The concept of developing coupe versions of conventional SUVs is steadily gaining momentum, especially in the luxury market. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have pioneered this trend with their stylish alternatives to traditional crossovers and SUVs, and these models have found a solid customer base.
While these coupe variants don’t quite match the sales of their more conventional SUV counterparts, they still offer a valuable niche. For example, BMW has led the luxury vehicle sales in the U.S. this year, with over 11,000 units sold of the X2, X4, and X6 crossovers, representing nearly 6% of their total sales.
Unlike their German competitors, Asian luxury brands such as Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti have been less inclined to explore coupe-style crossovers. This gap has provided an opportunity for Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury division, to follow the German model for expanding its market presence. Genesis now offers the compact GV60 and the larger GV80 coupe, both featuring a distinctive, sloped rear design.
The GV80 coupe stands out with its higher pricing and superior performance compared to models like the Buick Envista, which has already attracted around 30,000 buyers this year and may become Buick’s top seller in 2024.
Starting at $87,100, the GV80 coupe comes equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, twin turbochargers, and an electric supercharger, delivering 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensures impressive performance and handling.
However, the GV80 SUV which offers three rows of seats, the coupe version is designed with only two rows, accommodating five passengers. The standard engine option, which provides 375 horsepower, is available at a more affordable price of $81,300.
The GV80 coupe’s interior features premium materials, including Nappa leather and carbon-fiber trim, alongside a 27-inch OLED display that combines the digital instrument cluster with the infotainment screen. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the coupe offers slightly less capacity than the SUV and has reduced rear passenger space.
Genesis has recently added 21 new showrooms in the U.S., bringing its total to 56. Despite selling 38,015 vehicles through July, the brand still trails behind BMW in sales volume. The GV80 coupe, set to launch this summer, exemplifies Genesis’s strategy of adapting successful European automotive trends.