Genesis is out to compete with the BMW Ms, Mercedes AMGs and Audi RSs of the world with its new Magma program, and has unveiled its first production vehicle in the luxury high performance segment.

The company unveiled the GV60 Magma, which is said to provide the highest performance level of any vehicle, so far, within the Hyundai Motor Group – that includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands.

The GV60 Magma is also an electric vehicle.

It’s part of a 10-year plan to make Genesis a high-performance luxury brand.

“Genesis achieved one million global sales faster than any luxury marque in history. Magma represents our declaration that the next 10 years will be even more significant,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company and Genesis, in a news release. We’re not just building high-performance vehicles; we’re redefining what a luxury high performance brand can be when Korean innovation meets global ambition.”

Genesis GV60 Magma power output

The GV60 Magma features front and rear e-motors producing a total of 650 hp and 582 lb.-ft. of torque in Boost mode (609 hp and 546 lb.-ft. in regular mode).

The top speed is 264 km/h.

Boost Mode can run for about 15 seconds to improve acceleration.

Genesis said the GV60 Magma will accelerate from zero to 200 km/h in 10.9 seconds.

Lower height and visual differences

Besides upping the SUV’s power output, Genesis made some other changes to improve its performance.

The GV60 was lowered by 20 millimetres and gained wider fenders.

The bumper has been redesigned with a three-hole structure, which enhances airflow and cooling as well as gives the Magma version its own identity.

Black high-gloss molding, dark metal accents and streamlined canards also form part of the appearance changes.

The side skirts also feature the three-hole design, and also help optimize airflow.

The GV60 Magma rides on Magma-exclusive 21-inch forged wheels with 275-mm-wide tires.

A wing-type rear spoiler increases downforce, and, Genesis points out, gives the GV60 Magma another visual identifier.

The rear bumper gets black accents and the lower diffuser has been reworked to improve aerodynamics.

Interior

Genesis said the interior gets premium materials and has a sporty vibe. Materials on the seats, door trim and centre console get Chamude, a suede-like material.

The steering wheel also gets Magma-exclusive elements, including its own rim design, black emblem and orange accents on the drive mode and boost buttons.

Drive modes

There are three drive modes to choose from, Sprint, GT and MY. The last one allows the driver to customize settings. Customizable settings include the electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), electronic stability control and other paramaters.

The suspension, optimized for the Magma, features electronic control suspension and end-of-travel control systems, helping to balance and stabilize the vehicle at the cornering limit.

Comfort wasn’t forgotten. The SUV also has Hydro G-Bushings up front and dual-layer in the rear crossmember to minimize vibrations and impacts.

Despite riding on 275-mm-wide tires, Genesis said it was able to keep the interior quiet thanks to active road noise control, sound-insulating glass and reinforced door sealing.

More Magmas coming

The GV60 Magma is just the first in the Magma line of vehicles.

The company has already unveiled prototypes and concepts such as the GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 Magma Special, G80 EV Magma Concept, GV60 Magma Concept, G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife, G80 Magma Special Prototype, X Gran Berlinetta Concept, X Gran Racer Concept, X Gran Coupe Concept, G90 Wingback Concept, the GMR-001 Hypercar, and the Magma GT Concept.

The Magma GT Concept made its first public appearance at the Los Angels Auto Show, on the same stage where the production GV60 Magma was unveiled.

The GV60 Magma will launch in Korea in early 2026 and will arrive in North America and Europe sometime the same year.

For updates, visit the Genesis Canada website.

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