Pricing for first two Genesis models to hit the UK revealed
Genesis names its price for first European models; G80 saloon starts from £37,460, while GV80 SUV is priced from £56,815
Korean premium manufacturer Genesis has confirmed UK pricing for its first European models, with the brand’s G80 executive saloon and GV80 large SUV priced from £37,460 and £56,815 respectively. On sale this summer, the two cars will rival the Mercedes E-Class and GLE models.
Detailed specifications for the two cars are yet to be confirmed, but Genesis has released initial details on the cars’ trim structure and engine ranges. The G80 will be available with two powertrains and will come in two trim-levels, called Premium Line and Luxury Line.
The cheapest model in the range is powered by a 207bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that sends drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Above that sits a 300bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which shares the same gearbox, but also has four-wheel drive.
Standard equipment for the Premium Line model includes LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, and branded puddle lighting. There’ll be a decent amount of standard safety equipment, too, such as lane-keep assist, parking sensors and an intelligent cruise control system.
Inside, there are heated front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel, a digital gauge cluster and a widscreen infotainment system. The Luxury Line specification costs an extra £4,800 and adds items such as real wood trim, larger alloy wheels and more technology.
The GV80 features a similar level of standard equipment, although buyers can also choose from either five or seven-seat options, with the latter adding £500 to the car’s starting price.
The SUV’s engine range is a little different, however. The same 300bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol powertrain is still available but, due to the car’s added bulk, Genesis offers a more powerful 278bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine in place of the saloon’s 2.2-litre unit.
Genesis also says that its customers will “never need visit a dealer again,” thanks to its new ownership plan, which includes home pick-up and delivery. The scheme also has an after care plan, which promises five years’ warranty cover, roadside assistance, servicing, courtesy car use, and over-the-air updates for the car’s infotainment system.
The G80 and GV80 will be followed by the brand’s G70 compact executive saloon and GV70 mid-size premium SUV later this year, rivals to the BMW 3 Series and X3 respectively. Genesis also recently revealed its G70 Shooting Brake estate to rival the like of the Audi A4 Avant, which will follow the brand’s smaller executive cars to make a five-strong product line-up by the end of the 2021.
The Hyundai-owned car maker has also confirmed that three electric cars will arrive by summer 2022, which includes the Electrified G80 that was recently unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show. One of the remaining two EVs will also likely be based on the Hyundai Group’s dedicated E-GMP electric underpinnings.
What is Genesis?
Genesis became a standalone luxury brand in 2015, although the nameplate was previously used on many of parent company Hyundai’s flagship executive saloons.
A few of these Hyundai Genesis saloons were brought to the UK shortly before the brand launched in its own right. But, with thirsty 3.8-litre V6 engines and a £48,000 price tag, they were a tough sell for Hyundai.
However, now as a premium brand in its own right, alongside its hassle-free sales approach and its fresh product line-up, the new brand is confident it can rival Europe’s established premium manufacturers.
Genesis will focus on customer service, selling its cars online and in physical retail spaces. However, these won’t be conventional dealers.
Instead of simply being a space where new cars are stored, the retail sites will focus on a more experiential-led approach. They’ll be called “Genesis Studios,” with centres planned for London, Munich and Zurich.
Customers will be appointed a Genesis Personal Assistant as part of the buying and ownership process, all of which will be recruited from the luxury hospitality and retail sectors rather than a traditional automotive background, highlighting the focus on customer service.
“It is our mission to offer so much more than just great products,” said Dominique Boesch, Managing Director for Genesis Motor Europe, adding: “We know that customers today crave experiences, and the onus is on us as a premium luxury brand to deliver a service which provides both convenience and exceptional hospitality to our customers. That is how we will stand apart.”
The aim of Genesis’s new set-up is to deliver an easy buying journey to customers under the banner of “we come to you”. Deliveries will be direct to the customer, while cars will be collected from and returned to Genesis owners for routine servicing so they’ll never have to visit a dealer again.
Global Head of Genesis Brand, Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, said: “Over the past five years, our customers around the world have come to recognise our commitment to exceptional design, product quality and an authentic and mindful brand experience throughout the entire ownership journey.
“We believe now is the right time for the next chapter in our brand history. We are excited to bring our brand identity and distinct luxury vehicles to Europe.”
Click here to find out more about the new Genesis G80 saloon…
