2022 Wheels Car of the Year contender: Genesis GV70

Korea’s premium brand continues to show promise, if not perfection

Like Lexus and Infiniti before it, the Genesis brand is following the proven path of a pragmatic alternative to the big German luxury brands. It’s a daunting task to take on these heavyweights but cars like the GV70 indicate that success is certainly attainable.

The GV70 is an exclusive architecture, not shared with any other Hyundai family members. Importantly, the chassis is engineered as a longitudinal engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, although it is all-wheel drive.

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From an exterior design perspective, it has the traditional rear-wheel drive characteristic of long dash-to-axle proportion; this translates into a long bonnet-to-body ratio, providing a subtle suggestion of potency. It is actually quite a handsome vehicle with its swoopy roofline and really nice stance.

The signature diagonal grille mesh is executed well, much better than the bigger GV80. Overall, a much more resolved styling execution than its bigger brother and a refreshing contrast to the German rivals.

The interior space of this luxury five-seater is beautifully executed. Double-stitched leather abounds throughout the cabin and the craftsmanship is exquisite. The instrument panel design is a familiar arrangement of hooded cluster screen with 3D graphics and a separate 14.5-inch landscape centre screen, mounted high in the dash.

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However, the unique design aspects are the torpedo-shaped elements which repeat around the cabin. This is found in the HVAC control panel, the door inserts and the centre console. Our particular example featured a backlit, fractured geometric pattern which was beautifully done, although not to the taste of all of the judges.

Seats are very comfortable, with good accommodation in the second row and luggage area.

“A sporty, driver’s SUV – lusty V6 delivers loads of punch” – Alex Inwood

On the road, propulsion is provided via the 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 mated to an eight-speed transmission. With 297kW and 530Nm, it really feels grunty, once it overcomes the inertia of the two-tonne body. There is plenty of power for any occasion, complemented by a nice soundtrack.

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Given this type of luxury SUV is likely to be driven mostly in leafy suburbs, some of the judges were initially a bit sceptical, with the performance recipe feeling a bit old school, and the price getting up there.

All were impressed with the performance of the lusty V6 turbo. But when pushed harder, our judges found a few steering niggles. Jez noted, “Steering can feel gooey off centre, particularly at lower speeds, though improves as lock is wound on”, while Curt felt “the heavy, under-assisted steering in the sporting drive modes just robs engagement and fluidity. Use Individual for best results.”

Genesis has probably learned a great deal from Lexus and Infiniti, and in a short time is achieving results which took the Japanese brands many more years.

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Some of the judges thought the GV70 had a bit of an identity crisis, not knowing what it wanted to be. But ultimately, I think it is comfortable in its own skin. It’s a luxury SUV which delivers style, comfort and performance and would satisfy any buyer not fussed about a German badge.

Value is a relative thing when we’re talking around $90K, but it is usefully under the comparable Europeans.

Whilst it does a great job at disrupting convention, there’s not quite enough in it to advance in the COTY arena.