New Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept Looks Ready to Hit the Road

The Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept was introduced this evening at the Genesis House prior to the opening of the New York International Auto Show

• New Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept previews possible future performance-oriented Genesis models

• For now there’s no word on productions plans

• No powertrain info was released

The popularity of compact and midsize premium SUVs has pushed many automakers to multiply the versions and styles within a model lineup, usually resulting in a sportier, “coupe” offering. The Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept introduced this evening a few days before the official opening of the New York International Auto Show could very well be Genesis’ answer to the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, although for now, the Korean luxury automaker isn’t saying much about the model’s production potential.

Genesis is describing the GV80 Coupe Concept simply as a “preview of Genesis’ future programs” and a launching pad for upcoming performance-oriented models. As far as concepts go, however, this one isn’t all that far-fetched. Quite the contrary, the GV80 Coupe Concept could probably go on sale tomorrow with minimal changes.

Like all concepts, the GV80 Coupe Concept takes traditional design cues from its automaker and accentuates everything. The traditional dual LED light bars seen on every new Genesis now feature multi-lens array technology for an even brighter presence while the massive grille Genesis calls Double G-Matrix Patterned Crest Grille is blacked out and complimented by equally large side air intakes, also blacked out.

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The dark wheels are huge, but not to a point where they are not feasible in final production form. As for the rear, it sports an integrated fender finishing off a heavily slanted rear window, giving the side profile a distinctively Aston Martin DBX style. The bright orange exterior paint called Magma further pushes the idea that the GV80 Coupe Concept is about performance, as does the carbon fibre roof.

Inside, the GV80 Coupe Concept sports four individual, heavily bolstered seats as well as distinct three-spoke steering wheel, but we couldn’t get close enough to see other distinctions with the current GV80 dashboard or layout. No word on powertrains, electric or not, either. Further hinting at the performance focus of the GV80 Coupe Concept is the additional strut brace behind the rear seats. A significant amount of horsepower and torque would be needed to warrant this level of added rigidity.

Inspired by the X Speedium Coupe Concept introduced at the New York International Auto Show last year, the GV80 Coupe Concept is promising. Unlike other coupe-like SUVs, there’s nothing odd about its shape, at least at first glance. It retains traditional Genesis elegance, but with a lot more aggressivity and sportiness. If the brand were to introduce a production model that looks like the concept, they would have a commercial hit on their hands, no doubt about it.

But for now, we will have to wait and see what Genesis does. More than likely, they are waiting to see the public’s reaction and will go from there.