Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
The automotive hue Black now defines the Genesis lineup’s new darkened theme, symbolizing power, intrigue, and sophistication. Prestige Black is available on the 2026 G80 sports sedan, G90 flagship sedan, GV80 SUV, and the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe Black AWD, which I just evaluated.
Previously, the monochrome design package was available only in the Korean market, but thankfully Genesis product planners decided to introduce the contrasting lineup to North American customers. The goal of the Korean automaker is to expand its luxury roster to fulfill the diverse needs and evolving desires of automotive enthusiasts. The intriguing Genesis Coupe squats low and wide and features, of course, a coupe design and body style, panoramic sunroof, a double-layered Crest Grille finished in black, a low-sloping roofline, soft-close doors, and a power hands-free smart liftgate w/ auto open.
“North American customers are increasingly looking for vehicles that express their personal style while offering exceptional craftsmanship,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Prestige Black delivers exactly that. Its unique, yet simple design offers a bold new look with enhanced sophistication.”
Genesis offers just two exterior colors for the Prestige Black package: Vik Black and Uyuni White. My ride came styled in the latter, which is named after Bolivia’s vast salt flats. Vik Black draws its inspiration from the volcanic coastlines of southern Iceland, where Black Diamond Pearl particles infuse with a subtle, deep shimmer. Both choices are paired with exclusive all-black alloy wheels ranging from 20” to 22” depending on the model. My test ride was blessed with the 22″ Black Alloy rims featuring floating center caps. Other darkened exterior features include:
- Dark headlamp bezels, exterior trim, and badging
- Dark Genesis Guilloché emblem (front) and lettering (rear)
- Gloss black radiator grille, exterior door handle accents, front/rear fascia and door accents, daylight opening moldings
- Black monobloc 4-piston fixed front brake calipers and black rear brake calipers
For balanced, efficient performance, the sinister rims are paired with Michelin Primacy Tour all-season tires, designed for drivers who want the best in all weather conditions. The premium rubber handles dry roads, wet roads, and even light snow with confidence, making it a legitimate year-round solution. Special grooves and block shapes in the tread work together to cancel out road noise, so your cabin stays remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds. Michelin actually blends sunflower oil into the tire’s rubber compound to keep the tire flexible in cold weather, which translates into better grip and shorter stopping distances when temperatures drop.
Motivating the savvy and sleek utility vehicle is an energetic 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 featuring a 48V e-supercharger (409-horsepower), an 8-speed automatic transmission with various drive modes, AWD with Terrain Mode, and an electronically controlled suspension. Altogether, the athletic SUV and its coupe-like dynamics move like barracudas slicing through water. Switch the drive modes to Sport or Sport+ to witness the GV80 Coupe transform into famed Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who went number three in the NFL Draft for his superior speed, dynamic cutting ability, and lower-body strength.
Step inside the modish ambiance of the cockpit to be appeased by Black monotone Nappa leather seats with exclusive quilting, carbon fiber trim, unique metals, and a Mood Curator to relax your mind. The black sporty steering wheel executes turns with ease; the Bang & Olufsen premium audio (Anodized black speaker grilles) provides theater-like sound experiences; and the 27” OLED instrument cluster and navigation screen handle all digital operations from music entertainment and vehicle controls to lifestyle app selection and temperature control. Black Ash open-pore wood trim adorns the front center console, dashboard, and upper door panels, while door handles, multimedia dials, HVAC controls, and steering wheel buttons all receive a refined black finish.
But the vehicle is not without fault. Concerns stem from the electronics suite, screen, and tech features, which have showcased more than a few technical bugs. For example, when I connected CarPlay, I saw my music selection on the screen, but the sound was still coming from my phone. After a few days, it finally and mysteriously connected.
Expect to pay an MSRP of $89,400 and destination pricing of $1,495, which is pretty steep for this SUV category. Yet, consumers will receive a 5-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance, 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary service valet, and 3-year complimentary Map Care. Pretty impressive!
As always, the Genesis Brand is committed to producing luxury-performance vehicles with exceptional driving attributes and an emotional persona. This Korean contender is a formidable force in the luxury arena and will continue to attract customers from BMW, Mercedes, Lincoln, Infiniti, Lexus, and Land Rover with its balanced formula.
