2026 GENESIS GV80 Coupe

 

Test Vehicle:

2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-SC

Exterior Color: Uyuni White

Interior Color: Obsidian Black

Powertrain: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 w 48V e-Supercharger

Options: Paint ($650) 

MSRP as tested: $91,545 (With Delivery/Destination)

 

Pros: Luxurious Interior, Advanced Technology, Refined Road Manners, Overall Value

Cons:  Rear Passenger Head Room, Reduced Cargo Space, Average Fuel Economy

 

The Genesis GV80 Coupe is an extension of the standard GV80 SUV which is a refined mid-size luxury SUV that stands out in a crowded segment with cutting-edge technology, a striking design, and a serene interior. The GV80 Coupe will accommodate five passengers (standard GV80 will seat up to seven) and is available in two primary models. Standard is the 3.5T AWD model with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Also available is the 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD  with a 48V e-Supercharger MHEV model that boosts performance to 409 horsepower and 405-pound feet of torque. The Supercharged model also comes with a Prestige Black package. All are exclusively AWD with an eight- speed automatic.

 

Prices start at $81,850 for the 3.5T AWD and climb to a starting price of $89,400 for the 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black AWD. Genesis pre-packages almost everything so there aren’t many things to add after these prices other than some premiums for matte paint, floor mats or roof rack cross bars. Maxed out with everything possible including freight will total $92,960. Competition includes vehicles like the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Audi Q8, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. I spent time in a fully equipped GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-SC that checked in at $91,545 including destination & delivery and here’s what stood out…

 

 

Exterior:

New for 2025 the GV80 coupe carries over into 2026. It features a freshly designed two-line crest grille and signature two-line headlights. The large quad LED headlights and the signature crest grille are visually striking, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Large air intakes and a wide skid plate design give it a more athletic presence. 

 

When viewed from the side, the arch-shaped Parabolic Line spanning the body and the low, sloping roofline add to its dynamic exterior design. Adding to its sporty profile, it grabs attention with Coupe-exclusive 20- and 22-inch wheels with distinctive spokes. At the rear is a unique design with LED surface-emitting rear combination lamps and a wide integrated auxiliary brake light on the tailgate. A centrally descending rear spoiler adds a sporty touch and the muffler tips hidden in the bumper elevate sophistication. Overall, compared with the boxier GV80 SUV, the Coupe looks sportier and more upscale.

 

Powertrain

The GV80 offers a choice of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque or a 3.5L V6 with a 48V e-Supercharger MHEV model that boosts performance to 409 horsepower and 405-pound feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with all-wheel drive. Having spent time in the 3.5T with the supercharger I was impressed with how powerful and refined it is. It is capable of getting from 0-60 MPH in around 5.2 seconds, which beats many primary competitors. It also comes with five drive modes Comfort, Eco, Snow, Sport, and Custom. These modes adjust the vehicle's suspension, throttle response, and transmission shift points. Opt for sport mode which makes the throttle more sensitive and gives you more precise control if you want a more engaging drive. However, for everyday use or on a long trip, comfort mode will deliver a smooth, balanced ride with a softer suspension and lighter steering. It feels grounded with minimal body roll around corners and in inclement weather the AWD handled perfectly. While powerful and confident, it isn’t truly a high-performance coupe like dedicated sport SUVs from Porsche or AMG, but more of a refined performer than an all-out athlete.

 

 

Handling:

On the road, the GV80 Coupe is remarkably smooth and quiet, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension that delivers an excellent balance between comfort and performance. The optional adaptive suspension that reads the upcoming pavement isn’t as performance oriented as you might guess, but it still provides very good ride quality.  The GV80 Coupe  absorbs road imperfections well, providing a serene driving experience without excessive floatiness. Steering is precise with limited body roll for its size. The GV80 Coupe handles twists and turns with confidence with steering that is responsive and appropriately weighted while side-to-side body motions are kept to a minimum. The brakes slow this big coupe confidently, as well. Overall, the coupe has a nice balance of  athletic and comfort,  but leans more toward composed cruising than race-car-like agility

 

Fuel Economy:

When it arrived with a full 21.1-gallon fuel tank, it offered a driving range of around 410 miles.  The V6 model is EPA rated at 16 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 19 MPG combined which is low compared to its competitors. The available e-Supercharged engine boosts these estimates to 18/22 mpg city/highway. That's average fuel economy for a luxury midsize coupe like SUV. Premium fuel is also recommended so expect to pay more at the pump.

 

Interior:

Hopping inside is an innovative interior  with a widescreen infotainment display. That 27-inch-wide OLED display is the highlight and integrates the digital gauge cluster with the multimedia touchscreen in a clean, high-tech, sophisticated, horizontal layout. The seamless design extends to the center console with touch-based HVAC controls and  audio dials for volume and tuning. Air vents are almost hidden as they are horizontally integrated below the OLED display across the dash. Within the center console is a wireless device charger, control dial for multimedia, and a redesigned crystal-like shift-by-wire gear selector. It looks sharp and the build quality exceeds expectations with top notch premium materials. The updated interior also enhanced functionality with a center console storage that  splits open at the center, accessible cup holders, USB-C ports, and aesthetically pleasing and feeling knobs / dials throughout. The Coupe also gets a flat-bottom steering wheel and is finished in high-end materials with top notch fit and finish.

 

 

Technology:

Technology is a high point with everything ranging from the OLED display to fingerprint authentication to over-the-air updates. At its base the 27” display integrates wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The graphics and navigation through the screen are clear and logical. I like the 360-degree view of the GV80 Coupe with options to select different areas of the car to navigate to those specific controls. It's an added navigation option through the menus that works well.

 

It also features things like a wireless device charger, push button start, USB ports, digital key, head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot.  An optional 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system fills the interior with quality sound. The infotainment system may take some getting used to, but the touch screen is crisp, clear, and responsive. Redundant physical buttons on the center stack and steering wheel make accessing certain functions easier. And for the ultimate personalization you can start your GV80 Coupe with the tap of your finger, using the standard Fingerprint Authentication System, which can also be used to load driver profile settings for your seat and side mirrors, and more.

 

Another technology bonus feature that I have come to love with Genesis vehicles is the Mood Curator. The mood curator adjusts the interior ambiance to create various atmosphere settings that play to your senses. Each mood setting offers unique music, lighting, and fragrance, to help personalize your interior. It’s a nice mood booster or relaxing feature to take advantage of when you need it.

 

Remote Smart Parking Assist is another fun, but also useful, feature to show off to friends. The remote smart park assist enables the GV80 Coupe to park itself without you being in the driver’s seat. At the touch of a button on the remote, you can back up or pull the vehicle forward into position. It's nice for tight spaces or if you just need to adjust its position in the driveway.

 

 

Seating:

While the GV80 will seat up to seven passengers in the AWD Advanced trim, the GV80 Coupe  is solely a five-passenger SUV.  All models come standard with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, heated front seats and a heated and power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Available features include genuine leather upholstery, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power cushion extension bolster and Ergo Motion seat, heated rear seats, and a microfiber suede headliner and pillars.

 

The quilted Nappa leather Ergo Motion seats not only look incredible but are beyond comfortable. And to add to the comfort, the GV80 Coupe is available with massaging seat functionality that can be controlled through the infotainment screen. There is ample head, leg, and shoulder room for the front, but head room gets tight for second row passengers due to the sloping roofline. Overall, the Genesis prioritizes comfort and luxury, with premium seats, making it a great option for those who value a high-end, relaxing cabin.

 

Cargo:

The Genesis GV80 Coupe offers 30 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and 61 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second-row seats are split-folding, allowing you to expand the cargo area as needed, increasing the space significantly.  Additionally, the cargo area is well-designed, with a low lip for easy loading and unloading. There’s a hands-free power liftgate that adds convenience when your hands are full, and the interior features practical touches like a hidden storage compartment for smaller items. 

 

 

Safety / Driver Assist:

Genesis includes a comprehensive driver-assistance suite including forward collision avoidance, blind spot view monitor, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assistance, a rearview camera, parking obstruction warning, driver monitoring, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic warning, safe exit assist and more. I particularly like the blind spot monitor view in which cameras on the mirrors project images into the digital cluster when the turn signals are engaged. It gives a clear image of what may or may not be in your blind spot. Many of these features cost extra on German rivals.

 

Another favorite feature is the semi-autonomous driving technology which is an advanced cruise control that will center the GV80 Coupe and maintain a set distance from the vehicle it's behind. The system will also automatically change lanes with minimal driver input when it's safe to do so after engaging the turn signals. It pairs nicely with  the 3D head-up display that recognizes surrounding vehicles and shows them as 3D blocks on the road. Hands on the steering wheel are required, but the car will do most of the work.

 

Final Statement:

The Genesis GV80 Coupe is a compelling choice in a segment full of strong contenders that have been on the market for a long time. The Coupe is different with a contemporary design inside and out that blends luxury and technology seamlessly. The Coupe roofline stands out in the parking lot with a unique profile that draws attention. I was impressed with the V6’s smooth ride and well-balanced handling. And the e-Supercharger gave it quite a boost, adding some unexpected fun to this luxury SUV.  I would gladly drive this vehicle daily and across the country on a road trip. Definitely give this a look before you buy that German competitor, it has been a family favorite in my household.