Exclusive: 2020 Genesis GV80, G80 spied in Aus

Genesis is busy developing at least two new models in the Australian sunshine, with a brace of heavily disguised vehicles spotted cruising Alpine roads in Victoria’s east.

A Genesis spokesperson confirmed the pair of mysterious models are the BMW 5 Series-fighting next-generation G80 sedan and the company’s first SUV to date, the GV80 – both due for launch in 2020.

The South Korean car maker was unable to confirm if either will be coming Down Under following their official reveal, but said both vehicles are under consideration for Australian showrooms.

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In their current-generation, the G70 and G80 will form the arrival party when the Genesis brand relaunches locally next year, after an extraordinarily protracted gestation and multiple delays.

According to Genesis, the pair of development cars are on a vacation for ‘hot weather testing’ - part of a process that sends between 20 and 30 prototype Hyundai and Genesis vehicles to Australia each year, while its native South Korea freezes.

The 2020 G80 has been spotted only a handful of times in other global regions in the past six months, while the GV80 is an even rarer breed, making a public appearance just twice previously.

Our photographers weren’t quite quick enough to capture the large SUV negotiating tricky high country roads but, despite its similar level of concealment, the new large shield-shaped family grille is obvious along with imposing dimensions.

While it’s unlikely the production version will carry all of the design study features of the GV80 concept that broke cover at the 2017 New York motor show, a first sighting of the prototype in the flesh reveals it will maintain the overall proportions and scale of the show car.

Beneath the G80’s mask, the large sedan appears to be a new variant not yet seen testing anywhere else, with down swept exhaust pipes and a different rear bumper design, while fewer front air vents might hint at a rumoured hybrid version.

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The continued global roll-out of new Genesis models and a broadening portfolio is in stark contrast to the company’s activities in Australia. From an initial forecast re-launch date in late 2017, Genesis has repeatedly pushed the new-look company back and a new date is yet to be locked.

Throughout the delays and cancellations however, radical structural developments have been gradually revealed, including the decision to excise Genesis branding from its parent Hyundai, although it remains a trading arm of Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

As a standalone marque, Genesis will operate not from conventional dealerships but smaller boutique outlets in high-end metropolitan retail environments, staffed by sales consultants from luxury consumer brand backgrounds, not automotive.

The company line-up is also evolving from a single large sedan to a selection of sedans, coupes and SUVs, and we would be very surprised if the spied G80 and GV80 don’t form a part of it.