Update 3/11/2019: As the Hyundai Group’s luxury arm, Genesis, approaches the final leg of development, we’re seeing more prototypes of the GV80 making their appearance both on and off the road. This time, we’ve filmed a prototype undergoing cold weather testing, while previously, we snagged the first photos of the interior, which you can see below, along with new information we’ve gathered.

Genesis is gearing up to introduce its first crossover later this year and spy photographers have caught the 2020 GV80 undergoing cold weather testing.

Previewed by the GV80 concept, the production model will be a mid-sized crossover that will compete with rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE.

While the prototype is heavily camouflaged, we can see the model will have a prominent “crest” grille which is similar to the one used on the 2020 G90. The camouflage also suggests the crossover will have quad headlights just like the concept.

Moving further back, the GV80 features a long hood and a gently sloping roof. The crossover also has slender roof rails, traditional side mirrors and large five-spoke alloy wheels that are wrapped in Michelin tires. Despite some attempts to disguise the greenhouse, previous spy photos have already revealed the production model will have an angular third quarter windows.

There isn’t much to see out back, but the GV80 has a dual exhaust system and what appears to be plastic body cladding on the lower bumper. We can also get a glimpse of the crossover’s taillights and large rear window.

Fancy interior that draws from the concept

Genesis’ concept model not only previewed the exterior appearance of the GV80, but up to a point, the interior as well. As you can see from these images, despite the extensive zebra-cladding, we can still make the connections to the study. Of course, it won’t be as flashy or extreme, but the basic dashboard layout, as well as some other elements like the steering wheel shape and the wide LED screen above the center console, will be maintained in a more consumer-friendly way.

Another detail worth mentioning is that even the knurled metal wheel that surrounds a round glass touchpad for the infotainment system and which on the concept, supported tapping, swiping and pinching gestures, has made it to the production prototype.

Genesis SUV Concept from 2017

What you’ll find under the hood

Genesis has been tight-lipped about the GV80, but the model is expected to ride on the same rear-wheel drive platform that underpins the redesigned G80 sedan. Aside from all-wheel drive, the crossover is also slated to have an assortment of different engines including a V6 and a V8. There’s no specifics at this point, but Genesis already offers a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 with 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS) and a 5.0-liter V8 that develops 420 hp (313 kW / 425 PS), so expect to see both of them on the SUV.

Prepare to pay less than the German competition

As with other Genesis models, we expect the GV80 to be offered at much lower prices than its European rivals, with the V6 model to likely start well under $50,000.

 

Picture credits: CarPix & S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for Carscoops