With the debut of the all-electric GV60 Magma, Genesis is no longer “just another alternative” to the European performance and luxury enterprise. The Magma editions are proof of the brand’s evolution into a legitimate high-performance marque, successfully combining the Athletic Elegance design philosophy and cultural identity with a frankly downright badass-looking powertrain.
As Manfred Harrer, president of Hyundai Motor Group R&D, said, the goal was not just speed, although the GV60 Magma has plenty of capabilities. Rather, the main goal was to create something that provides an emotional connection between the vehicle and the driver, given how Genesis describes the Magma as an “alter ego.”
What is Genesis Magma?
A legitimate competitor against BMW M and Mercedes-AMG
Listed as a program under concept cars, the Genesis Magma is the performance sub-brand that serves as the South Korean marque’s answer to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
As described by Genesis, the signature orange Magma color symbolizes Korean confidence and passion, and is highlighted by humble first impressions. In so many words, it’s a calculated move by Genesis to inject its cultural identity into high-performance vehicles, unlike Japanese, European or American.
Starting with the GV60 Magma, Genesis plans to introduce high-performance variants across its portfolio, including a production version of the G80 Magma Special and eventually a halo supercar inspired by the Magma GT Concept.
By integrating their core learning the new Magma Racing appSet to compete in the 2026 World Endurance Championship, Genesis positions the Magma as a legitimate contender against the world’s AMG and M divisions.
- Main Trim Engine
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HOUSE
- Main Trim Transmission
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1-speed automatic
- Basic Trim transmission
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Rear wheel
The most powerful Creation
Next-generation two-stage motor control system
The heart of the GV60 Magma is a dual-motor configuration that represents a significant leap over the standard GV60. Continued improvements to the all-electric powertrain and powertrain systems have made it the fastest production model in the brand’s history. Here’s a quick picture:
- Peak Output: 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS).
- Torque: 583 lb-ft of torque (790 Nm).
- Acceleration with launch control: Zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds; it goes from zero to 124 mph in 10.9 seconds.
- Top speed: It’s rated at 164 mph, powered by front and rear motors capable of spinning at 20,920 rpm.
- Vehicle weight: £4,850
While conventional EVs eventually hit a high-speed wall where back electromotive force (Back EMF) creates internal resistance that cuts power at high RPMs, the GV60 Magma uses a next-generation two-stage engine management system to overcome this limitation.
Using advanced software algorithms to control the inverter’s power delivery, Genesis effectively raised the ceiling, allowing the motors to spin up to around 21,000 rpm without the torque drop typical of single-speed electric transmissions. This technical wizardry ensures that the GV60 Magma not only starts without stopping, but also continues to reach top speed.
While the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV offers more torque (700 lb-ft), the GV60 Magma has a higher top speed of 164 mph compared to the AMG’s 149 mph. More importantly, the Genesis uses an 800-volt architecture for significantly faster charging than Mercedes’ 400-volt system. Finally, the GV60 Magma provides nearly the same performance at a lower price.
While the BMW iX3 M60, a high-performance variant of the newly launched Neue Klasse platform, is the closest technical rival, the 2026 iX M70 will still be the benchmark here. The GV60 Magma is its own, almost matching the iX M70’s 650 horsepower.
However, the Genesis is once again pushing BMW’s 155mph mark, going even higher for the GV60 Magma. Likewise, the GV60 Magma offers a superior 800-volt charging architecture compared to BMW’s 400-volt system.
New boost mode
15 seconds of happiness
Similar to the “Push-to-Pass” feature found in Porsche Cayenne S ElectricGV60 Magma has an improved Boost mode. While the standard GV60 offers a 10-second burst, the Magma extends this to 15 seconds.
To handle this output, the car uses five different driving modes, including Magma’s exclusive Sprint and GT modes. While Range and Comfort prioritize efficiency, Sprint Mode reconfigures accelerator sensitivity for aggressive track maneuvers, while GT Mode mimics the behavior of a traditional luxury Grand Tourer.
The GV60 Magma comes standard with 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero 5 tires.
- Front Camera Resolution
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1080p
- Safety
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24 hour parking mode
This tiny Nexar dash cam sits comfortably behind your rearview mirror and captures footage in 1080p. It also has GPS for geo-tagging videos.
Innovative gas pedal
Resistance based design
Perhaps the most interesting detail is the focus on the resistance of the gas pedal. Chief Research Engineer Taejun Kang noted that the team increased resistance throughout the range to increase driver control.
By offering lower resistance for light inputs (i.e., the daily commute) and higher resistance for deep pedal maneuvers (i.e., on the road), the Genesis seeks to reduce driver fatigue by providing a more intuitive, mechanical connection to the car’s 641 horsepower. It’s a nuanced touch that suggests Genesis and its Magma software understand that performance is as much about touchpoints as it is about track times.
Meanwhile, the Genesis GV60 Magma comes standard with acoustic laminated glass along with additional sound-absorbing material along the floor and doors.
Availability and launch of MSRP
With South Korean deliveries already underway, the 2027 GV60 Magma will arrive at select American Genesis retailers this summer. Considering the performance and capability, the projected starting MSRP range of $75,000-$80,000 is quite affordable, although the number of available units is expected to be limited.
