Here’s how Genesis stacks up against your favorite German performance cars

Most major automakers have a performance sub-brand or division that focuses on more brutal performance. BMW has the M, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Audi has the RS. These offerings are hardcore iterations that push the boundaries of performance. In addition, certain brands have slightly less intrusive subdivisions, such as Hyundai’s N Line and Kia’s GT series. These offer sporty iterations. The differences between the two are largely similar to how the BMW M3 and the BMW M340i differ. But Genesis wants to go a different route with its newly formed, high-performance Magma series.

This division of luxury car brand Genesis aims to unlock untapped performance potential while retaining the smoothness and civilized character its luxury cars are known for. The USP of Genesis Magma lies in its focus on putting the driver first and improving the driving experience, and not just on pure performance figures. Genesis thinks outside the box and wants extensive software features to differentiate their brightly colored, sporty take on luxury cars. True to this philosophy, the very first production-spec bright orange Genesis is the upcoming GV60 Magma. Here’s everything you need to know about the Genesis Magma division and its plans.

The dormant volcano of Genesis has erupted

A new and unusual rival to Mercedes-AMG and BMW M has arrived

Genesis started in 2007 as a Hyundai model. It was the South Korean automaker’s vision of a sporty yet luxurious car with a front engine and rear-wheel drive. The positive traction it received and interest in a separate entity eventually led to the launch of the Genesis G90 in 2015. Since then, Genesis has been an arch-rival to the German big guns like Audi, Mercedes and BMW, with its affordable yet equally powerful and luxurious range of sedans and SUVs.

But there was always a dormant performance side to Genesis. The choice of V6 engines, RWD and AWD drivetrains and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearboxes are all clues to its hidden sporty side. Well, things have finally broken out with the Genesis Magma Division. The name ‘Magma’ first surfaced at a press launch in 2024. It is defined as the ‘expansion of Genesis’ into the realm of calculated performance and alluring appeal. The official Genesis website states:

Beneath the invisible surface, we have captured the essence of magma, condensing its extreme energy to maximize its dynamic power and elegant design. This embodies Genesis’ commitment to explore new horizons in high-performance and introduce a new touring culture.

Simply put, this subdivision aims to offer a performance range of every Genesis model, including sedans, SUVs and the all-electric GV60. During development, all “Magma” models will receive a bright orange paint job to help them stand out. The Magma versions of Genesis cars will compete against established players from the stables of BMW and Mercedes-AMG. But it will distinguish itself by placing equal importance on performance, luxury, comfort and even convenience.

The idea behind Magma: the Alter Ego of Genesis

Genesis says its Magma range of cars is part of its “son-nim” approach to hospitality. This term roughly translates to ‘honored guest’ and refers to a traditional way of treating guests with the utmost respect, care and comfort. Genesis plans to implement this philosophy into its Magma lineup. The special treatment involves creating an emotional bond between the driver and the car, unlike its rivals. The aim is to balance raw performance with refined driving dynamics and aesthetics.

The latter includes luxurious interiors with soft materials and high-quality technological features with a sporty choice of colors. It has all the performance features such as aerodynamically improved body panels, chassis and suspension tweaks. In fact, Genesis is so committed to delivering the perfect driving experience on its Magma cars that the first expected production model had racing legend Jackie Ickx as an advisor during its development. So if Genesis is all about luxury and comfort, Magma Spice things up with more performance, improved dynamics and cool visual upgrades inside and out.

From motorsport to public roads

Genesis plans to paint everything in “Magma”

Genesis goes all in with its Magma performances. The most exciting part of this division is the entry into the world of motorsports. Hyundai, the parent company of Genesis, has already established its motorsports division through participation in the World Rally Championship and beyond. Since the launch of the Genesis Magma Racing division in December 2024, a bright orange stablemate will soon be joining the ranks.

The endurance-focused GMR-001 hypercar offers the first glimpse of its racing ambitions. It features the brand’s very first V8 engine, which in turn is based on Hyundai Motorsport’s proven 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine from the WRC. It actually shares about 60 percent of the components. The GMR-001 combines, according to LMDh regulations, an ORECA chassis, an Xtrac gearbox, Bosch MGU and a Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack.

Obviously this isn’t a street-legal car, but we expect Genesis to follow the motorsports-to-road-car ideology and trickle down many advanced features to future road vehicles. These include handling secrets, hybrid drive technology and aerodynamic body panel designs. The possibilities are limitless, and this approach is primarily why brands like Porsche, Ferrari and Audi have been able to push the threshold of performance range time and time again. Genesis’s recent surprise showcase of a working copy of the Magma GT V8 supercar prototype refers to its road-going race car technology.

The first wave of Genesis Magma cars

A spicy version of the GV60 is just around the corner

Now that we’re pretty excited about Genesis Magma’s racing ambitions, let’s take a look at what the road cars have in store. Genesis has kept us excited for the past two years with showcases of various Magma concepts, all equally enticing and drool-worthy. The orange fever of the G70 is reflected in a Track Taxi model, where passengers can experience the most famous race track in the world – the Nürburgring – in a twin-turbo G70 3.3T. While this looks very close to a production-spec G70 Magma, we’re skeptical of its existence as the future of the standard G70 is currently in flux.

Then there’s the GV80 Coupé Concept, which gives a taste of a high-performance Magma SUV. It combines a dynamic design language, luxurious interior appearance and sporty performance in one well-rounded package. It appears to be an improved version of the top spec standard Genesis GV80 coupewhich packs a hybrid 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Expect the Magma version to be significantly more powerful, with superior suspension and braking upgrades and cool interior tweaks.

The G80 Magma special is yet another concept that will follow a similar format. But it goes further with a lowered suspension and a wide body design with supposedly superior aerodynamic body panels. There’s also an Electrified G80 Magma Concept, the only one without the signature orange paint job. We believe that the color choice of this concept highlights its remarkably superior electrical performance.

All these concepts are compelling and seem just one step away from the green light for production. However, the first mass-produced Genesis Magma car will be the GV60 Magma Concept. This all-electric SUV has just completed the final phase of testing to fine-tune high-speed performance and luxury. Genesis has proven the endurance of its upcoming Magma by putting it through harsh driving conditions, from California deserts to Swedish snow and the rugged terrain of New Zealand. The standard GV60 shares its E-GMP platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Kia EV6 GT, among others.

However, expect the Magma model to feature notable tweaks to the suspension and braking systems. In addition, the horsepower will be significantly higher than the GV60’s standard 430 hp. Other notable visual features of the final production test mule include a lower stance (possibly due to revised suspension springs), aerodynamic air curtains and striking 21-inch forged alloy wheels. The interior also gets a sporty makeover with orange bucket seats, nappa leather and diamond quilts.

Sources: Genesis, WRC