Genesis unveils GV70 SUV to vie with BMW X3, MB GLC

By Baek Byung-yeul

Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand Genesis has unveiled its first midsize SUV, the GV70, Tuesday, in the brand's effort to compete with strong compact SUV players such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Genesis held an online world premier for the midsize SUV, announcing the new vehicle will hit the Korean market this month and will be released in other countries in 2021.

The estimated price of the GV70 in Korea will be between 49 million won ($45,210) and 75 million won, Genesis said, adding the final price tag and the release date will be announced later.

The success of the GV70 is critical for Hyundai Motor Group at a time when every car maker has been trying to beef up their SUV line to meet the rapidly-growing global demand for utility vehicles.

With its distinctive exterior design, the GV70 has gained positive responses from car reviewers and potential buyers since Genesis unveiled a teaser image in September. Jay Chang, global head of Genesis, said the company “has been striving to build an integrated and sincere connection on every aspect directly related to customers, such as design, product, service and lifestyle.”

“Upon the release of the GV70 today, based on its customer-centric philosophy, Genesis will continue to provide luxurious models that consumers want and that help deliver special memories in their daily lives,” Chang added.

The GV70 has three engine types ― a 3.5-liter gasoline turbo, a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo and a 2.2-liter diesel. Each is available in the sport package as well, which exclusively offers improved features such as the electronic limited slip differential (e-LSD) system that improves the vehicle's off-road performance.

Design-wise, the GV70 has similar headlights and taillights to those of the GV80 SUV, the G80 sedan as well as the refreshed G70 compact sedan. For the interior, Genesis said it tried to visualize the rich volume of aircraft wings.

The GV70 is the first Genesis SUV to have a launch control system that helps minimize wheel spin and delivers a dynamic driving experience for drivers. The vehicle also boasts improved driving safety, with new technologies such as Highway Driving Assist II that helps drivers control the steering wheel when changing lanes.

Given that the GV80, a bigger-sized SUV than the GV70, has been received well in the luxury SUV segment of the domestic market, a Genesis official said the company expects “the GV70 will lead the mid-size luxury SUV market here.”

Though the company did not specify the exact launch date of the GV70 in the global market, Genesis will gradually roll out the new vehicle depending on market conditions in each region. The company further noted markets such as the U.S., Europe and China will play important roles in terms of improving sales.