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It has been a long and very interesting journey for Genesis. The upstart luxury brand has made great strides ever since it was unleashed onto the world several years ago. While Genesis has received praise the world over, the brand has done so by carrying the burden of its key weakness, the lack of a formal utility model. Genesis has finally resolved this, and has formally unveiled the U.S. spec version of the GV80 SUV.

Like its South Korean counterpart, the U.S. version retains a lot of the elegant design elements that made their mark on the concept, with Genesis designers clearly targeting the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and other luxury stalwarts. The front grille is heavily based on the face of the current G90, while the side profile adopts a very athletic profile. The rear fascia features futuristic tail lamps, and looking at the CUV from multiple angles, it is clear that the GV80 has retained a lot of its show car magic and that’s very good news for eager luxury SUV buyers.

But the interior (as is the case with the brand’s current trio of sedans) is arguably where the GV80 will make its biggest mark of all. For starters, the GV80 is digital in all the right places, from the all digital instrument cluster, to the massive 14.3 inch touchscreen nestled in the dashboard. Through this screen, front seat occupants will have access to a wide range of systems, including an all new augmented reality navigation system. This system also features a novel hand writing system that is part of the Genesis Integrated Control System. The system literally allows drivers to write out things such as phone numbers and driving directions, which is then recognized and implemented.

All passengers are also greeted by a wide range of high quality leather, wood, and premium plastics with a wide array of colors to choose from. but it is the unseen elements that really stand out with the GV80 debuting a trick noise cancelling system. Unlike other noise cancelling systems that rely heavily on sound deadening material, the GV80’s actually monitors road noise in real time, and the emits a wave in the opposite frequency to block it all out. An air purification system is also on board, and it can activate when it is needed to help ensure occupants are free from pollution and contaminants. Like other Genesis models, the GV80 will also come equipped with a wide range of driver assistance and safety features to really drive home the point about protecting its occupants from harm or an accident.

 

U.S. versions of the GV80 can be equipped with two different turbocharged engines. The base GV80 makes do with a turbocharged 2.5 liter four cylinder engine that is good for 300 horsepower, or the range topping turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 that is good for 370 horsepower. An automatic transmission is practically a guaranteed item on the GV80, and while the GV80 itself is built on a rear wheel drive centric platform, strong rumors suggest that all-wheel drive will be available as a welcome option for those that love in the snow belt.

 

Currently, the GV80 will only be available in South Korea, but the rest of the world (the U.S. market included) will get their versions of the GV80 later. Unlike prior Genesis models, there will not be as long of a wait for the new model to make the trek across the pond, with Genesis reps revealing that the North American version will begin sales in U.S showrooms this summer. Consider us impressed and intrigued at the same time.

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