2022 Genesis GV70 To Use Stylish Looks, Turbo Power To Battle Audi Q5 And BMW X3

After years of second-tier status, Genesis is finally turning into a fully fledged luxury automaker.

That process started with the G70 and GV80, and it continues today with the unveiling of the 2022 GV70.

Set to become one brand’s most important models, the GV70 is an entry-level crossover that features a bold and upscale design. The front end is dominated by a large crest grille which is flanked by sporty air intakes and Genesis’ trademark quad lighting units.

Moving further back, there’s a sloping hood and curvaceous bodywork. The model also features a so-called “parabolic line” which starts at the headlights and continues all the way back to taillights. We can also see muscular rear fenders and a distinctive greenhouse which broken up by an angular C-pillar.

Continuing to the rear, the GV70 has a rakish window and a stylish liftgate with an integrated spoiler. The model also sports quad taillights, a faux ventilated bumper and a sizable dual exhaust system.

The upscale styling continues in the cabin as there are high quality materials and elliptical elements, which are “inspired by the aerodynamic sections of aircraft wings.”

Genesis didn’t say much about the interior, but we can see a digital instrument cluster and a widescreen infotainment system. The model has also been outfitted with stylish climate controls and a thin chrome line which wraps around the cabin. Silver accents are abound and they’re joined by a rotary shifter which is “akin to a meticulously refined jewel.”

While the standard model looks pretty good, customers can opt for a Sport Package. It adds a dark chrome grille, black accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The package also includes larger exhaust tips, a body-color diffuser, and a revised interior with a sport steering wheel as well as carbon fiber trim.

Genesis was tight-lipped on specifics, but the GV70 rides on a rear-wheel drive architecture and will be available with two different engines in the United States. The entry-level unit is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and it will likely produce 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

The crossover will also be offered with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Genesis was coy on numbers but in the GV80, it develops 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque.

The engines will presumably be connected to be an eight-speed automatic transmission. That remains unconfirmed but, Genesis told us the GV70 will be offered with rear- and all-wheel drive in the United States. In Canada, all-wheel drive will come standard.

Buyers will also find four different driving modes known as eco, comfort, sport and custom. Models equipped with the Sport Package will have a fifth driving mode called sport plus.

Since the GV70 is a luxury crossover, it will be offered with an assortment of driver assistance systems. Besides forward collision-avoidance and blind-spot collision-avoidance systems, there’s Highway Driving Assist II.

It’s a semi-autonomous driving system which combines adaptive cruise control with a lane centering function. Highway Driving Assist II also features a lane change assist function that allows drivers to use the turn signal to tell the car to switch lanes.

Other notable assistance systems include navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, which automatically slows down for curves, and an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist system. The latter ensures the vehicle doesn’t exceed the speed limit and this comes in handy when you’re traveling in an area known for speed traps.

Speaking of technology, the GV70 will have a fingerprint authentication system and an Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system which uses radar sensors that are “much more sophisticated than traditional ultrasonic sensors.” Genesis says they are so sensitive they can “detect small respiratory movements … enabling [the] GV70 to alert drivers in cases when a child or sleeping infant has been left in their seat.”

The 2022 Genesis GV70 will arrive in the United States next year and more details will be announced closer to launch.