Experienced by Kimatni D Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com
Korean automaker Genesis invited a large contingent of automotive journalists to Fort Worth, TX—one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.—to experience the defining updates on its reinvigorated 2025 GV80. Set around the omnipresent international art institutions and cultural districts, North Central Texas played host to the dynamic SUV’s athletic elegance persona and updated amenities including a newfangled partnership with Danish premium automaker Bang & Olufsen.
The luxury brand, which is still relatively young, continues to expand its dealer network (35 current stand-alone facilities), the diversity of its vehicle lineup, and core values that integrate the ideologies of Korean culture. Being audacious, progressive, and distinctly Korean is the brand ethos as Genesis continues to disrupt the narrative. Hospitality is equally essential to the company’s marketing initiatives. Thus, every customer and potential owner is treated as a SON-NIM or honored guest. The Korean hospitality experience can be witnessed directly at the Genesis House in New York, an oasis in the city that features a Michelin Guide-rated restaurant, a library to learn about Korean principles, and much more.
“The 2025 GV80 brings a new level of elevated cabin experience to the Genesis SUV lineup, making all occupants feel like honored guests,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Its new 27-inch widescreen display and array of new interior colors, materials, and finishes introduce an even greater sense of elegance to the GV80.”
Genesis introduced the GV80 in 2020, and with a record-breaking 2023 sales year of 69,175 units sold, the GV80 is critical to the company’s success. Shortly, Genesis will expand the GV80 template by introducing the GV80 Coupe. Highlights from the distinctive crossover incorporate a sporty exterior, a high-tech interior, and a gasoline turbo 48v electric supercharger engine. The current production model manifests from what I witnessed last spring when Genesis first showed off the GV80 Coupe Concept during the NY Auto Show. It adds a new dimension to the Genesis portfolio with dynamic lines, sporty attributes, performance engineering, and luxury amenities.
For the latest 2025 GV80 model, Genesis updated the exterior design and gave it a few styling enhancements, as well as a comprehensive interior redesign. A few notable appointments include updated 20” and 22” alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy tires, a panoramic sunroof, a new emblem, a double mesh grille, updated lights, a hidden muffler, and eight exterior colors including two new greens motivated by the lush landscape of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. In fact, all of the hues are inspired by travel destinations and places worldwide such as Makalu Gray, Savile Silver, and Uyuni White. Sadly though, the GV80 is devoid of a featured red or burgundy finish.
For performance, owners can select from two gas engine consisting of a 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 distributing 300-horsepower or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo which puts out 375-horsepower. I drove the 3.5 and felt it was the best balance of power and acceleration for the SUV’s weight and size. The 8-speed transmission features paddles shifters and Drive Mode Select (Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, and Custom settings) to alter the mannerisms of the GV80. Featuring electronically controlled suspension, the Korean SUV moves fluidly, stops proficiently, and steers dynamically, especially in Sport mode.
Inside the inviting cabin, you will discover an array of new finishes, materials like Olive Ash Wood, and color combinations such as Smoky Green / Vanilla Beige, Ultramarine Blue / Glacier White, Smoky Green / Earth Brown, and Slate Gray / Bordeaux Brown, and a new and sophisticated two-tone steering wheel design. Genesis employs multi-colors to convey a luxurious feel. The cockpit incorporates the ideal balance between touch controls and physical knobs and adjustments.
On the tech side, the GV80 features a 27″ OLED integrated navigation touchscreen and instrument cluster, Over-the-Air software updates, a Fingerprint Authentication System, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Genesis Digital Key 2 with up to three profiles shareable through iMessage. Of course, you have to tap into the Mood Curator to balance your driving energy. The multi-sensory application integrates scent control, ambient lighting, and calming tunes for a genuine Zen experience. Also, expect an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, 3-zone climate control, and matte finish wood trim, depending on your chosen model.
While cruising around the outskirts of Fort Worth, I truly enjoyed and appreciated the Bang & Olufsen premium audio system since music is a must for me on drives. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the audio company strictly partners with luxury auto brands such as Acura, Audi, and Genesis. Aluminum grilles and elegant sound are highlighted by premium veneers (majorly on the home setups) and aluminum materials made in Denmark. The 18-speaker, 14-channel system is meticulously designed and precisely tuned to create optimized listening experiences based on the GV80’s cabin materials. And the laser engraved speaker grilles are clutch!
With a starting MSRP of $57,700, the new 2025 Genesis GV80 comes in various trims such as Advanced and Prestige, and has AWD for dynamic maneuvering and tackling inclement weather. In addition, your new GV80 incorporates complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Owners also receive a complimentary 3-year subscription to Service Valet to have their vehicle picked up for service while receiving the use of a loaner if required. How cool is that?
