Genesis GV80 Hybrid: price, 352-hp powertrain and 912-km range

© hyundaimotorgroup.com

Genesis has launched the new GV80 Hybrid in South Korea at 76.8 million won. It is the brand's first production hybrid. Sales officially began on October 6, with final specifications now confirmed: 352 hp, 0–100 km/h in about 7.1 seconds and certified fuel economy of 12 km/L, equivalent to roughly 8.3 L/100 km.

The powertrain combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors. P1 handles engine starting and power generation, while the 59.1-kW P2 motor drives the vehicle and supports regenerative braking. Total output is 352 hp, about 16% more than the regular GV80 2.5 Turbo with 304 hp.

The efficiency picture became clearer after certification. In August, Genesis promised an improvement of at least 25%, while the certified 19-inch, rear-wheel-drive, five-seat version now returns 12 km/L, roughly 29% better than the gasoline GV80 2.5 Turbo. With a 76-liter fuel tank, the company quotes a driving range of about 912 km between refueling stops.

A new rear-wheel-drive seven-speed transmission was developed for the hybrid. It is part of the new powertrain layout: when reversing, the P2 motor spins in the opposite direction, allowing components associated with a conventional reverse gear to be removed.

At low speeds, Genesis tries to rely on electric drive more often. After moving off, the vehicle can actively remain in EV mode until roughly 30 km/h, while in traffic the control system also tries to delay engine starts as much as possible. When accelerating again from 100 km/h, the hybrid responds about 18% faster than the gasoline GV80 2.5 Turbo in Genesis's internal measurements.

There are also features more commonly associated with EVs. V2L provides up to 3.6 kW for external devices, while Stay Mode lets occupants use climate control and multimedia from the high-voltage battery with the engine off. All-wheel-drive versions add Hybrid Terrain Performance: if electric-motor torque is insufficient on a climb or loose surface, the system brings in the engine and keeps the battery at a higher state of charge in advance.

The pricing step is notable as well. The base GV80 Hybrid starts at 76.8 million won in Korea. For comparison, the regular GV80 currently starts at 69.85 million won on Genesis's Korean website, while the GV80 Coupe starts at 82.7 million won. The hybrid therefore carries a clear premium over the gasoline GV80, although these figures should not be treated as prices for perfectly identical equipment levels.

Genesis also started selling the updated 2027 GV80 and GV80 Coupe on the same day. The main event on October 6, however, is the GV80 Hybrid: after several years of emphasizing EVs, Genesis has added a conventional non-plug-in HEV to its production lineup for the first time.