2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe First Drive Review: The One With The Fun

The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe is an all-new vehicle that expands the GV80 lineup. It sits alongside the GV80 SUV, which was refreshed earlier this year, but as its name implies, this is a coupe version of that SUV with a fastback roofline for the sleek, sporty styling consumers want. In addition to what the SUV gets, the coupe also includes unique interior trims and paint colors along with sportier seats.

But unlike the SUV, the GV80 Coupe has only two rows with seating for five, thanks to its sloped roof. On the plus side, it gains the option for a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a 48-volt supercharger that delivers 409 horsepower. If performance is your priority, then this is the version of the GV80 for you.

First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on DrivingOnRoad for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon.

What’s New: The Coupe Is All-New, But the GV80 Is Not

Technically, everything about this model is new. We say technically, because there is a GV80 SUV, which received a refresh this year. The two look a lot alike from the front and share the same 27-inch infotainment screen, center console, and even one engine, but there are big differences, too. The Coupe is a new look for Genesis, and truly pushes the company out of its comfort zone. But far from being a negative experience, this has been a good exercise for the company.

“We’re not scared of anything.”

– Jarred Pellat, Senior Group Manager, PR & Communications, Genesis Motor North America

The GV80 Coupe has four striking interior themes that add brilliant color, right down to the seatbelts. There are also heavily bolstered sport seats that are surprisingly comfortable as they hug you in the corners. Most noticeably, the back has that sloped fastback roofline that completely changes its character and makes the GV80 Coupe a unique vehicle unto itself. Lastly, and perhaps the biggest difference, is the available supercharged engine that ups the performance factor of the Coupe – substantially.

Interior: Two Rows Instead Of Three

The SUV version offers up to three rows, albeit with a very small third row, but the Coupe is two-row only. It’s obvious why, when you look at that sloped roof. It cuts into rear headroom too much to make a third row viable. That’s okay, because those who want more traditional SUV styling can stick with the GV80 SUV, get the optional third row, and go about their business. There’s also less cargo room in the Coupe, and slightly less headroom in the back row – otherwise, interior dimensions are the same.

The Coupe has unique contoured sports seats that are surprisingly comfortable. They are heavily bolstered, however, so larger adults may find them a bit snug. We loved them on our long day of driving outside Minneapolis. They are truly eye-catching with available color combinations, including Ultramarine Blue with Orange stitching and Obsidian Black/Sevilla Red that make the GV80 Coupe feel more premium. While the GV80 SUV is all refined elegance, the Coupe has a little bit of fun with more of a performance car vibe

Exterior: Luxury Car In The Front, Performance Car In The Back

Outside, the front mimics the GV80 SUV, although there are slight differences if you compare the two side-by-side. You also get smoky chrome accents for the Coupe instead of bright chrome, but the big differences are in the back. Taken in profile, the fastback makes the Coupe look like more of a performance vehicle. It even gets sporty quad tailpipes that are real, not just added on for looks. It looks every bit the performance vehicle, and it backs that up with what’s under the hood.

Powertrain: Two Available Engines, But The e-SC Is The One You Want

There’s a choice of two engines for the GV80 Coupe. The base engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is the top engine offering in the SUV. In the Coupe, that’s just the starting point. It also offers a 3.5-liter V6 with a 48-volt e-Supercharger. This ups the numbers to 409 hp with 405 lb-ft of torque, and it is most definitely our pick of the lot.

Not only does it add power, it adds features. It has launch control, a Sport+ drive mode, and braking with two available settings. The base engine is just fine, although we drove it only on the SUV. We doubt it will let you down in the Coupe, but if you want performance, go with the performance engine.

Driving Impressions: Performance For The Driver, Luxury For Everyone

We spent our time with the more powerful supercharged engine and thoroughly enjoyed our day of driving. On the highway, a heavy foot on the gas quickly had the GV80 Coupe at the speed limit with aggressive acceleration. Especially in Sport+ mode, this drives and sounds like a performance coupe right down to the transmission shifts. On side roads, it was equally fun with crisp steering that made it easy to take through turns and a well-mannered suspension system kept the GV80 Coupe from getting unwieldy.

The sport seats were fantastic. We find this can be tricky as making seats that have strong support with heavy bolstering is great for more spirited driving but can be tiring and uncomfortable on longer drives. We spent hours behind the wheel and had no complaints. Even the ride struck a balance between the comfort and ease of a luxury car and the performance and aggression of a performance car. This is a step up from the GV80 SUV, which already impressed us.

Pricing And Verdict: Performance And Standout Style Unlike The Other Guys

The GV80 Coupe is offered in just two trims. The 3.5T starts at $79,950 with the base engine, while the 3.5 e-Supercharger adds the more powerful engine at a price of $85,750. These prices exclude destination charges of $1,350. This is a higher price point than the SUV, but the Coupe also starts with a higher level of performance and features. While this may put the GV80 Coupe out of reach for many buyers, it’s competitively priced with other luxury SUVs.

It’s a unique proposition. Not only in that it’s an up-and-coming luxury brand that will absolutely have people asking what you’re driving, but in its balance between luxury and performance. It has a beautiful and comfortable interior with room for five, but the center of it all is most definitely the driver. Most notably in how fun it is to drive. Passengers will be comfortable, but the driver has the joy of being behind the wheel. It lets you be a responsible grownup with room for everyone without giving up the fun of driving. And this is why we like the GV80 Coupe.

There is strong competition from luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz that offer their own performance coupes. The X6 has far more available power, but at a higher price. The AMG GLC Coupe also beats it on power, but both focus hard in that direction, and that’s not for every driver. The Genesis GV80 Coupe blends all the style, comfort, and appeal of a luxury vehicle with a heavy dose of performance that makes it a worthy contender. And, the brand’s strategy of limiting sales numbers – which is evidenced by the “limited numbers available” message on their consumer website – will likely increase the appeal of exellent Genesis products like this, even more.