It was a welcome relief to end each exhausting day by slipping behind the wheel of the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige edition, plug into a downtempo playlist and drive back to my hotel.
I liked the Genesis GV80 more as I drove it. Any carmaker can study luxury car materials, technology, and techniques. However, thinking about the drivers and passengers, their creature comforts, and their intuitive features requires deeper introspection.
This car's designers know you, and it shows. They designed hundreds of luxury and popular cars worldwide. You've probably driven a car designed by Hyundai's design team, even if you've never driven a Hyundai or Kia.
It starts with the slim wrap around head lights and tail lights that slash across the front and rear corners of the SUV; on the front the lights frame the wide diamond mesh grille and winged Genesis badge.
That meant I could really relax into the seats while I let the Genesis do the heavy work in traffic, but I could take the wheel and really enjoy winding country roads when I wanted to relax and let go.
Starting with the quilted Nappa leather seating and microsuede headliner that covers the ceiling, to the rear seats that are heated and cooled, to the rear seat vanity mirrors the GV 80 had it all.
But front seat passengers have it even better, especially if they opt for all the premium add-ons like head up display and the Lexicon sound system, which I really appreciated.