Researcher Kang YeonJi designed the interior design of the Genesis GV80.
Genesis officially launched GV80, its first sport-utility vehicle. GV80 is a 5-to-7-passenger SUV that is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. Genesis put so much effort into this model because GV80 will be its flagship model indeed.
The interior of GV80 focuses on “the Beauty of White Space,” characteristic of the elegant design concept. The concept of luxury in space defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with every element of Genesis's design philosophy combined. Here's what the interior designer, Kang YeonJi, had to say about the features.
The interior of GV80 focuses on “the beauty of white space,” characteristic of the traditional South Korean architectural philosophy.
Q. What is the concept of the interior of GV80?
People easily picture glamourous images when it comes to premium SUVs. But we wanted to build a unique and special character that only Genesis has. From the beginning of the establishment of Genesis, we tried to achieve a unique luxury that can only be created in Korea. So we created the concept 'Beauty of White Space'. We aimed for cozy, homey, and luxurious interior. This will be the key interior component of all the other Genesis products in the future.
In designing, less is definitely harder than more. The power of designing lies in simple yet ample. GV80 features such interior.
The interior of GV80 represents Korean beauty. Its refined luxury makes passengers feel as if they are resting in a lounge.
Q. The consumers want unique quality from premium products. What was your intention as a designer?
We wanted that the refined luxury could make passengers feel as if they are resting in a lounge. The width of the interior of GV80 was emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment. Carefully placed ambient lighting connects the whole theme from the dashboard to the trunk. Soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.
The Genesis GV80 and its concept look a lot like each other.
Q. Which of the design elements have you used from the GV80 concept revealed back in 2017?
We designed GV80 during the time when we were working on its concept model. Maybe that would be why the two look alike. After analyzing the consumer feedback coming from the market, we tried to put as many strengths of the concept model as we could into the commercialized model.
The commanding driving position surrounded by high mounted control surfaces along with the dashboard, monitor, center console and door handles is one example. Also, lots of leather, wood, and aluminum make it look incredibly delicate and luxurious.
A concept drawing of an SUV that highlights ‘Beauty of White Space’.
Q. Looks like you needed a whole new design for the first SUV of Genesis.
The image we wanted to present through the design of GV80 was a strong, reliable figure. Also, we used metal elements to add a modern aspect. High-quality leather, aluminum, wood materials are used after being inspired by modern furniture.
The commanding driving position surrounded by tilted control surfaces is one of the aspects that make GV80 look strong. The quilted leather on the door panel also features tilted patterns. The horizontal dashboard, slim A-pillar, and the windshield expanding to the roof all represent openness. The driver would be able to feel like the whole cockpit is under control.
A continuous air vent strip gets uninterrupted even if you switch the handle to change the direction.
Q. What are the innovative elements in the cabin of GV80?
The interior focuses on combining the beauty of design and high technologies. Minimalism is in the details, with united looks and convenience. The width of the interior of GV80 was emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment.
The 30-mm-thick slim air vents stretch across the front to highlight the width of the cabin featuring minimal physical buttons with the new touch screen climate control. The best part of these air vents is that the continuous air vent strip gets uninterrupted even if you switch the handle to change the direction because the handle is attached to the inside of the vent. These elements provide an exquisite balance of design and technology.
The ornate center control unit on the center console covers an electronic, Shift-By-Wire transmission base with dial-style shift. The combination of design and technology also gave birth to Handwriting recognition through the Genesis Integrated Controller.
Q. Tell us more about the other new design elements, such as the Genesis Integrated Controller, Shift-By-Wire transmission base with dial-style shift, touch screen climate control, or the two-spoke steering wheel.
A 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display sits front and center atop the dashboard. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition as another method for interacting with the informational panel. By tapping these metal strings, the driver can gain perfect control of the display without disturbing driving.
The shift-by-wire transmission base with a dial-style shift stands alone in the cabin, like a monument. G-matrix pattern carved on the dial prevents slipping, and real glass materials give it crystal-like looks. The ambient lights augment mood lighting with various colors. Every detail is carefully refined for a luxurious cabin.
The two-spoke steering wheel and the new touch screen climate control to minimize physical buttons make the cabin look well-refined.
A center fascia is the first thing to be seen when you get in a car. The new touch screen climate control to minimize physical buttons make the cabin look well-refined. Simplified layouts create a better-looking theme.
The two-spoke steering wheel has only minimal switches. This is not only for a better grip during high-speed driving or even in an emergency, but also for better integration with the refined interior that represents the Beauty of White Space. The steering wheel decorated with chrome materials highlights its design purposes.
The quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console highlight the high-mounted command controls.
Q. Looks like GV80 consummated its identity by combining utility with luxury.
A roof-line that tapers down ever so slightly gives a sharp look like sedans. However, the intelligent platform design made it possible for such a sleek-looking vehicle to be a large SUV with three rows (727~2,144l). Even the third-row seats have air ventilators and cup holders for better passenger convenience. The concept of “luxury in space” defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with the G-Matrix pattern showing everywhere - rear seats, trunk lightings, air vents, and buttons.
The luxurious look continues to the rear seats. Ambient lighting connects from the dashboard and the doors to the second-row seats. The ambient lighting under the center console makes it look like the console is floating in the air.
The G-Matrix pattern is shown everywhere - the speakers, air vents, and buttons.
Q. What are the unique design elements of Genesis?
The signature G-Matrix pattern first revealed at the G90 model represents the brand identity of Genesis. From the outside lamps, the radiator grille, wheels, to the buttons, speaker patterns, the storage box under the center console, and the door handles all feature the G-Matrix pattern. The G-Matrix pattern will continue to evolve, to strengthen the brand identity.
Kang YeonJi hopes more customers could enjoy the true value of GV80.
Q. As one of the interior designers of GV80, is there anything else to say to the customers who have waited for a long time?
Genesis pursues to create a timeless design that can elaborate on the beauty of white space. It could look too simple from the photos, but you will soon be able to find sophisticated, refined details as you drive it yourself. Such refined simplicity maximizes the practicality of GV80, and that is when you could truly enjoy GV80.
