Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis continues to grow as more models arrive in the local market.

A few months back I drove the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel straight six GV80 all-wheel-drive SUV. This week I’m behind the wheel of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol GV80 seven-seater, also in all-wheel-drive, the top range model at $108,476 with an 8-speed torque converter automatic.

Like the Genesis G80 sedan I raved about earlier this year the GV80 oozes quality and refinement. The body feels bullet proof, superbly insulated, and with three rows accommodating seven seats is exquisitely detailed. Joined the upper echelon of automotive luxury Genesis knew they had to build something special.

The GV80 styling is standout and catches attention with a prominent grille treatment that’s different. Standard fare is an impressive 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12-way heated and ventilated front seats with memory and open-pore wood trim cabin highlights. Despite extensive use of aluminium panels it still tips the scales at 2248 kilos. The GV80 has what Genesis call a road preview electronic control suspension – using a forward camera to scour the road surface ahead for undulations and potholes, it then electronically adjusts the damping force accordingly.

With large 22-inch wheel shod with 40-series tyres the ride is excellent on a smooth surface but on our typical broken edge country roads it can noticeably develop pitch from side to side.

I’m David Berthon.

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