t beat the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe in overall rear passenger comfort, it holds its own. The cargo space, too, is impressive for this segment. With over 30 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, the GV80 Coupe provides more practicality than the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and even manages to beat the BMW X6 in this department.
In terms of technology and infotainment, Genesis has equipped the GV80 Coupe with an impressive array of features. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, they still require a wired connection—a surprising omission in a segment where wireless connectivity is becoming the norm. However, Genesis has promised an over-the-air update that will enable wireless functionality by the end of the year. The premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, a standard feature in both trims, elevates the in-cabin experience, providing crisp, clear sound that audiophiles will appreciate.
Safety is another area where Genesis excels. Although the 2025 GV80 Coupe has yet to undergo crash testing, its SUV sibling earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating. The GV80 Coupe comes standard with an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. Genesis’ innovative blind-spot monitor, which displays a live camera view of the blind spot when the turn signal is activated, is another standout feature that adds to the GV80 Coupe’s appeal.
While the GV80 Coupe impresses in many areas, it’s not without its shortcomings. The lack of a hybrid option is a notable omission, especially as rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer plug-in hybrid variants. Additionally, the GV80 Coupe’s performance, while strong, doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the sportiest variants of the BMW X6 or Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Still, these drawbacks may not be deal-breakers for buyers who prioritize luxury and style over outright speed.
In conclusion, the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe is a compelling entry in the luxury SUV coupe market. It offers a well-rounded package that combines elegant design, strong performance, and cutting-edge technology—all at a price point that undercuts its European rivals. While it may not yet have the cachet of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, Genesis is proving that it can compete with the best in the business. For buyers looking for a luxurious, high-performing SUV with a unique sense of style, the GV80 Coupe is certainly worth a closer look.
