2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC Review: A Stylish Statement or a Performance Powerhouse?

Genesis has been making big moves in the luxury game, proving that it’s not just a second-tier alternative to the usual German suspects. The GV80 SUV already made waves with its stunning design, high-end materials, and competitive pricing, but now Genesis is taking things up a notch.

Enter the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC, a sleek, performance-oriented twist on the traditional GV80 SUV. It’s Genesis’s first-ever coupe-style SUV, designed to take on BMW’s X6, Mercedes’s GLE Coupe, and Porsche’s Cayenne Coupe.

This is a bold move for a brand that’s still carving out its identity in the high-end market. Can the GV80 Coupe really hang with the established coupe SUV players? Let’s have a look…

What’s Under the Hood?

Genesis isn’t messing around when it comes to performance. The 3.5T e-SC in the GV80 Coupe is the most powerful engine Genesis offers, and it packs some serious ka-pow!

• Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric supercharger
• Horsepower: 409 hp
• Torque: 405 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive standard
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds

The “e-SC” part stands for electric supercharger, which helps this SUV coupe eliminate turbo lag and provide instant power when you need it. This setup makes the GV80 Coupe feel quicker than its numbers suggest, and it delivers smooth, effortless acceleration.

The standard all-wheel drive system ensures that you’ll have grip in all conditions, and Genesis tuned the suspension to balance sportiness with comfort. The adaptive dampers do a good job of keeping things fairly planted, but don’t expect Porsche-level corner carving.

Is It Actually Sporty?

Genesis is calling this a “performance SUV”, but let’s be real here, this is far from a track weapon. Still, the GV80 Coupe prioritizes comfort and luxury, with enough power to keep things interesting for you.

Driving Impressions:

• Strong acceleration with a responsive throttle
• Smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads
• Steering is precise, but not overly sporty
• Handles well for its size, but leans more toward grand touring than aggressive performance

Again, this is a luxury SUV first and a sporty coupe second, so anyone expecting an M, AMG, or RS rival might be a little disappointed. That being said, it’s plenty quick for everyday driving and offers a more engaging experience than the standard GV80 SUV.

Trims & Features: What Are Your Options?

Genesis kept things simple by offering the GV80 Coupe with just two trims:

GV80 Coupe 3.5T AWD (Base Model)

• 375-hp twin-turbo V6 (without the e-SC)
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Panoramic sunroof
• 14.5-inch infotainment screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Leather upholstery with heated and ventilated seats
• 19-speaker Lexicon premium audio system

GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC AWD (Fully Loaded Model)

• 409-hp twin-turbo V6 with electric supercharger
• Exclusive coupe styling with sportier accents
• Larger wheels and performance-tuned suspension
• Nappa leather upholstery with quilted stitching
• Carbon fiber interior trim
• Bigger brakes for improved stopping power

Both trims offer a generous list of luxury features, and even the base model feels like a high-end SUV. The e-SC trim is the one to get if you want maximum power with a little more aggressive look.

Tech & Interior: Is It as Fancy as It Looks?

Genesis has been crushing it in the interior department, and the GV80 Coupe is no exception. This cabin feels every bit as luxurious as a BMW or Mercedes, and in some ways, even better.

Interior Features:

• 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Available 3D instrument display for extra flair
• Nappa leather with quilted patterns (on the e-SC trim)
• Crystal shift knob that looks like a work of art
• Head-up display with augmented reality navigation
• Massaging seats with customizable settings

The seating position is lower and sportier than the regular GV80, but there’s still plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Coupe-style SUVs often sacrifice practicality, but Genesis did a solid job of maintaining rear-seat comfort and usable cargo room.

The infotainment system runs smoothly, and the Lexicon audio system is one of the best in the biz. Everything feels high-quality, and Genesis clearly didn’t cut corners when it came to materials.

Competitors: OK, How Does It Stack Up?

The luxury coupe SUV segment is competitive, and Genesis is going up against some serious contenders.

BMW X6 M60i

• 523-hp twin-turbo V8
• More aggressive handling, but stiffer ride
• iDrive infotainment can be complicated
• More expensive, but offers better performance

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe

• 429-hp turbo inline-six with EQ Boost
• More refined and luxurious feel
• Tech-heavy interior with MBUX system
• Handling is sharp, but not as playful as the BMW

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

• Multiple powertrain options, including a 650-hp Turbo GT
• Best handling in the class, but expensive
• Tighter interior space, especially in the back
• More customizable, but at a price

Audi Q8 55 TFSI

• 335-hp turbo V6 (less power than the GV80 Coupe)
• Tech-heavy cabin with Virtual Cockpit
• Not as sporty as the BMW or Porsche
• Great balance of comfort and performance

The Genesis GV80 Coupe undercuts these competitors in the price department, while still offering comparable luxury and tech. It doesn’t have the brutal power of an X6 M or Cayenne Turbo, but it delivers an engaging experience for less dough.

What Could Be Better?

No SUV coupe is perfect, and the GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC has a few areas where it could improve.

• More horsepower would be nice. The 409-hp V6 is quick, but a 500-hp version would have been a game-changer.
• Handling is good, but not great. The GV80 Coupe is sportier than the standard SUV, but it doesn’t quite match the driving dynamics of a BMW X6 or Porsche Cayenne.
• Rear visibility is limited. The coupe styling means a sloped rear window, which cuts into visibility. A good 360-degree camera helps, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Final Verdict: Is the GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC Worth It?

The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC is a bold step forward, proving that Genesis can hang with the established luxury brands. It’s fast, luxurious, and packed with features, all while costing thousands less than most of its European rivals.

For buyers who want a stylish, powerful, and unique luxury SUV, this is a fantastic option. If hardcore performance is the priority, an X6 M or Cayenne Turbo might be the better play.

Would you take the GV80 Coupe over its German rivals? Drop a comment below!