By Redline Reviews | Published May 7, 2025

The 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T redefines compact luxury SUVs, blending Bentley-esque styling, 375 hp performance, and a 27-inch OLED infotainment system. Since its Australian debut in 2021, the GV70 has been Genesis’s bestseller, and the 2026 refresh elevates it with updated styling, retuned adaptive suspension, and premium Nappa leather. Priced from A$104,900 (2.5T) to A$126,900 (3.5T Sport Prestige), it rivals the BMW X3 (A$103,900), Mercedes-Benz GLC (A$108,900), and Porsche Macan (A$120,000). Whether cruising Sydney’s Pacific Highway or navigating Melbourne’s urban sprawl, the GV70 offers elegance, comfort, and value. This blog outlines the top 10 reasons to buy the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T, showcasing why it’s Australia’s standout luxury SUV.

Why Choose the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T in Australia?

Picture yourself behind the wheel of a 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T, its twin-turbo V6 roaring along Queensland’s Great Ocean Road, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The HTRAC all-wheel drive and limited-slip differential ensure grip on Tasmania’s winding routes, while the 27-inch curved OLED display and Nappa leather seats pamper you in Perth’s heat. Starting at A$115,900 (3.5T Advanced), it undercuts the BMW X3 M50 (A$130,900) yet matches its luxury. With 29 cu-ft cargo space, 5.5-second 0–100 km/h sprints, and a panoramic sunroof, it’s ideal for Sydney families or Adelaide adventurers. Here are the top 10 reasons to make the GV70 3.5T your next SUV.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T

1. Powerful Performance with V6 Refinement

The GV70 3.5T’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 delivers 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Genesis-designed 8-speed automatic and HTRAC AWD. It achieves 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds (tested, slightly slower than 4.9 seconds pre-refresh), per the review, with launch control and a limited-slip rear differential for sporty handling on Blue Mountains roads.

Sport Plus mode sharpens throttle response, rivaling the BMW X3 M50 (382 hp, 4.8 seconds). The V6’s throaty rasp enhances drives along Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, while paddle shifters offer manual control on Adelaide’s hills. Its 3500 lb towing capacity suits boat owners in Gold Coast, and the rear-biased AWD ensures grip on wet Sydney motorways.

Performance Score: 8.8/10, a refined thrill for Australia.

2. Bentley-Inspired Exterior Styling

The GV70 3.5T’s refreshed exterior exudes Bentley vibes, with a Crest grille featuring a G-Matrix diamond texture, MLA micro-lens LED headlights, and a sporty front fascia with functional air intakes. The 21-inch alloys (255/40 R21) and black chrome accents on the Sport Prestige trim shine in Brisbane’s CBD, while the Mona Red paint (A$1,000 extra) turns heads in Perth.

Aerodynamic roof rails, a redesigned rear spoiler, and trapezoidal exhaust tips enhance its sleek profile, outstyling the Lexus NX (A$94,900). The 7.3-inch ground clearance suits mild off-road tracks near Canberra, and full paint cladding avoids the rugged plastic look of the Mercedes GLC.

Design Score: 9.0/10, a luxurious standout.

3. Luxurious Interior with Premium Materials

The GV70 3.5T’s cabin rivals A$200,000 SUVs, with Nappa leather seats, carbon fiber trim, and aluminum accents. The Seville Red interior (Sport Prestige) features cross-stitched leather, 14-way adjustable driver seats, and Ergo Motion massage for Sydney–Canberra drives.

Ambient lighting, Alcantara suede headliner, and a flat-bottom steering wheel elevate the vibe, per the review. The 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio (replacing Lexicon) delivers crisp sound for Melbourne’s music lovers, and tri-zone climate control keeps passengers cool in Darwin’s heat. Padded door panels and metal window switches ensure durability on Australia’s rough roads. Compared to the Porsche Macan’s Spartan cabin, the GV70 feels opulent.

Interior Score: 9.2/10, Bentley-level luxury.

4. Cutting-Edge 27-Inch OLED Infotainment

The 2026 GV70 introduces a 27-inch curved OLED display, merging the instrument cluster and infotainment for a futuristic look, per the review. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and CarPlay map integration in the driver display suit tech-savvy Brisbane buyers. The touchscreen and rotary dial ensure easy operation on Sydney’s bumpy roads, while voice control handles navigation to Bondi Beach. The 360° camera with 3D perimeter scan and active parallel parking simplifies parking in Melbourne’s tight CBD. 16GB RAM ensures lag-free performance, unlike the Lexus NX’s dated system. The head-up display (Sport Prestige) projects speed and navigation, enhancing safety on Perth’s freeways.

Tech Score: 9.1/10, class-leading innovation.

5. Exceptional Comfort for Australian Drives

The returned adaptive suspension with road-preview technology uses a front camera to adjust dampers, soaking up potholes onthe Great Ocean Road, per the review. Comfort mode glides over Sydney’s urban bumps, while Sport Plus firms up for Tasmania’s twisty routes. Nappa leather seats with ventilation and heating pamper during Adelaide’s summers, and the quiet cabin (low NVH) rivals the Mercedes GLC. The panoramic sunroof with dark tint and wind deflector enhances open-road drives to Margaret River. Tri-zone climate and rear heated seats (Sport Prestige) keep families cozy in Canberra’s winters. Compared to the BMW X3’s firmer ride, the GV70 feels Lexus-like yet controlled.

Comfort Score: 8.9/10, a plush cruiser.

6. Practical Cargo and Rear Space

The GV70 offers 29 cu-ft cargo space (seats up), expanding to 56.8 cu-ft (seats folded), outpacing the Lexus NX (46.9 cu-ft) but trailing the BMW X3 (62.7 cu-ft).

The hands-free power tailgate and flat-folding seats simplify loading at Perth’s markets, while underfloor storage and a temporary spare suit road trips to Uluru. 37 inches of rear legroom fits average adults for Melbourne–Geelong drives, though the driveshaft hump limits middle-seat comfort. Rear USB-C ports, 150W outlet, and reclining seats with sunshades (Sport Prestige) cater to families in Brisbane. The coupe-like roofline balances style and utility, unlike the Mercedes GLC Coupe.

Practicality Score: 8.5/10, family-friendly for Australia.

7. Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance

The GV70 3.5T includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto emergency braking, earning a 5-star ANCAP rating (2024 data). The 360° camera and active parking ease navigation in Sydney’s crowded lots, per the review. Highway Driving Assist II adjusts speed and lane position on Hume Highway, while rear cross-traffic alert prevents collisions in Perth’s malls. Micro-lens LED headlights with auto high-beams enhance visibility on Outback roads, and nine airbags ensure safety. Compared to the Porsche Macan’s basic aids, the GV70’s tech is comprehensive, though BMW X3’s semi-autonomous features are slightly advanced.

Safety Score: 8.7/10, peace of mind for families.

8. Competitive Pricing and Value

Starting at A$115,900 (3.5T Advanced), the GV70 3.5T undercuts the BMW X3 M50 (A$130,900) and Porsche Macan S (A$135,000), offering 375 hp, Nappa leather, and Bang & Olufsen audio. The Sport Prestige (A$126,900) includes massage seats, head-up display, and carbon fiber trim, matching Mercedes GLC 43 (A$128,900) features for less. 5-year/unlimited-km warranty and 5-year roadside assist beat Lexus NX’s 4-year terms, per CarsGuide. A$1,600 price hike (vs. 2024) adds wireless CarPlay and OLED display, justifying the cost.

Resale value holds at 55–60% after 5 years, per Drive.

Value Score: 8.8/10, premium features at a discount.

9. Smooth and Controlled Handling

The retuned adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential deliver balanced handling, per the review, gripping corners on Adelaide’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Sport Plus mode minimizes body roll, rivaling the Porsche Macan, while Comfort mode smooths Sydney’s potholes. The rear-biased AWD and 50/50 weight distribution ensure stability on wet Brisbane roads, and 14.2-inch front brakes provide confident stopping. Terrain mode handles light gravel tracks near Canberra, though 7.3-inch ground clearance limits off-roading. The V6’s 391 lb-ft torque powers out of corners on Tasmania’s roads, though the BMW X3 M50 feels sharper.

Handling Score: 8.6/10, sporty yet refined.

10. Genesis Brand Prestige and Ownership Experience

Genesis’s luxury brand appeal rivals European marques, with complimentary servicing (5 years/75,000 km) and valet pick-up for maintenance, per Genesis Australia. Showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane offer personalized service, unlike BMW’s busier dealerships. X posts (@GenesisAus) highlight “elegant design,” and WhichCar rates its ownership 8.5/10. The digital key and remote smart park (Sport Prestige) add tech flair for Perth buyers. 350-mile range (premium fuel) suits Adelaide–Barossa drives, though 18/25 mpg lags hybrids. Compared to Lexus NX’s mainstream badge, the GV70 feels exclusive.

Prestige Score: 8.7/10, a premium experience.

Comparison Table: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T vs. Competitors

Notes: Prices exclude on-road costs. Data from CarsGuide, Drive, WhichCar, Genesis Australia.

Why the Genesis GV70 3.5T Stands Out in Australia

• Luxury Value: A$115,900 for 375 hp, Nappa leather, and 27-inch OLED.
• Stunning Design: Bentley-inspired grille and MLA LEDs outshine Lexus NX.
• Comfortable Ride: Adaptive suspension for Sydney to Outback drives.
• Tech Leader: Wireless CarPlay, 360° camera, and head-up display.
• Ownership Perks: Free servicing, valet pick-up, and 5-year warranty.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Poor Fuel Economy: 11.2 L/100km vs. BMW X3’s 8.5 L/100km, costly at A$2/litre.
• Slower Acceleration: 5.5 seconds lags GLC 43 (4.7 seconds).
• Limited Rear Legroom: 37 inches less spacious than X3 (39 inches).
• Pricey Top Trim: A$126,900 Sport Prestige nears Macan S territory.
• No Hybrid Option: Unlike Lexus NX 350h, no electrified V6 yet.

Buying Tips for the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T in Australia

1. Choose 2.5T for Value: A$104,900 base (300 hp) offers 90% of V6 features, per Drive.
2. Opt for Advanced Trim: A$115,900 (3.5T) includes Bang & Olufsen, 360° camera, saving A$11,000 vs. Sport Prestige.
3. Test Adaptive Suspension: Drive in Sport Plus on Sydney’s backroads to feel handling, per WhichCar.
4. Negotiate Extras: Seek free Mona Red paint (A$1,000) or floor mats at Genesis dealers.
5. Consider Leasing: A$800/month leases spread costs, per Genesis Australia.
6. Check Fuel Costs: Budget A$3,000/year for premium fuel (15,000 km, 11.2 L/100km).

Who Should Buy the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T?

• Luxury Buyers: Sydney execs seeking Bentley-style interiors for A$115,900.
• Performance Fans: Brisbane drivers craving 375 hp and Sport Plus thrills.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Melbourne techies for 27-inch OLED and wireless CarPlay.
• Families: Perth parents needing 29 cu-ft cargo and rear heated seats.
• Value Seekers: Adelaide buyers wanting free servicing and 5-year warranty.

Verdict: Why the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Is Australia’s Top Luxury SUV

The 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T blends 375 hp performance, Bentley-inspired styling, and a 27-inch OLED display, making it a standout in Australia’s luxury SUV market. Its Nappa leather, adaptive suspension, and free servicing rival the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC for less. X posts (@CarsGuide) praise its “class-leading interior,” and WhichCar rates it 8.7/10. For 2026 Genesis GV70 Australia buyers, it’s a luxurious, value-packed choice.

Ready to experience elegance? Book a test drive at Genesis Australia or browse Carsales. Share your thoughts below!

Sources: Redline Reviews YouTube (2026 Genesis GV70), CarsGuide GV70 Pricing, Drive GV70 Review, WhichCar GV70 Ratings, Genesis Australia Specs, X posts by @GenesisAus, @CarsGuide