Buyers in the market for a smart, mid-size premium SUV will soon have the option of the Genesis GV60, which has been snapped by spy photographers for the first time.
Spotted carrying out high-speed durability testing at the Nurburgring, the Genesis GV60 is primed to become the Korean luxury brand's best-selling model after it goes on sale either in late 2020 or early 2021.
The BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC-rivalling GV60 will be just one of a trio of all-new SUVs Genesis plans to introduce worldwide.
The first will be the large BMW X5-fighting GV80, which was originally due in Australia this year but has been delayed until early 2020, and there will also be the Genesis GV70 that will go up against sporty SUV-coupes like the Audi Q8 and BMW X6.
It’s likely the Genesis GV60 is being developed side-by-side with sister company Hyundai’s next-generation Tucson, which was photographed testing alongside it.
That means that beneath the skin the GV60 is set to share the Tucson's platform and some powertrains, but not a single piece of sheet metal will be shared.
Our first glimpse suggests the GV60 will sit lower and wider than the Tucson and will feature more rakish fastback rear-end styling.
Larger wheels and higher-performance brakes, meanwhile, point towards a range of powerful engines – including a 225kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine lifted from Hyundai’s i30 N hot hatch.
At the top of the GV60 tree, the medium SUV might even bag the powerful 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, which also powers the Genesis G70 (and Kia Stinger) sports sedan.
With the turbo V6 in place, the GV60 will be a direct competitor for fast SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i, while a less powerful 180kW 2.0-litre turbo four may also be offered.
Helping further differentiate it from the Tucson, the Genesis GV60 is set to get a more upmarket cabin with leather seat trim as standard.
New technology may also star, but some obvious components like the next Tucson's infotainment system might be shared with the more expensive GV60.
It's not yet known when, or where, Genesis plans to officially reveal the GV60, but next April's New York motor show fits well with an expected launch at the end of 2020.