The Genesis GV80 is only the first of three planned
SUVs coming from Korea’s upstart luxury brand. While we’ve seen plenty of spy
shots of the midsize model so far, the smaller GV70 crossover has slipped under
the radar. Not anymore, though, as the compact luxury SUV has been spotted for
the first time testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
While the name is not confirmed yet (some sources
claim it will be called GV60), the new compact luxury crossover seems to be in
a rather advanced development stage. We say this because the prototype doesn’t
seem to feature any padded camo — though it’s fully wrapped in tape.
The taillights are not production-spec,
but the rest of the car looks like the real deal. The GV70 will
attempt to steal sales from the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and other models from
the compact luxury SUV segment.
Therefore, it will be to the GV80 what the G70 is to
the G80. The styling will make the connection to the GV80 clear but the GV70
will adopt a sportier appearance thanks to a coupe-like profile and a lower
stance. At the front, Genesis’ corporate grille is flanked by split horizontal
headlights that appear similar to those on the GV80.
The design of the front bumper looks more
aggressive courtesy of two recessed side air intakes. The profile appears
athletic thanks to the big wheels and pronounced rear haunches, while the rear
continues the sporty theme with massive tailpipes placed in a diffuser-like
element. The taillights may be provisional, but the cutouts on this prototype
give away their shape which will also echoes the GV80.
Since the GV80 shares underpinnings with the
upcoming G80 sedan, the Genesis GV70 is likely to use the same platform as the
G70 sedan. Expect the Korean compact luxury SUV to offer the same engine lineup
including a 252 HP 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 365 HP 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6.
AWD will definitely be on the menu but we don’t know if Genesis will also offer
the GV70 in RWD configuration. The Genesis GV70 is expected to debut in early
2021, about a year after the launch of the GV80.
