2021 Genesis GV70 targets Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC

Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, has today revealed a new GV70 SUV based on the brand’s premium rear-drive architecture that also underpins the larger GV80 and G70 sports sedan.

Naturally, the GV70 will be available with all-wheel-drive, too, and likely mirror the engine line-up of its GV80 sibling.

Clear design parallels can be drawn between the GV70 and its eight other siblings, but details show this vehicle is more than just a shrunken GV80.

As for the ‘V’ distinction in the moniker, Genesis says this stands for “the versatility one a Genesis SUV can offer”, with the G unsurprisingly referring to the brand’s name.

Genesis’ GV70 SUV will likely be their most important vehicle in Australia, as it’s aimed directly at the hot-selling BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC-Class, all of which are formidable foes.

The broad front grille of the GV70 is finished with an intricate pattern of the marque’s iconic shield, with the shape of the inlet and LED lights mirroring that of the rest of the Genesis range. The resulting bluff front end flows into a more sculpted and, dare we say it, coupe-esque roof-line with organic haunches hiding large alloy wheels.

In profile, the ‘parabolic’ body line of all Genesis models is clearly visible, and the taillights float attractively, the top and bottom LED strips separated by body colour metal.

Initial images suggest that this new GV70 will be a real stunner in the flesh, though we’ll reserve judgement until we’ve seen it in the flesh as that three-quarter rear angle reveals an oddly shaped glass piece between the C and D pillar. 

Genesis appears to have taken leaves out of both the new i30 Sedan and 90s limousine design language in the interior, quite successfully we might add. The leather looks soft and inviting in these photos, with a genuine upmarket sparkle to the cabin ambience.

 A broad piano black piece neatly links the driver into the centre console and climate control. Sitting atop the dashboard is a wide infotainment screen that we presume will incorporate Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Genesis’ ambient noise system.

On the transmission tunnel, there appears to be a knurled rotary dial and drive mode selection, though Genesis is yet to detail the exact functions. There are two steering wheels – an old-school dual-spoke design that we’re happy to see the return of and a more athletic three-spoke item in the GV70 Sport model. Other changes for the Sport include carbon fibre cabin inserts and that bright red leather appointing the interior.

Differentiating the sport model is a set of 21-inch ‘G-Matrix’ pattern alloy wheels, a larger exhaust outlet and dark chrome exterior trim. 

Genesis has not confirmed powertrain details yet, but expect the GV70 to be auto-only and pack some existing engines. We’ll likely see a 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder do the work at the low end, with the GV70 Sport most likely packing a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 279kW/530Nm outputs. A 204kW/588Nm diesel may appear, but as we said, this is all yet to be confirmed.

We expect the new GV70 to launch some time in 2021, with more details closer to the SUV’s arrival.