Genesis GV80 Coupe concept points to Cayenne Coupe rival

Genesis has pulled the wraps off its GV80 Coupe concept that previews a future production model to rival the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Finished in Magma red paint, the Coupe cops a more aggressive front valance than the current GV80 wagon with even slimmer LED headlights and a new G-Matrix grille design, which could point to an imminent facelift.

The rear end is where the interest is, with the GV80 Coupe's roofline plunging like Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo GT towards a dramatic (and downforce-producing) ducktail.

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There’s a mix of elements from the Aston Martin DBX and Kia EV6 GT in the rear end’s styling, we think. The tail is finished off by a pair of LED lighting signatures to emphasise the GV80’s width.

It’s not all visual, with the GV80 Coupe concept wearing lightweight forged five-spoke alloy wheels and rocking a carbon fibre roof to lower the centre of gravity.

Inside, Genesis demonstrates its new-found performance intentions with a strictly four-seat layout featuring individual suede- and nappa leather-appointed carbon fibre-backed buckets, a roll bar, and a matching liveried helmet.

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The GV80 coupe’s reveal follows Genesis's promise to pivot into high-performance and emotional vehicles, which will culminate in a range of sporty EVs, including a roadster and two-plus-two.

While Genesis is on the way to full electrification, it’s likely the production GV80 Coupe will be powered by a combustion engine, perhaps a worked-over version of the 279kW/520Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.

Genesis could develop an electric version – as it's done with Electrified G80 sedan – by utilising the GV60 Performance's two electric motors and 77.4kWh battery for 360kW (or more) and torque vectoring drift mode.

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The GV80 Coupe is a way of further distinguishing the Genesis brand from its Kia and Hyundai relations, as executive vice president for design at Hyundai Motor Group, Luc Donckerwolke, pointed out.

“​​At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80, and G90 models… over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs.

“Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes”, Donckerwolke added.