Genesis GV80 2023: Audi Q7 rival gains updated suspension tune, small price bump

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Genesis Australia has confirmed a series of subtle upgrades for its GV80 premium large SUV as part of an update for the 2023 model year.

The GV80 has received small revisions to the interior and a mild re-tune to its Australian suspension tune on some models but at the cost of a $1009 price increase across the range, amid the rising cost of vehicle production.

The increase has seen the price of entry on Genesis’s flagship vehicle rise to $92,200 before on-road costs, however the price still remains well adrift of the asking price of key rivals such as the Audi Q7 ($105,100), BMW X5 ($106,900) and Mercedes-Benz GLE ($115,781).

As part of Genesis’s pricing strategy, the price of the vehicle also includes five years of servicing along with 10 years of roadside assistance and map updates. 

Revised Australian suspension tune

Upon its launch in late 2020, the GV80 was praised overall for its comfortable ride but criticised by several outlets, including Chasing Cars, for its often wayward body control. 

For 2023, Genesis has introduced upgraded steering hardware and an updated tune for its Electronic Control Suspension on the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel straight-six and 3.5-litre twin-turbo-petrol V6 models.

Genesis product development manager Tim Rodgers said the suspension system, which uses cameras to scan the road ahead and adapt accordingly, has been updated to better manage body control movements at certain speeds.

“The revisions don’t change the character of GV80, but in terms of body motion the SUV now feels a bit more tied down.

“The software revisions were applied to both normal and sport modes and bring improved wheel control as well as body control, while maintaining a premium feel overall,” he said.

The tuning of the passive suspension system equipped on the entry-level 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder models remains unchanged.

Exterior and interior design changes

The centre console of the GV80 previously featured a flat rotary dial to control the transmission, this has since been swapped out for a raised shifter borrowed from the GV70 midsize SUV and GV60 electric midsize SUV.

Other changes include a cover for the rear brake hardware to hide the ungainly appearance of the mechanic components though the stoppers themselves remain the same as before.

Genesis GV80 range explained

Genesis largely designates the grade structure of its vehicles by the drivetrains, with a 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder serving as the entry-level option, followed by the 204kW/588Nm 3.0-litre straight-six diesel and 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo-petrol V6.

The 2.5-litre engine is offered with either rear- or all-wheel-drive but the 3.0-litre diesel and 3.5-litre petrol are both AWD only. All drivetrain options are paired with an eight-speed automatic. 

Alongside the traditional five- and seven-seat options, Genesis offers a six-seat option with dual captain’s chairs in the second row. The option is compiled with the $10,500 Luxury Package that is available on all grades, bringing the total extra outlay to $13,500.

Long-list of standard features

As the flagship of the Genesis range, the GV80 is fitted with an extensive list of standard features befitting of its higher price.

These include design features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights plus a panoramic sunroof, which allows more light onto the leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and dashboard upholstery inside the cabin.

Both front occupants receive 12-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats; joining other tech features such as the huge 14.5-inch touchscreen (with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

A 21-speaker Lexicon premium sound system also joins the list of standard features, along with convenience-focused additions such as a power tailgate, a wireless phone charger, pull-up second-row sunshades and rain-sensing wipers.

The GV80 was awarded five-stars by ANCAP last year, thanks to passive safety features such as the collection of 10 airbags, along with active technology such as forward AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, reversing AEB, lane-keep assistance and rear cross-traffic alert.

A feature exclusive to the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands is the blind-spot view monitor, which displays a live view of the vehicle’s hidden three-quarter view in the digital driver’s display when changing lanes.

The 2.5-litre RWD-equipped GV80 is offered with five seats as standard, but those after seven seats can step up to the AWD model, which also throws in a reversible cargo area mat and temperature control for the third row.

Those opting for the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel also gain a more advanced interior heater, larger 22-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential and continuously variable dampers – that scans the road ahead with a front camera and adjusts the suspension accordingly.

Aside from the extra grunt, the only difference between the 3.0-litre diesel and 3.5-litre petrol is the addition of large dual exhausts and its own unique grille.

$10,500 Luxury package adds more

Those who opt for the $10,500 Luxury Package net higher-quality quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a heated two-tonne leather steering wheel and a suede headliner.

The front seats gain 18-way power adjustment and the second row receives heating and ventilation. The cabin also nets three-zone climate control and an active noise control system that dials out some of the outside clatter when driving. 

Other additions include a full-width 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, along with soft-close doors, an automatic parking function and power rear sunshades.

The updated GV80 is now on sale in Australia.

Genesis GV80 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 2.5T RWD 5 seat – $92,200 (+$1009)
• 2.5T AWD 7 seat – $97,200 (+$1009)
• 3.0D AWD 7 seat – $105,200 (+$1009)
• 3.5T 7 seat – $109,700 (+$1009)

Optional packages:

• Luxury package: $10,500
• Six-seat luxury package: $13,500
• Matte paint: $2000