Incident is ready to introduce its first SUV coupe, with a sleeker version GV80 spying in Korea
Photo published on Autospy and also Genesis Vehicles Australia A Facebook group revealed heavily disguised rival versions of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6.
It is expected to leave behind the GV80’s third row of seats due to its more aggressive roofline.
It also looks to feature other detailing changes, such as new wheel designs and unique finishes and potentially a new bumper design.
There is a contrasting ‘G-Matrix’ diamond pattern with the grille, while the headlights are more similar to the newer Genesis G90 with various square elements.
It’s unclear whether these detailed changes will also carry over to the regular GV80, especially as part of a mid-life update.
Genesis has teased the long-rumored GV80 Coupe for late 2021, with what appears to be a 1:18 scale model appearing on shelves in the background of a promotional video.
In addition to the steeper rear window, bright work along the lower body appears to rise more sharply behind the rear wheels while a small spoiler appears on the tailgate.
It’s possible the GV80 Coupe will feature the same powertrain as its wagon siblings.
This currently consists of a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 224kW of power and 422Nm of torque, a 204kW/588Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six, and a 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol twin
All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most GV80 models are all-wheel drive, although the base 2.5-litre engine is also offered with rear-wheel drive in Australia.
The GV80 was first revealed in early 2020 and arrived here later that year.
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Possible GV80 Coupe (third shelf down, far right)
For 2023, all six-cylinder GV80s receive locally revised Electronic Control Suspension, with engineers working to improve refinement and comfort.
“The goal of the software changes is to better manage body control movements across certain road speeds,” said Genesis Australia product development manager Tim Rodgers.
“The revision doesn’t change the GV80’s character, but in terms of body movement, the SUV now feels more bound.
“Software revisions have been applied to both normal and sport modes and bring better steering and body control, while maintaining an overall premium feel,” he said.
The six-cylinder variant also receives what Genesis calls minor steering hardware changes.
All GV80s also receive a new raised control dial for the infotainment system, replacing the old concave dial. It retains the handwriting recognition function.
In the GV80’s first full year on the Australian market, Genesis sold 287 examples, making it the brand’s second-best seller behind the GV70 crossover that rivals the BMW X3.
In 2022, sales declined by 12.5 percent to 251 units, making it the only member of the local Genesis lineup to decline last year.
It outsold the electric Audi e-tron (129 sales) but fell short of the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace (316), Range Rover Velar (319) and Maserati Levante (436).
After a slow start with a sedan-heavy lineup, the fledgling Genesis brand has expanded its SUV lineup. In addition to the GV70, which is available with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, there is a new dedicated electric crossover called the GV60.
Genesis is also reportedly working on a flagship model called the GV90, with electric power and three rows of seats.
MORE: Everything Genesis GV80
