The 2025 GENESIS GV80 arrives in Australia with the swagger of a newcomer that already knows the room. It looks expensive, feels plush, and has the right numbers to back it up. Genesis has simplified the range, sharpened the styling, and packed in a mountain of kit, so the GV80 now plays confidently in the same conversation as BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. It is not trying to be loud. It is trying to be convincing, and most of the time it succeeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Silky twin-turbo V6, serene cabin, generous standard equipment that rivals charge extra for, handsome Genesis GV80 exterior design that looks premium without shouting, impressive Genesis GV80 technology including a huge OLED display and Bang & Olufsen audio.
Cons: No diesel or 4-cyl options anymore, brand cachet still building in Australia, ANCAP star rating from earlier variants does not carry to the current 3.5-litre V6 models, dealer network is smaller than the Germans.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing in Australia now starts at $130,000 before on-road costs for the seven-seat GV80, $133,300 for the six-seat version with captain’s chairs, and $136,000 for the swoopy GV80 Coupe. Genesis folded the old Luxury Package in as standard, which explains the higher entry point and also why spec levels feel generous straight out of the box.
Features and Benefits
- A calm, elegant Genesis GV80 interior built around a crisp 27-inch OLED display that combines instruments and infotainment.
- 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, Nappa leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated second row, and soft-close doors.
- Smart touches that feel genuinely useful: digital rear-view mirror, fingerprint start, and a UV-C sanitising cubby.
- Genesis GV80 technology includes over-the-air updates and Remote Smart Parking Assist, so convenience keeps improving over time.
- Space and flexibility with six or seven seats, plus a quiet cabin that suits long Australian road trips.
Safety
The GV80 launched with a five-star ANCAP score on earlier petrol and diesel variants, but the 2025 3.5-litre V6 models are currently unrated under ANCAP. That sounds scarier than it is. The hardware list is exhaustive: AEB with junction assist and evasive steering, Highway Driving Assist with lane centring, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, Safe Exit Assist, driver attention monitoring, and a full airbag suite including a centre airbag. The tech reads like a checklist for luxury SUVs 2025 and it matches or beats the class norm.
Running Costs
Official combined fuel use is 11.7 L/100 km, and the V6 requires 95 RON. There is an 80-litre tank, so country runs will be easy on the bladder. Towing is rated at 2,722 kg braked, which covers most family vans and medium boats. Warranty is five years, unlimited kilometres, with five years or 50,000 km of complimentary scheduled servicing and roadside assistance that extends to 10 years if you keep servicing with Genesis. There is also the Genesis To You valet pickup within 70 km of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane CBDs, which takes the sting out of service day.
Comparison To Its Competitors
Genesis positions the GV80 directly against BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, with the Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90 also firmly in the crosshairs. Where the GV80 hits hardest is value for money and spec density. Items like massaging seats, high-end audio, and advanced driver assists are standard here, while many rivals make you chase option packs. Dynamically, the GV80 favours calm and polish over track-day vibes. The steering is measured, the ride is composed, and the cabin stays quiet on coarse chip. An X5 still feels sportier in the bends, and the GLE carries a deeper brand aura, but the Genesis narrows the gap with craftsmanship and a clean, modern Genesis GV80 exterior design. If you prize serenity and specification, the GV80 is a savvy alternative in the luxury SUVs 2025 club.
2025 Genesis GV80 Long-Term Review: Soft-Close Doors, Thoughtful Interior, Refined Drive
Conclusion
If you want the look and feel of a six-figure European SUV without the ritual of the options list, the 2025 Genesis GV80 is a bullseye. The engine is strong, the cabin is properly lush, and the tech story is current rather than trendy for trend’s sake. The badge may not carry decades of baggage, which in this case is a feature. It lets the GV80 win you over on merit.
Rating: 8.7/10
The GV80 blends performance, comfort, and specification in a way that makes sense for Australian buyers. It loses a little ground on brand pull and ANCAP carry-over, yet it stands out for its smart pricing and the way it prioritises the experience in the seat rather than the spec sheet alone.