The 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T is no Bentley, but it’s a satisfying way to travel
Casey Williams | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@AOL.com
Many of us would love to drive a Bentley Bentayga luxury crossover, but virtually none of us will reach the point in our lives where we can afford one. The large mesh grille, gleaming headlamps, deeply carved body sides, and huge wheels give it a sense of presence and potential.
But while we completely understand that it’s no Bentley, the 2025 Genesis GV80 exudes just enough panache to make it feel and look special.
It’s clearly a Genesis, with more chrome and quad small LED headlamps on either side of that big chrome mesh grille. The side view features a strong shoulder line, a gently sloping roof, a sweep of chrome dividing the lower body sides and an upswept rear window, all planted on 22-inch wheels.
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2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige
5-seater, AWD crossover
Powertrain: 3.5 liter TTV6, 8-spd
Output: 375hp/391 lb.-ft.
Suspension: Elect Ind/Ind
Wheel left/right: 22 inch/22 inch alloy
Brake f/r: disc/disc
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 16/22-MPG
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
Base/as tested price: $57,700/$81,300
nice!
• Prestige style
• OLED screen
• Twin-turbo V6
What I hate
• Twin dial
• Fake vent
• more expensive
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The faux vents on the front fenders are reminiscent of the Old World, but they’re not the best work of Genesis’ talented designers. A wide concave plaque across the foot-operated hatch connects the GV80 to other Genesis models with thin lighting elements and GENESIS spelled out in chrome.
Please come inside. You may notice the 22-inch OLED dash screen at first, but you’ll soon notice the diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats, matte-finish wood, and microfiber headliner. It’s just like a Bentley. However, you’ll also enjoy Bang & Olufsen audio, a panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
The steering wheel and front armrest are also heated. Power adjustment for the rear seats is also possible. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and console charging keep your devices connected.
It’s easy to confuse the gear selector with the infotainment controller, but everything works well. It’s like putting your car on satellite radio instead of in reverse.
Checking the safety list may raise suspicions about potential Swedish heritage. A heads-up display appears to float above the hood, providing visual information on speed, navigation, and safety status. However, it also has adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-path detection with brakes.
Added to this is a digital rearview mirror, rear seat reminder and safe exit assist to keep passengers from getting stuck in traffic.
Although there’s no V-12 engine under the hood, the GV80 will tear through asphalt rapids with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that tickles a powerful all-wheel-drive system with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in its proper range and delivers impressive power wherever you ask it, but at the cost of fuel economy (16/22 MPG city/highway).
The British were by no means only aiming for a surge in power. When you’re behind the wheel of a Bentley or Jaguar, you can feel the tranquility of the seemingly buttery-smooth roads and the quiet crowds beyond the range of the cars. In the same spirit, the GV80’s interior is nearly silent, whether you’re driving to the drive-thru or cruising down the interstate for miles.
Electronic suspension and adjustable drive modes allow pilots to control the level of comfort or sportiness of the chassis, steering and throttle response. The seat also tightens its bolsters when it senses that you want to play.
The GV80 is no Bentley, but it’s a very satisfying means of travel. Every inch exudes style, performance and fun.
It doesn’t have the stickers to match upper-class Brits, but it’s certainly not cheap. The base model starts at $57,700, but the Prestige trim goes even higher at $81,300. Competitors include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q5,
Lincoln Nautilus, and if you want a fully electric car, the Cadillac Lyriq.
Advance the storm!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com. Follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
