2025 Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD

29 May

If the German heavyweights are the loud kids in class, always shouting to be noticed, the Genesis GV70 3.5T is the quietly brilliant overachiever in the back row - polished, poised, and full of surprises.

From the moment you approach the GV70, it carries itself with an unmistakable air of confidence. It doesn’t scream for attention, but the proportions are right, the details are sharp, and the design feels fresh without being try-hard. The double-line LED signature lighting, that wide crest grille, and the elegantly tapered rear give the GV70 a fastback silhouette that’s more sport-luxe than soccer-mum.

And then there’s the cabin… that gorgeous cabin.

Step inside, and it’s less SUV and more first-class lounge. The sweeping dash, ambient lighting, knurled dials, and quilted leather speak of a car that wasn’t just designed, but considered. Everything feels expensive without shouting about it. Genesis has clearly taken a page from the Bentley playbook and surprisingly, not a cheap knockoff version either.

But don’t let the calm aesthetic fool you. Under the bonnet lies a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 delivering 279kW and 530Nm - and when you lean into the throttle, it responds with a deep, composed urgency that belies its luxury-first attitude. It’s quick—as in 0–100 in just over 5 seconds quick—and yet it never feels brutish or uncouth. The power delivery is smooth, linear, and always ready, whether you're overtaking on the freeway or just enjoying a spirited backroad cruise.

Fuel economy? Officially, it’s rated at 11.3L/100km combined, but real-world figures lean closer to 12–13L/100km in urban driving. Not class-leading, but expected for the power on offer. For those prioritising efficiency, the smaller 2.5T or electric GV70 may be worth a look.

And here's the real magic: it blends performance with refinement in a way that’s genuinely rare at this price point. The adaptive suspension soaks up bumps with composure, yet firms up when the mood gets spirited. The AWD system inspires confidence in all conditions, and the steering—while not dripping with feel—is accurate and nicely weighted.

Inside, it’s whisper-quiet, even at speed. And Genesis has loaded it with tech, too: a crisp 27" infotainment screen, 3D digital instrument cluster, Lexicon premium audio, augmented reality navigation, and every safety feature under the sun. It’s not just premium—it’s properly premium.

Luxury Inside, Loaded With Features

Step inside, and the GV70 feels more like a high-end lounge than a mid-size SUV. Quilted Nappa leather, a 14.5” widescreen infotainment display, ambient lighting, knurled metal dials, and a beautifully sculpted dashboard layout all make it feel premium—and then some.

You get the works, too:

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Augmented reality navigation
12.3” 3D digital instrument cluster
Lexicon 16-speaker sound system
Heated and ventilated seats (front and rear)
Panoramic sunroof, remote start, and digital key access

Genesis doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with packages—nearly everything is standard.

Safety? Top of Class

The GV70 wears a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and it’s brimming with advanced features:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist
Blind Spot View Monitor (displays a live feed in your instrument cluster when indicating)
Surround-view camera, lane centring assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
And even driver attention warnings that monitor for fatigue

Space & Practicality

Despite its sleek exterior, the GV70 is impressively practical:

542 litres of cargo space with the seats up
Expands to 1,678 litres with the rear seats folded
Rear-seat legroom is generous even for taller passengers
Wide rear doors and low boot lip make life easier for families, too

And yes—it has a full-size spare wheel. A rare win these days.

Servicing & Ownership

Genesis offers a 5-year unlimited km warranty, with 5 years of free scheduled servicing and complimentary concierge pick-up and drop-off. That’s not just luxury—it’s peace of mind.

You also get 5 years of roadside assistance and map updates, all included in the drive-away price.

So who’s this for?

The GV70 3.5T isn’t trying to win drag races or steal Instagram clout. It’s for the driver who values understated excellence. Someone who appreciates fine tailoring over flashy labels. It’s for those who want the performance of a BMW X3 M40i, the luxury of an Audi Q5, but with a twist of uniqueness and a whole lot more standard kit. The 2025 GV70 3.5T AWD proves you don’t need a European badge to get European-grade luxury and performance. It’s quick, refined, tech-loaded, and safe—while offering standout value and a customer experience most rivals don’t come close to.

Prices for the Genesis GV70 range kick off from $78,700 all the way up to $100,000 (plus options of course).

For those ready to break free from the expected, Genesis has quietly built one of the best SUVs in the game.