Genesis has come a long way since its inception. From being a wannabe luxury marque to a proper premium brand, Hyundai’s subsidiary has done its part in appealing to the general public.
The more premium GV80 has been garnering a lot of attention since its reveal. A lot of what we know about the brand has seen a revision and it seems Genesis is a proper contender to the German-trio.
The new GV70, although looks more like a baby Bentayga undercuts the premium GV80 as the entry-level SUV from Genesis. Yes, the design is a hit or miss in our mind, but the midsize SUV does pack enough curb appeal to catch your attention.
Although the GV70 is a bit late, Genesis did do it justice by giving ample amounts of uber-luxury touches like an industry-first fingerprint scanner and a choice of zesty engines.
While it doesn’t ooze the finesse of a three-pointed star or the passion behind the four rings, the GV70 has all the makings to be called a budget Bentley Bentayga, both inside and out.
Like it or not, Genesis has been doing some homework and the 2022 GV70 is far from just a luxury crossover aimed at posers.
2022 Genesis GV70: A Bargain Luxury Crossover
Genesis offers a choice of two engines for the GV70; a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Both of these engines are not as refined as the ones you’d see in any German SUV, however, the Genesis GV70 is a lot cheaper.
The Genesis GV70 starts from $41,000 while a similarly equipped Audi Q5 would set you back $49,100. The V6 is far cheaper compared to its segment rivals at $53,045 including destination charges while the top-spec Sport Prestige model is a $63,545 proposition. The comparable X3 M40i and AMG GLC43 models can top $70,000 with all the options.
The GV70 range kicks off with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the 3.5-liter V6 gets you 375 horsepower with 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines get an 8-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive.
In terms of the drive, the overall chassis response is a letdown. Mercs, Audis, and BMWs have been pioneering the fine balance between performance and luxury and by the looks of things, Genesis still has room for improvement. Don’t get us wrong, in terms of value for money, there are not a lot of options in the midsize segment that can rival the GV70. If in the upcoming iterations Genesis sorts it out, it’ll be hard not to recommend the GV70 as the best pick in the segment.
2022 Genesis GV70: You Could Mistake It For A Bentley Bentayga
This is where the GV70 has a lot in common with its elder sibling, the GV80. While the exterior design, especially the massive grille can hardly go unnoticed, it goes well with the rest of the design. Bear in mind that the GV70 is based on the same platform as the G70 sedan.
Styling remains relatively similar to the GV80 with a symmetrical design, meaning the rear mimics the front. As you can tell, the front headlamps, side blinkers, and rear taillamps together form a cohesive mix that is rarely seen in the industry nowadays.
While the design induces sporting credentials, the execution is a lot less encouraging. As standard, you get 18-inch rims but 21’s can be had once you climb up the trim ladder. Both designs look appropriate for the car and improve the luxe appeal further. The rear remains unique but looks rather Porsche Macan-like with its rather unfitting set of exhaust tips.
Further adding to the drama is the GV70’s similarity to a certain British super-luxury crossover. Thanks to its uncanny resemblance, we won’t be surprised if you mistake the GV70 for a Bentley Bentayga.
2022 Genesis GV70: Quality Interiors On A Budget
While the interior is not as well-appointed as the $160,000 Bentley Bentayga, it’s still among the best you can find at the price point. If you’re gunning at the A-listers in the midsize luxury segment, you got to come prepared.
Genesis has done their homework in the interior department as the level of luxury on offer is hard to fault. Everything you touch and feel is of high-quality materials and the level of dedication it took is praise-worthy.
You’ll find a knurled gear selector made of glass, which looks spot-on and feels very posh. Adding to that is the industry-first fingerprint reader located on the dash that can be used in place of a key.
In terms of infotainment, you get a 14.5-inch display operated via a rotary knob, an inconvenience in an otherwise flawless interior. All the latest smartphone connectivity features are available alongside several safety appointments. The GV70 comes loaded with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, collision-mitigation system, and smart park. A feature where clever electronics help maneuver the car in and out of tricky parking spots.
Sources: Caranddriver, MotorTrend, YouTube