2020 Genesis G80 Shows Off GV80-Inspired Face And Sexy Body

It’s only been a few weeks since we first spotted Genesis testing their next-generation G80 on public roads and already the engineers have removed a big portion of the test car’s camouflage, giving us a better look at its production bodywork.

The 2020 Genesis G80 was quick to leave the bulky covers behind, as a test car showed up at the Nurburgring for some high-speed testing.

The wide front grille is now visible, as well as the shape of the front fenders and more of the headlights.The grille looks like it’s adopting the same shape as with the GV80 Concept. As for the headlights, they appear to feature twin elements per side, like the aforementioned concept.

After all, Genesis chief designer Luc Donckerwolke has said in the past that the GV80 Concept provides a better glimpse at the brand’s styling direction than the compact G70, which was penned before he joined the Korean manufacturer.

Donckerwolke also added back then that future Genesis models will adopt the distinctive styling of the GV80’s twin headlights and taillights, becoming a signature feature of the Genesis brand.

However, and as displayed by the latest crop of our spy shots here, the taillights of the next G80 appear to be a single unit under the cleverly positioned wrap. If you look closely, you’ll notice that there’s a single bulb sitting towards their outer side.

It’s safe to say that the next Genesis G80 will adopt a more dynamic shape, with these spy shots giving us a clear look at its sloping roofline, lower waistline and wider hips, trademarks that you normally find in four-door coupes like the Mercedes CLS and the Audi A7.

The tailgate also appears to end with a small wing while the sides are set to get a rather prominent shoulder line that runs across the entire length of the upcoming Korean executive saloon. Overall, the next-gen Genesis G80 makes its predecessor look even more generic than before.

The engine range will likely include a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, as well as a twin-turbo V6, with Genesis is also working on a new generation of electrified powertrains.

Based on the completely new bodywork and its different proportions, we expect the new G80 to ride on a new architecture that will be compatible with electrified powertrains as well.

The new G80 will be just the beginning for Genesis, as the company has been developing a mid-sized SUV to rival traditional premium models like the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE. Plans for a battery-electric model have also been announced, with Genesis moving in that direction in 2021. Their electrified vehicle will feature a driving range of at least 310 miles (500km).

Genesis is expected to reveal the new G80 in 2019, with a market launch scheduled towards the end of that same year.

Article updated with new spy shots and additional reporting