There’s a new addition to the Genesis luxury line-up… their first SUV… the GV80.  MotorWeek is at the U.S. debut in Miami Beach.  Genesis says the “V” stands for versatility.  Until this point, the Korean luxury brand has only offered three sedans, the G70, G80 and G90.

We’ve known Genesis had plans for an SUV ever since we saw the concept at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.  Immediately you’ll notice the GV80 wears the crest grille that debuted on their flagship sedan the G90 at the LA Auto Show in November.  The grille is flanked by quad lamps.  Designers at Genesis studios in South Korea, the United States and Germany came together to create the final result.

The GV80 is underpinned by a new rear-wheel-drive platform.  All-wheel drive is an option.  Naturally high-strength steel was used throughout the body structure, but lightweight aluminum also shows up in the doors, hood, and tailgate.

There are several engine options powering this latest luxury utility. A 274-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel launches in South Korea.  U.S. customers have a choice of two gasoline engines: a 2.5-liter turbo or a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin turbo.

The interior is a blend of modern minimalism with a rotating electronic gear selector, fewer physical buttons, a 14.5-inch touch screen, and slim air vents.  The visual emphasis on width is a design feature Genesis has shown in their sedans.  The technology can read handwriting for things such as destination and phone numbers, as opposed to using a key pad.  Engineers have incorporated what they call Road-Noise Active Noise Control technology to make the cabin even quieter.  A camera reading the road ahead and the navigation system lead the electronically controlled suspension to smooth out the ride.

The 2020 Genesis GV80 is on sale in Korea this month, with the U.S. and other markets to follow.