Genesis GV80 Soft Close Door Review — Installation & Cost

Genesis GV80 Ghost Door: A Soft Close Door Retrofit Review

Imagine approaching your Genesis GV80 and having the doors swing open automatically, or stepping away and hearing them gently secure themselves. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality offered by a soft closing door retrofit, often referred to as a 'Ghost Door' system. For owners of the 2022 Genesis GV80, this convenience can significantly enhance the luxury driving experience. This review delves into the specifics of installing such a module, its benefits, and whether it's a worthwhile upgrade.

What is the Ghost Door System?

The Ghost Door system, or more broadly, a soft close door retrofit, adds an automatic door closing function to your vehicle. This means that once you manually push the door most of the way closed, the system takes over and gently pulls it shut, ensuring a secure and quiet closure every time. This feature is already standard on many high-end luxury vehicles, and adding it to a Genesis GV80 can bring that premium experience to your SUV. The convenience is particularly noticeable when your hands are full, dealing with inclement weather, or simply when you want to ensure the door is properly latched without a forceful slam. The system typically works in conjunction with your smart key, detecting your proximity to automatically unlock and lock doors, further enhancing the 'smart' aspect of your vehicle.

Installation Process and Features

Installing a Ghost Door module, such as the iCar iDoor system mentioned in the original context, involves precise wiring within the vehicle's interior. The process requires skilled technicians to ensure the factory wiring remains undamaged. Here’s a general overview of how it's done:

1. Module Integration: The new module is carefully connected to the vehicle's existing electrical system, typically near the door mechanisms and control units.
2. Wiring Harness Connection: Technicians meticulously connect the module's wiring harness to the car's original wiring, ensuring secure and reliable connections.
3. Testing and Verification: After all connections are made, the system undergoes thorough testing to confirm that the automatic door opening, closing, and locking functions operate as intended.
4. Finishing Touches: To protect the wiring and prevent rattles, sound-dampening tape (like Tesa tape) is applied. The interior panels are then reassembled to restore the original factory look.

Beyond the core soft close functionality, these modules often offer additional features. These can include automatic door unlocking as you approach and locking as you walk away, a password-based entry system for access without a smart key, and even automatic window closure when the doors are locked. Some systems also integrate with other vehicle functions, like flashing hazard lights when reversing ('Hoo-Gkam' in Korean context) or automatically closing windows if they were left open when the doors are locked.

Is a Soft Closing Door Retrofit Worth It for Your GV80?

For Genesis GV80 owners who occasionally forget to fully close their doors or worry about security, a soft close door retrofit offers significant peace of mind. It reduces the minor stresses of daily driving, such as ensuring doors are properly shut, especially when juggling groceries, children, or other tasks. While the initial cost is a consideration, the added convenience and the feeling of a more premium, technologically advanced vehicle can be a compelling reason to invest. If you value seamless operation and enhanced security features, this upgrade can be a valuable addition to your GV80 ownership experience.