Currently reading: Genesis GV70: Audi Q5 rival previewed ahead of European launch
Premium brand shows off its entry-level premium SUV as plans advance for a European debut

Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis has officially previewed its new GV70 mid-sized SUV as it plots an expanded model line-up and a European market launch.

The GV70, which will sit underneath the larger GV80 flagship as the entry point into Genesis' range of premium-focused SUVs, will be its fifth production model since it was spun off as a separate entity in 2017.

It will wear the brand's distinctive slim LED quad-headlight and brake-light clusters and large hexagonal grille, while at the side adopting a more coupé-esque profile than its GV80 sibling, with a tapered window line and small rear spoiler giving a more performance-oriented stance. 

The prototype pictured will now be tested on public roads in Korea, with a QR code motif offering passers-by the chance to learn more about its camouflage pattern, which has been "inspired by the diffused reflection of light from precision-cut diamonds and is a core part of the Genesis brand identity", according to the brand. Genesis says the pattern previews some of the GV70's bespoke design features.

Technical details remain under wraps, but the GV70 can be expected to share the bulk of its underpinnings with the G70 saloon, which underwent a significant facelift at the beginning of this month.

That means it is likely to be offered with a 249bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 199bhp, 2.2-litre diesel, both of which will send their reserves exclusively to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A manual option is not likely to be offered, nor is the 365bhp, 3.3-litre Kia Stinger-derived V6 offered in the saloon. 

Also unconfirmed is when we can expect to see the GV70 on European roads following the brand's entry into the region. The G80 and GV80 are likely to arrive first as halo models that embody Genesis' premium ambitions, with the GV70 and G90 luxury saloon to follow. 

The European market launch had previously been planned for 2020, but now appears to have been pushed back. Recent appointments of a new European sales boss and managing director, however, suggest that a debut is imminent. 

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: News and features editor

Felix is Autocar's news editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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nimmler 29 September 2020

flop korean car

Genisis= south korean joke the genisis brand is a flop in the USA outsold by Lexus 20:1 plus unlike the US the German dominated executive car market here is over saturated with little room for new brands. Hyundai know this because car is not meant to sell but to be a walking “nation branding ”advertisement for the ultranationalistic south koreans, they probably pay auto car to spam the usual 2+ genisis/hyundai/kia “news” articles a day and give good reviews to reinforce that..

geed 29 September 2020

Nimmler....so bitter. Let's

Nimmler....so bitter. Let's pander to your perspective and let the Germans dominate....reducing our choice and therefore competition. The Japanese are pulling out...why not the Koreans as well. Give me choice, give me options. Let the market decide.
jason_recliner 30 September 2020

nimmler wrote:

nimmler wrote:

Genisis= south korean joke the genisis brand is a flop in the USA outsold by Lexus 20:1 plus unlike the US the German dominated executive car market here is over saturated with little room for new brands. Hyundai know this because car is not meant to sell but to be a walking “nation branding ”advertisement for the ultranationalistic south koreans, they probably pay auto car to spam the usual 2+ genisis/hyundai/kia “news” articles a day and give good reviews to reinforce that..

Rimmler!

MaxTorque 29 September 2020

Certainly can't mistake a

Certainly can't mistake a Genesis for anything else thanks to their distinctive double strip light signature.

I wonder if they'll offer their saloons in addition to their SUVs in Europe?

adrian888 29 September 2020

Unusual spec

Insofar as RWD only (not good for me albeit all most owners will need) and a diesel option (good for me). From what can be deduced it looks good albeit i agree it is bizarre that Lancia, Rover and others (Infiniti) have failed yet new brands still come to the market.