Genesis is set to introduce its first coupe SUV, with a sleeker version of the GV80 spied in Korea.
Photos published on Autospy and the Genesis Vehicles Australia Facebook group reveal a heavily camouflaged version of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6 rival.
It’s expected to ditch the GV80’s third row of seating due to its more rakish roofline.
It also appears to feature other detail changes, like new wheel designs and unique trim and potentially new bumper designs.
There’s a different ‘G-Matrix’ diamond patterning with the grille, while the headlights more closely resemble those of the newer Genesis G90 with multiple square elements.
It’s unclear if these detail changes will also carry over to the regular GV80, particularly as part of a mid-life update.
Genesis teased the long-rumoured GV80 Coupe late in 2021, with what appeared to be a 1:18 scale model appearing on a shelf in the background of a promotional video.
In addition to the more steeply raked rear window, the brightwork along the bottom of the body appears to rise more sharply aft of the rear wheels while a small spoiler appears to reside on the tailgate.
It’s possible the GV80 Coupe will feature the same powertrains as its wagon sibling.
These currently comprise 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 twin-turbo petrol V6.
All engines are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most GV80 models are all-wheel drive, though the base 2.5-litre engine is also offered with rear-wheel drive in Australia.
The GV80 was first revealed early in 2020 and arrived here later that year.
Possible GV80 Coupe (third shelf down, far-right)
For 2023, all six-cylinder GV80s receive a revised locally tuned Electronic Control Suspension, with engineers working to improve refinement and comfort.
“The aim of the software changes was to better manage body control movements across certain road speeds,” said Genesis Australia product development manager Tim Rodgers.
“The revisions don’t change the character of GV80, but in terms of body motion the SUV now feels a bit more tied down.
“The software revisions were applied to both normal and sport modes and bring improved wheel control as well as body control, while maintaining a premium feel overall,” he said.
Six-cylinder variants also receive what Genesis calls a minor steering hardware change.
All GV80s also receive a new raised control dial for the infotainment system, replacing the old concave one. It retains a 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 BMW X3-rivalling GV70 crossover.
In 2022, sales dropped by 12.5 per cent to 251 units, making it the only member of the Genesis line-up locally to go backwards last year.
It outsold the electric Audi e-tron (129 sales) but couldn’t best the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace (316), Range Rover Velar (319) and Maserati Levante (436).
After getting off to a slow start with a sedan-heavy line-up, the fledgling Genesis brand has been expanding its range of SUVs. In addition to the GV70, which is available with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, there’s 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 seating.
MORE: Everything Genesis GV80
