2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Review: It Would Be Fantastic If It Chose a Direction.

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      Arrive at the school drop-off line in the morning with a 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and, unless you reside in Beverly Hills, you'll feel like a celebrity. Other parents will be curious about your profession, and passersby will want to glimpse inside. This coupe has a distinctive appearance. It takes the already attractive design of the standard GV80, reduces some of its roof height, and adds a ducktail spoiler. The outcome is a look that seems to warrant a price tag of a quarter million dollars, accompanied by performance to support it. Unfortunately, from the driver's seat, the experience does not quite match the high expectations set by its design.

      The GV80 Coupe aims to be the sportier, performance-oriented variant of the elegant and luxurious GV80 SUV. The regular GV80 offers a base turbocharged four-cylinder or an upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine. In the Coupe, the V6 is standard, replacing the four-cylinder option. Moreover, the Coupe can also come with a more advanced engine: the same electrically supercharged V6 found in the G90 sedan. On paper, the “E-Supercharged” GV80 Coupe is meant to compete with vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe, and Audi Q8. Sadly, I'm not convinced it can measure up.

      The Fundamentals

      Purchasers appear to appreciate these SUV “coupes.” For buyers, their sloped roofs and sportier aesthetics must justify the trade-off in practicality, or else they wouldn't sell as well. Yet they do, and every luxury brand features at least one model. That’s why Genesis has created one.

      I believe Genesis may have outshone competitors in terms of aesthetics. Few of these styling hybrids look better than their standard versions, except for the Audi Q8 and perhaps the Cayenne Coupe. However, I think the GV80 Coupe stands out. I'm not fond of the wheels, which seem too cluttered, but the rest of the vehicle is visually appealing. I particularly admire the new taillights, which fit nicely beneath the rear spoiler.

      As expected, the interior of the GV80 Coupe is exceptional as well. It doesn’t differ much from the standard GV80, apart from the sportier steering wheel and carbon fiber accents, but that’s a positive aspect. The cabin is top-notch, featuring comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and a design that feels distinct from the plethora of German and Japanese SUVs. This interior could potentially drive significant sales for Genesis.

      The only drawback regarding the interior is the absence of an optional third row, as the lowered roofline restricts headroom behind the second row. However, it’s a compromise many buyers are willing to accept. Nevertheless, second-row passengers will be just as comfortable as they would be in the regular GV80.

      Driving the Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-Supercharged

      There’s a lot to appreciate about the GV80 Coupe from the driver’s perspective. I’m uncertain how much distinguishes it from the regular GV80, but it remains a delightful vehicle to navigate. With 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, the GV80 Coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. While that's not particularly outstanding for the segment—the base six-cylinder BMW X6 delivers 375 hp and also reaches 60 mph in the same time—the Genesis compensates for its lack of sheer speed with an incredibly smooth driving experience. Acceleration is calm yet powerful as you press the accelerator, feeling luxuriously effortless. The gradual surge of torque is enjoyable, and while it doesn't pin you back in your seat, it feels beautifully fluid. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates mostly unobtrusively, shifting gears seamlessly. Although it could shift slightly quicker using the paddles, its performance is generally good.

      There’s a soothing quality to how the large Genesis handles that is calming most of the time. It remains whisper-quiet at any speed, is exceptionally stable on the highway, and possesses reliable brakes that inspire confidence. The foundational elements of a great performance SUV are present, and it’s evident that Genesis values its drivers, though perhaps not enough. The issue is that the GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-Supercharged ought to be more exhilarating to drive, given its name and powerful engine. Genesis aims to market this model as a sporty option, but it falls short in that regard.

      It's not completely lacking in sportiness, though. The steering feels adequately weighted and is quite responsive. However, it lacks the front-end precision and immediacy typically offered by its competitors like BMW, Acura, and Porsche. It is reasonable to navigate for its size, but it doesn't possess the sharpness needed to compete with the best in the class.

      This deficiency in handling might be excused if it meant a