Genesis started out small, first by rebranding itself, separating the G80 from the Hyundai lineup and offering two more sedans. But competing with the German buys can only get you so far, and even before its first SUV is ready, the second one has come out for testing.
The GV70 is smaller than the GV80, most likely a kind of rival to the popular BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC-Class. These are some of the best-selling SUVs in the world, and so the GV70 stands to become the primary bread-earner in the Genesis family.
Being a new nameplate, this SUV isn't afraid to sketch itself way outside the box. The GV70 has bold proportions that aren't far removed from a Sports Activity Coupe. Its windows are short, ending with a triangular one over the D-pillar and steeply raked rear windshield.
The long hood gives it quite sporty proportions as well, though we're not sure what's under there, though it sounds like a fruity V6. The sportiest version of the GV70 should have the same 3.3-liter bi-turbo as the G70 sedan, making 365 horsepower or more.
The two large and quite interestingly shaped exhaust pipes also supports our theory. However, most compact premium SUVs are sold with four-cylinder powertrains. Genesis should offer one of those too, the 252 horsepower 2.0-liter. However, the rumors still talk of a new 2.5-liter making closer to 300 HP.
American and China are probably the main markets for this car, probably followed by South Korea or Australia. But if it eventually makes its way to Europe, a diesel 2.2-liter making about 200 HP seems inevitable. AWD could be an option, but don't expect any manual gearboxes.
Most of the bodywork is finished. But like with the Kia Sorento, the taillights aren't, allowing us to make out their outline. A full reveal could happen in 2021, and we'll probably know more after the GV80 gets shown in Los Angeles.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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