Genesis GV80, debuting Jan. 16.

Spy shots and shadow teasers of a very important luxury crossover SUV will soon end.

On January 16, the Genesis GV80 will be unveiled, and when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2020, it is likely to be an instant bestseller for the Korean automaker.

On January 1, Genesis released a teaser image of the GV80. Despite the dark shadows, it is clear that the GV80 will look like the GV80 concept car unveiled in 2017. A huge grille similar to the one seen on the refreshed 2020 G90 sedan dominates the front end, with what appear to be LED headlights and taillights. The roofline resembles the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, and it makes sense that the GV80 would challenge it along with the BMW X5, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-class.

Inside, the GV80 has a less-is-more design approach, including a digital instrument cluster, widescreen infotainment setup, rotating transmission gear selector, and some sort of infotainment controller that looks like a HAL 9000 It appears to have. The climate control has no real buttons and appears to be operated by touch. Teaser images show quilted leather seats with wood trim on the doors and center console.

Based on the G80's rear-wheel drive base platform, the GV80 may offer rear-wheel drive and will certainly be all-wheel drive. It is unclear what will be under the hood, but a 3.8-liter V-6, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6, and a 5.0-liter V-8 are all candidates. Our money is on the 365-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6. A plug-in hybrid option may be a possibility, but not anytime soon. [The GV80 is just the beginning for Genesis, with smaller GV70 and GV60 crossovers to join the lineup in a few years; the GV60 has already been spotted in prototype form testing at the Nürburgring.

Stay tuned for more details on the Genesis GV80 as it nears its January 16 debut.