Genesis is betting big on its European launch. More than five years after its original launch in the United States and South Korea, Hyundai’s premium brand will finally begin selling its luxury vehicles on the Old continent this summer, and it wants to rival the segment’s best-sellers. If you want to compete against the best, you have to be like the best.
One major step towards convincing customers in the premium segment to switch from another brand is excellent safety ratings. In Euro NCAP’s latest test cycle, Genesis had two models performing for a five-star rating, and attached to this article are their crash test videos. If we have to put it short, you’ll be very safe travelling around Europe in the G80 and GV80.
Gallery: Genesis G80 Euro NCAP crash test
Starting with the big saloon, its five-star rating is for both the 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel versions and the safety organisation says the G80 gets full scores for child occupant protection and offers a full range of driver assistance systems. In addition, it gets full points for side impact protection, as well as five-star pedestrian protection thanks to its active bonnet.
In turn, the GV80 performs slightly better in the side impact protections as it comes with head, chest, and centre airbags as standard. Meanwhile, it’s marginally behind its saloon counterpart in terms of pedestrian protection but still gets a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Gallery: Genesis GV80 Euro NCAP crash test
The G80 and GV80 are the brand’s first two models that will reach its European showrooms starting this summer through the so-called Genesis Studios in London, Munich, and Zurich. Before the year’s end, Genesis will also launch the G70 and GV70, as well as the recently unveiled G70 Shooting Brake as an alternative to the established premium estates on the continent. Last but not least, the brand also plans to sell the electric G80 in Europe.
Genesis coming to the UK:
Source: Euro NCAP