2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD Review

Written By: Amy Plemons | Dec 13, 2024 10:20:23 AM

This week I bring you the absolutely beautiful, and first-ever, 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. Like everything Genesis does, it's a beacon of impeccable design, craftsmanship and luxury that leaves you wanting for nothing sans to spend more time in the driver's seat.

The GV80 Coupe is based on the GV80 SUV, so it benefits from the SUVs substantial refresh for 2025 (you can check out Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' review of the 2025 GV80 SUV here.) While there are many similarities, the differences that distinguish the two are well-thought out, executed and important. For one, the Coupe is more powerful than the SUV. It also has exclusive style and design features that make it distinctively its own.

Exterior

If the word Coupe didn't give it away, the GV80 Coupe is sportier than the SUV. Coupe-exclusive styling includes an absolutely stunning Bering Blue exterior hue and beautiful 22-inch sport alloy wheels. I was also really enamored with the new wide chrome trim along the profile that really pops against the blue hue. Monobloc front brakes feature coupe-exclusive black calipers.

The Coupe benefits from the GV80 SUV's new front-end with a newly refined double-layered Crest Grille, new MLA (Micro Lens Array)-powered LED headlamps and larger air intakes. Power-folding mirrors feature logo puddle lights.

In the rear, the Coupe distinguishes itself over the SUV with a quad muffler. The SUV's muffler is hidden. The Coupe also gets a unique descending rear spoiler, tail lamp design and a wide auxiliary brake light integrated on the tailgate.

Powertrain

If you like power in the over 400-horsepower range, you'll want the Coupe over the SUV. The Coupe's top-range 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 w/48V e-Supercharger, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers a fantastic 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The SUV delivers 375-horses and 391 pound-feet of torque. The SUV's acceleration and power feels great to be sure, but the Coupe, well, it feels even better. Note: Technically this powertrain is referred to on Genesis' site as the 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD.

Interior

The GV80 Coupe's interior is a true show stopper. It's hard to say what steals the show more: the GV80's redesigned dash that's overtaken by a new, massive 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and navigation system, or the gorgeous, quilted Nappa leather seats that are calling your name.

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The quality, detail and craftsmanship in here is just flat-out amazing. The carbon fiber trim, the leatherette wrapped upper instrument panel, the Microfiber suede headliner. All of it.

My test vehicle's Ultramarine navy blue interior pops with contrasting orange seatbelts and stitching. The aforementioned quilted leather power seats are supremely comfortable and the driver's seat has a cushion extender, a feature I have truly grown to appreciate over the past few years. Both front seats feature a massage function as well.

At your fingertips, a heated, D-cut leather steering wheel with both silver and glossy trim. At your feet, Coupe-exclusive alloy pedals are designed to minimize the risk of slipping.

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The GV80's new 27" OLED instrument cluster & navigation set up is really incredible with great graphics. It stretches pretty much across the entire dash. I noticed that the Speed Limit info was displayed on both portions of the OLED screen.

Genesis' multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's also where you find a Mood Curator. Pre-set themes you can select that control music and massage seat functions. Each also has its own scent. The Bang and Olufsen premium sound system delivers outstanding sound quality.

You'll control climate features largely through the haptic controls on the center stack. This includes heated and ventilated seats, the heated steering wheel and a cabin scent feature. There are a few knobs as well for temp and volume controls.

Carbon fiber trim on the center console sets off two gorgeous dials with jewel-like accents beautifully. One is for the redesigned shift-by-wire transmission, the other works the infotainment system and has a trackpad for handwriting. The hardware and switchgear is something else. You'll also get a redesigned wireless charger up front.

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Power second row seats are heated and ventilated. Stadium seating along with the coupe-like design means you do lose some headroom. I do like the window real estate back here. Coupled with the panoramic sunroof, it allows a lot of natural light into the cabin. Backseat passengers have their own digital A/C controls and a nice armrest with smaller beverage holders. I do wish the USB and 12V flip covers were nicer.

There are thoughtful details everywhere. They include a power button on the passenger's seat that makes it easy for the driver or 2nd-row occupants to move the seat forward and back as needed. The heated front console armrest is also a feature to love.

The expansive cargo area is no afterthought. It's luxurious and features a cargo cover. It also has 2nd-row power buttons.

Other standard features: 4 USB-C ports, aluminum door sills, 3-zone climate, adjustable ambient lighting, a fingerprint authentication system and carpeted floor mats.

Ride and Drive

So you know the Coupe is more powerful than the SUV. The power and acceleration in here is just incredible. There are five drive modes. Put it in Sport + mode and you hear the sound of the engine really kick in with a great sporty exhaust note.

The GV80 Coupe's ride is so very smooth and quiet. The Electronically Controlled Suspension w/ Road Preview, which adjusts to what's ahead, feels just incredible. The Coupe is also equipped with Active Noise Control.

Visibility is excellent out the front, thanks to the height and low hood. It's good out the back, too. For me, the GV80's larger size and wider stance was a little bit of an issue parking, and such. For that reason, I'm more comfortable maneuvering in the smaller GV70.

Safety

Genesis safety is the best of the best out there, right up there with Volvo, if not surpassing it. The list of driver assistance features is long and includes everything you'd imagine plus extras like Digital Rearview mirror, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. Parents, it also has Safe Exit Assist and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. The GV80 Coupe also has a great color head-up display.

Genesis' Highway Driving Assist 2 is probably the best ever semi-autonomous driving system I've encountered in my life as a car reviewer. It's just fantastic.

Another notable feature is Remote Smart Parking Assist which is a superbly executed system that's intuitive and easy to use.

Verdict

Thank you Genesis for the first-ever GV80 Coupe! It's superbly designed inside and out with a powertrain and performance to love. If a larger, luxury SUV fits your lifestyle, it's 100% worth the nearly $88K price tag.