Several years ago, I was scheduled to review the 2017 BMW X4 M40i, one of the automaker’s “Sports Activity Vehicle” coupes. An SUV with a swoopy roof that cut into passenger and cargo room? Before the X4 even came to my driveway, I thought it was the answer to a question that nobody asked. However, once I drove the X4, I was pleasantly surprised by its 355 horsepower, intuitive eight-speed automatic and, yes, even its interior space. Since then, the car-buying public has continued to ask for coupe-like SUVs, and other luxury automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche have responded with the GLE Coupe, Q5 Sportback, and Cayenne Coupe, respectively. Genesis joined that list in 2025 when it introduced the GV80 Coupe. I recently tested a 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC AWD and I realize that some of you may have questions about it, so I answered them below.

What Do All Those Numbers and Letters Mean?

The first part is pretty easy: The GV80 Coupe is a sexier version of the GV80, but it’s only available with two rows of seats (instead of three) under that fast roofline. Next, let’s take the next big chunk all at once because everything is linked: The GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC MHEV has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 and an e-supercharger that helps boost total output to 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The e-supercharger reduces turbo lag at low RPMs and is part of a mild-hybrid system, making the GV80 Coupe an MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle). AWD? That means power reaches the road through all-wheel drive (and an eight-speed automatic plus limited-slip rear differential).

What’s New for 2026?

Given that the GV80 Coupe was a new model for 2025, the biggest change for 2026 is the addition of the Prestige Black trim level. It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: black exterior accents, glossy black wheels that range in size from 20 to 22 inches, and an Obsidian Black Monotone interior with Black Ash open-pore wood accents. However, you can choose one of two exterior colors: Uyuni White or Vik Black, which has “Black Diamond Pearl” particles in it.

How Much Does the GV80 Coupe Go For?

The $87,650 3.5T e-SC MHEV slots in between the $81,850 3.5T AWD base model and the $89,400 Prestige Black. All models come standard with panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front and rear Nappa leather seats, head-up display, 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and 27-inch OLED instrument cluster/infotainment system display. The 3.5T e-SC MHEV builds on the entry-level trim by adding Dark Chrome exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, carbon fiber interior accents, and dual twin-tip exhaust outlets. My test vehicle featured one option, $650 Bering Blue paint, which brought the final price up to $89,795.

Does the Interior Match Up to That Price?

Absolutely, whether you’re talking about features or materials. If you’re into tech, there are screens for everything, from the gauges and infotainment system to the head-up display and rearview mirror camera. I didn’t use the wireless Android Auto, but the wireless Apple CarPlay never dropped its connection. Inboard power controls on the front passenger seat’s backrest made adjusting it to fit my son Hayden’s second-row car seat easy and quick. Manual side sunshades, a dedicated climate zone, and seat ventilation kept Hayden and mother-in-law Liz cool in the sliding and reclining seats back there.

Everything around me was Ultramarine Blue Nappa leather, orange contrast stitching or piping, glossy carbon fiber, or metallic trim. Above me, fine, suede-like microfiber covered the pillars, sun visors, and headliner. A fragrance system pumped out my choice of two available scents, although both were a little too faint, even at the maximum intensity level.

What’s It Like on the Road?

Not only did the GV80 Coupe feel like a luxury vehicle, but it also drove like one. The electronically controlled suspension took the harshness out of bumps in the road, especially in the Comfort drive mode. When I didn’t have the sound system cranked up, I could cruise in near-silence. The GV80 Coupe was remarkably smooth — even its power delivery. The e-supercharger helped reduce turbo lag low in the rev range, which helped bottom-end power; at higher RPMs, the turbos kicked in, making acceleration feel satisfyingly urgent and seamless. However, U-turns were a little stressful because of the GV80 Coupe’s rather large 39.3-foot turning diameter.

A Question I Asked: Does “Dynamic Driving Experience” Mean Fun-to-Drive?

In a 2024 press release, Genesis announced the pricing for the 2025 GV80 Coupe, saying it “brings an even more dynamic driving experience” to the GV80 lineup. Genesis didn’t position the coupe as a performance vehicle but, to me, that description implies a certain level of sportiness. Given that my press loaner had over 400 horses, all-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential, it was reasonable to assume it had some sort of athleticism. Did it? Not exactly — it was too reserved. In the Sport setting, the GV80 Coupe’s steering was vague about what it was doing. The brake pedal was equally ambiguous. Switching to Sport+ made the drive more engaging — the transmission noticeably downshifted when I put on the brakes and bucked with upshifts, showing me that Genesis knows there’s more to the driving experience than just acceleration and speed. However, the steering, while slightly more communicative, was still too insulated.

So What Exactly is the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC MHEV AWD?

Despite its clunky, mash-all-the-keys-at-once suffixes, my 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe review vehicle was ultimately simple and just what Genesis set out to make. It took the already attractive design of the GV80 and made it a little sleeker and sportier to go after Genesis’ European rivals in the SUV coupe segment. The interior’s reduced passenger capacity and cargo space did not detract from its luxurious amenities, materials, or on-road dynamics. But would the GV80 Coupe be my first choice for spirited back-road drives? Don’t ask …

To learn more about my time in the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T e-SC, watch my video review below.

Click above to watch our full video review on YouTube!