Genesis GV70 (Image courtesy of Genesis USA)
I always thought it was weird Genesis launched its brand in 2016 with sedans when the world was trending toward SUVs. However, as we head into 2021, it looks like the Korean luxury brand is looking to make up for lost time. The GV80 should be available imminently (the website says fall 2020), and now Genesis has offered a preview of the GV70.
This all-new SUV will likely be a 2022 model and will be the entry into the Genesis’ SUV lineup. Because this is just a sneak peek, details are scarce (read: nonexistent), but here’s what we know and what we extrapolate.
All of the vehicles in the Genesis lineup are based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, and in its press release, the automaker confirms GV70 will do the same. Similar to its GV80 big brother, we assume all-wheel drive will also be available. Probably also similar to GV80, it’s likely GV70 will only have RWD available in the base trim, and any up-level powertrain will be AWD only.
Genesis GV70 (Image courtesy of Genesis USA)
I hate vehicle nomenclature alphabet soup. Especially when it doesn’t make sense. While we can’t explain the “70” part of the name – other than to say it’s lower than 80, which means it will be smaller than the GV80 – we do know what the “GV” represents. That would be “G” for Genesis and “V” for versatility.
Hey, we didn’t promise it would be original.
For 2021, GV80 and G80 share the same powertrains, so it stands to reason that the GV70 and G70 will also be similarly equipped – though this has not been confirmed.
Genesis announced in mid-October that G70 would continue to be equipped with the 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder and the 3.3-liter, turbocharged V-6, so the educated guess is these are the two engines for GV70, and the 2.0-liter engine would be available in RWD and AWD, whereas the 3.3-liter would only have AWD.
For reference, the 4-cylinder engine delivers 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and the V-6 delivers 365 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque.
Genesis GV70 (Image courtesy of Genesis USA)
We don’t have confirmed trims, engines or specs, but we do know there will be a Sport package on GV70. It’ll have exclusive design elements, 21-inch wheels, dark chrome finishes, exclusive interior colors, a sport steering wheel and carbon fiber accents.
Extrapolating again, but if this corresponds to the G70, will likely only be available with the up-level engine option and also get a more aggressive exhaust signature.
Genesis GV70 (Image courtesy of Genesis USA)
Genesis very specifically said deliveries of this vehicle will begin in “calendar year” 2021. We take this to mean the very end of 2021, and thus the first GV70 will be model year 2022. Beyond that, we have no more specific timing. We don’t even know when the vehicle will be officially revealed.
Genesis hasn’t announced any pricing on GV70 just yet, but since we’re making a lot of assumptions throughout the article, we’ll make one more here. G80 and GV80 have a $1,200 price difference base-to-base. Soooo, if all things are equal, we’re looking at a base price around $37,200 for the GV70.
Genesis GV70 (Image courtesy of Genesis USA)
I have loved everything I’ve seen from Genesis since its inception, and the in-person looks I’ve gotten at the GV80 indicate the Genesis SUVs will be even more stunning than their sedan counterparts. The high-end design, lux-level amenities and affordable price tag will put GV70 on the must-watch list. Can’t wait to see it in person!
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