Driven. 2025 Genesis GV80 Black
- 11 hours ago
- 6 min read
On reflection, nothing really prepared me for the 2025 Genesis GV80 Black. Entering a week behind the wheel with zero expectation was the culprit that saw me blown away a few short days later. Yes, a little dramatic, but it’s the truth.
You see, generally I have half an idea about a car before going into a loan period. It’s often driven by a desire to be across things, but also because I tend to select cars that interest me.
Genesis has intrigued me for some time – I explained this when I reviewed my very first example in the form of the G70.
It was a fitting introduction, because in my mind there’s nothing like the dynamism of a sedan – especially when it has the punch to match the looks. As a massive Lexus fan and owner, that brand had been my reference point.
I suspect the Raison d'être for said intrigue was a need to unpack what has been a similar strategic imperative and brand journey. Importantly, we are also hunting down a replacement for our family car, a 2011 RX350 – which intensifies the rationale behind the review.
With that said, the G70 fell a little short – lining up in some ways to the 2011 ISF that also sits in the garage.
What I did know is that the GV80 is visually striking. The “Black” moniker see’s otherwise contrasting, or chrome panels get the gloss black treatment. This includes everything from the menacing front grille, Genesis badging, front quarter grilles and other details across the “parabolic arc” shaped body.
The deep reflective hue continues to monstrous 22-inch wheels with floating centre caps. Even the brake calipers behind them don't escape the treatment.
The combination of colour and size casts a sinister presence that’s hard to miss. It would also drive an OCD clean freak absolutely nuts with swirl marks and dust.
The bespoke “Black” treatment continues inside, with the most obvious presenting in the form of quilted Nappa leather covered front seats. They’re electrically controlled with ample adjustment; along with heating, ventilation and a function that will use the lumbar support to stretch your back after extended periods behind the wheel.
Climbing in reveals that they are also supremely comfortable to sit in. Casting an eye around the cabin you can’t miss the huge 27-inch OLED screen which extends across controls and drive display. Familiar darkened badging presents on the steering wheel, while black stainless speaker grilles are complimented by lashings of real black ash timber trims.
That screen control various functions, including wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, which can play your favourite tunes through an excellent 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Further down the centre stack you find a range of haptic climate controls, including a fragrance system with 2 different options available if that’s your kind of thing.
Cabin lighting sets the mood, especially at night, and reflects beautifully against two crystal-like knobs; one for drive controls and another to navigate menus on the screen. The latter felt a little old school but was lovely to use. They sit amongst that same beautifully grained timber trim and a duo of cup holders.
Storage abounds with deep door pockets, a good-sized centre bin, glovebox and a charging bin where phones can be hidden behind a retracting lid. A twin-paned sunroof both ventilates and brightens up an otherwise a dark and moody cabin.
The second row is supremely spacious and continues the dark vibe. Occupants get their own air-conditioning zone, outboard seat heating and ventilation, electric window blinds, charging ports, and vanity mirrors with lighting that fold down from the roof.
A touch of a button moves the outboard seats to allow third row access. Adults could get back there with the middle row slid forward, but it’s best suited to youngsters.
They will have cupholders, charging ports and their own air-conditioning zone while back there though.
With them up, the rear cargo space is limited to 328 litres. But a touch of a button folds them down to expand that space out to a respectable 727 litres. Folding the second row takes advantage of the entire internal space.
Hitting the dash mounted starter fires up with 279Kw 530Nm 3.5L twin turbo V6, which quickly settles to a muted thrum. Spinning that drive selector to “D” selects the first of 8 ratios within the convertor gearbox. It’s a silky-smooth combination and quiet too, rarely raising a sweat or becoming intrusive.
In fact, the interior is incredibly quiet in general. The thought put into fit and finish along with insulation is immediately apparent when on a roll.
Much of this can be attributed to the suspension setup, which does an outstanding job despite the liquorice strip rubber on those huge wheels. Genesis calls it “Preview” electronically controlled suspension.
The system uses the forward-facing camera and GPS to anticipate road conditions, adjusting the suspension suitably to maximise comfort.
It’s not just marketing fluff either. Occupants can expect to feel a smooth, wafting ride regardless of the conditions. It’s never stressed and irons out everything from small undulations to larger bumps, with a level of poise that was completely unexpected.
Often this could lead to a chassis that lacks control, which simply wasn’t the case. The GV80 is not the kind of car you want to drive fast, but I did give it a nudge through a familiar set of switchbacks.
To my surprise it was far more controlled than I would have expected. Theres no denying its 5-meter length and 2300-odd kilo kerb weight, but It was comforting to know that if you wanted too, it could hustle.
Expect a fuel bill if you do though, because the combination of weight with that drivetrain doesn’t equate to fuel efficiency. The official average usage is quoted at 11.8l/100km. We ended our time at 12.3 L/100km, but did see highs of mid 15’s depending on the driving conditions. The price you pay for a tractable, silky-smooth and punchy driveline.
Safety is well covered in the GV80 too, with 10 airbags and all the requisite safety gear on board. Thankfully all very well calibrated too, with no overly annoying bings and bongs or pulling steering wheels.
The camera system was a highlight for the better half too, providing confidence navigating the local shopping centre carpark, despite the size. No wheels were scratched during this loan period!
The only question remaining is a hefty $136,000 sticker price before on-roads. It’s a big number that challenges perception of Korean automotive manufacturing.
But what do you compare it too? Lexus has its RX range, which is nice and comes in about 10k cheaper. It gives up size however, and employs a more pedestrian hybrid drivetrain. The larger option is the GX, with its attractive off-road capability and cheaper sticker price regardless of the model. Having not yet driven one yet, it’s hard to compare though.
Ultimately the GV80 is a more exciting prospect. The reasons are a challenge to explain. It's different, it’s beautifully finished, it’s attractive in a way that has you looking back at it. It’s worth noting future value is locked in by Genesis though.
But that’s starting to bring rationality into the equation. In the car-guy world that only means so much, because such things don't need to make sense. Not always anyway.
Like – Beautifully finished inside and out, Poised and comfortable driving experience, Its different!
Dislike – its thirsty, Exxy if you can compare it to options.
Car Guy Rating – 8
The GV80 filled all the gaps I found in the G70 and more. It looks tough, has a beautifully smooth drivetrain with adequate punch if you need to get in it and is stacked with features. Driving this car conjures emotion – something I never thought I’d find here. It has a presence and feels cool. Would Buy!
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