2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D review (video)

Just before the facelifted model comes along in a few months, with the new coupe variant, we thought we’d test the current Genesis GV80 one last time with the the 3.0D engine. Sadly, it looks like it’ll be the end of the line for the lovely inline-six diesel after this model year.

As far as we know, Hyundai is no longer offering the 3.0D diesel in its home market, which means it is unlikely to be offered with the facelift. But there is some stock of this existing model still available in Australia – about 40 units left from what we’ve heard. Basically, it’s now or never if you want a slice of smooth straight-six power.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six
Output: 204kW@3800rpm / 588Nm@1500-3000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 22×9.5, 265/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2267kg
Power-to-weight: 11.11:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.8L/100km
Our consumption: 10.2L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 23.18kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.26 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.22 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.23 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.23 seconds at 149.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.827g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.13m in 3.05 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.289g*
Decibel at idle: 48*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $105,700

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: How much does it cost?

The starting price of $105,700 for the MY24 GV80 3.0D is reasonable for a large luxury SUV, especially up against its key rivals from Germany. An equivalent-spec 3.0-litre diesel Audi Q7, BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE is around $10k, $30k, and $60k more expensive, respectively.

Genesis also offers a comprehensive suite of after-sales services and benefits, including a five-year warranty and five years complimentary servicing, and free loan cars and other perks that are not offered with those rivals. It’s a bargain in comparison.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Interior & packaging

The GV80 is a luxury SUV of grand proportions. People often confuse it for a Bentley, which can only be a good thing for Genesis owners. But the design goes further than that. It infuses plenty of bespoke detail, such as the iconic twin-split headlights and taillights, and big, majestic crest grille at the front.

There is no quick way to spot the different between the 3.0D and the 3.5T petrol, except for the small badge on the back. Splashes of chrome and brushed metallic trimmings give it a classy appeal, and there’s a set of eye-popping 22-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, it’s immediately clear this is a high-end luxury product. It looks and feels like a half-a-million-dollar SUV. Diamond stitching, leather everywhere, and one of the biggest multimedia screens ever cement this notion. And the screen, along with the digital gauge cluster, present excellent graphics and detail – they aren’t just big for the sake of being big.

Tunes are sent through a 21-speaker sound system. Yes, you heard correctly. 21 speakers. It sounds as good as that… sounds. Really clean bass and crisp treble, with lots of oomph so you can crank it up as loud as your ears can manage. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and digital come as standard.

Seating space and comfort is very nice, as you’d expect. The GV80 offers a commanding seating position for all as well, making it feel like a royal chariot, parting traffic as it glides along. The front seats are heated and cooled as well for optimum comfort. Massage functions are available as an optional.

In the second row, this example shows off the $13,500 six-seat option, which gets a solid centre console running through the middle. It also includes the rear entertainment package with twin touch-screens, and the massage front seats. Basically, if you want something that offers maximum long-distance comfort for four or more passengers, this is the option for you.

The second row is fully adjustable and opens up access to the third row. Legroom isn’t the best right back here, but it’s competitive for its class. Especially if you can adjust the second row forward a bit – so long as your passengers are okay with that. You’ve got climate vents and cup holders, and the twin seats can be folded away at the touch of a button.

Boot space is abundant, as you’d expect from a vehicle of this size (just under 5m long). However, you can fold down both rear rows but you’re still left with that centre console the middle, which does limit absolute useable load space. Even so, at 2144 litres, you have plenty to play with.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Powertrain & handling

Let’s start with this engine. Genesis introduced the 3.0-litre unit only a few years ago. It was a pretty bold and exciting move that nobody was expecting; a brand new inline-six. Inline-sixes are known for their inherit smoothness and balance, so it is the perfect foundation for a luxury vehicle.

Peak power is 204kW and available at 3800rpm. That’s a nice amount of grunt for a luxury SUV. Peak torque is 588Nm and available between 1500-3000rpm. It’s a smaller window than most European rivals and the figure itself isn’t that impressive, but it’s adequate for hauling the 2267kg tare weight.

Genesis claims 0-100km/h can be achieved in 6.8 seconds. Using a Vbox we ran some tests and scored a best of 7.22 seconds. However, I have timed slightly quicker in the past, at 6.9 seconds on the same piece of private road.

Compared with its key Euro rivals, the performance isn’t that great. The 210kW Audi Q7 50 TDI takes 6.1 seconds, the 210kW BMW X5 30d takes 6.1 seconds, and the 270kW Mercedes GLE 450d takes 5.6 seconds. Granted, all are more powerful, if only just, all are quite a bit quicker.

None of this detracts from the allure of this engine, though. It is a magnificently smooth and effortless unit, and perfectly fitting. You only need to lean on the pedal to get things shifting. And it actually sounds pretty good, even revving. It’s just on the overrun you can hear a faint clatter. But seriously, it is one of the nicest-sounding units of its kind.

Genesis revised the rear suspension from the 2023 model, so now it’s a more settled and overall nicer vehicle to drive. Before it tended to bounce around at the back on country roads. Now, it is still quite soft, particularly against those Euro rivals, but it is more settled and feels stable.

The 3.0D is four-wheel drive, offering 205mm of ground clearance. However, these massive 22-inch wheels and thinly-draped 265/40 tyres are not going to be much good off road. It can hit the dirt and take you to a maintained camping spot with no issue, but hitting some rough ground with rocks and so on can cause a puncture – as it did during our test.

There is no spare wheel with the GV80, only a puncture repair kit. It’s pretty easy to use, although some clearer instructions wouldn’t go astray. Essentially, there’s a pump that you plug into the 12V socket, with a canister of glue that connects to the pump. Simply pump the tyre back up and the glue finds the hole after you drive around slowly for a bit. It works.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Price: Compared with its equivalent Euro rivals, this is a bargain. Especially considering it offers just as much luxury and features.
• Luxury aura: The interior is stunning. It really is. Diamond stitching and soft leather, with quality details everywhere. There is no mistaking this as a luxury vehicle.
• After-sales care: Free services for five years, loan cars and a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
• 3.0D engine: Very smooth and effortless inline-six power. It’s a shame it is leaving the lineup soon.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Key considerations before you buy

• A bit soft: It’s not the sharpest-handling vehicle in its class, but then, conversely, some rivals are not as comfortable as this.
• Brand image: Genesis is not a household name in Australia and that might turn some buyers away. It could also impact resale value.

2024 Genesis GV80 3.0D: Video