Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis continues to grow. This upper luxury South
Korean brand continues to win plaudits ranked second to Lexus in the recent U.S.
J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study. I drove the top-line Genesis GV80
AWD SUV with 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 linked to an 8-speed automatic and
limited-slip rear differential. At $120,050 drive-away it jumps off the mark with
strong performance despite a rather hefty weight, feels absolutely bulletproof,
super quiet, and despite its dimensions shrinks around you when pushed hard
thanks to its road preview electronic adaptive suspension. This sophisticated
suspension was refined last year to delete pitch on rough surfaces with a less
figidity ride. Safety wise, 10 airbags in total but disappointingly, the head airbags
don’t extend to the third-row seats. The luxury equipment extensive, but the test
car also had a $10,500 optional luxury package that added heated and ventilated
rear seats, power rear door shades, 3 zone climate control, a Nappa leather
appointed interior, to name just a few. Quality and fit and finish as good if not
better than the top-class German SUVs. Genesis owner support is impressive – a
five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, five-years complimentary servicing
including valet pick-up and return, 10-year 24/7 roadside assistance, and 10-year
map updates.

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