With the debut of the all-electric GV60 Magma, Genesis is no longer just the “other alternative” to the European performance and luxury establishment. The Magma editions are proof of the brand’s transformation into a legitimate high-performance marque, successfully marrying their Athletic Elegance design philosophy and cultural identity with a powertrain that, frankly, looks absolutely sinister.
As Manfred Harrer, President of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division, puts it, the goal wasn’t just raw speed, although the GV60 Magma has plenty of that. Rather, the ultimate goal was to create something that provides an emotional connection between the vehicle and the driver, fitting considering how Genesis describes Magma as its “alter ego.”
What is Genesis Magma
Legit contender against BMW M and Mercedes-AMG
Listed as a program under its concept cars, Genesis Magma is a performance sub-brand that serves as the South Korean marque’s answer to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
The signature orange Magma color, as described by Genesis, symbolizes Korea’s self-confidence and passion, underscored by humble first impressions that foster an extroverted attitude. In so many words, it’s a calculated move by Genesis to infuse its cultural identity into a high-performance line of vehicles, not unlike the Japanese, Europeans, or Americans.
Starting with the GV60 Magma, Genesis plans to roll out high-performance variants across its entire portfolio, including a production version of the G80 Magma Special and eventually a halo supercar inspired by the Magma GT Concept.
By integrating key learnings from their new Magma Racing program, set to compete in the 2026 World Endurance Championship, Genesis is positioning Magma as a legitimate contender against the AMG and M divisions of the world.
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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1-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
Most powerful Genesis ever
Next-gen 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. Ongoing enhancements to the all-electric powertrain and power-delivery systems have made this the fastest production model in the brand’s history. Here is a quick snapshot:
- Peak Output: 641 horsepower (478 kW / 650 PS).
- Torque: 583 lb-ft. of torque (790 Nm).
- Acceleration w/ Launch Control: Zero to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds; zero to 124 mph in 10.9 seconds.
- Top Speed: Track-rated at 164 mph, supported by front and rear motors capable of spinning at 20,920 rpm.
- Vehicle Weight: 4,850 lbs.
While conventional EVs eventually hit a high-speed wall, where back electromotive force (Back EMF) creates internal resistance that chokes off power at high RPMs, the GV60 Magma utilizes a next-generation two-stage motor control system to bypass this limitation.
By using advanced software algorithms to manage the inverter’s power delivery, Genesis has effectively raised the ceiling, allowing the motors to spin up to nearly 21,000 rpm without the torque drop-off typical of single-speed electric drivetrains. This technical wizardry ensures the GV60 Magma doesn’t just launch hard from a standstill, but continues to pull all the way to its track-rated top speed.
While the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV offers more torque output (700 lb-ft.), the GV60 Magma has a superior 164 mph top speed, compared to the AMG’s 149 mph. More importantly, the Genesis utilizes an 800-volt architecture for significantly faster charging than the Mercedes’ 400-volt system. Ultimately, the GV60 Magma delivers nearly identical performance at a lower cost.
Although the BMW iX3 M60, the high-performance variant of the newly launched Neue Klasse platform, is the closest technical rival, the 2026 iX M70 is still likely to be the benchmark here. The GV60 Magma holds its own, nearly matching the iX M70’s 650 horsepower.
However, Genesis again jumps ahead with a higher top speed for the GV60 Magma, surpassing the BMW’s 155 mph limit. Likewise, the GV60 Magma offers a superior 800-volt charging architecture compared to the BMW’s 400-volt system.
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New boost mode
15 seconds of bliss
Similar to the “Push-to-Pass” feature found in the Porsche Cayenne S Electric, the GV60 Magma features an enhanced Boost Mode. While the standard GV60 offers a 10-second burst, the Magma extends this to 15 seconds.
To manage this output, the vehicle utilizes five distinct drive modes, including the Magma-exclusive Sprint and GT modes. While Range and Comfort prioritize efficiency, Sprint Mode reconfigures the accelerator sensitivity for aggressive track maneuvers, while GT Mode mimics the behavior of a traditional luxury grand tourer.
The GV60 Magma is standard with 275/35R21 Pirelli P Zero 5 tires.
- Front Camera Resolution
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1080p
- Security
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24H Parking Mode
This tiny Nexar dash cam sits comfortably behind your rear-view mirror and captures footage in 1080p. It also features GPS for geo-tagging videos.
Innovative accelerator pedal
Resistance-based design
Perhaps the most interesting detail is the attention paid to accelerator pedal resistance. Senior Research Engineer Taejun Kang noted that the team increased resistance across the entire range to enhance driver control.
By offering lower resistance for light inputs (i.e., daily commuting) and higher resistance for deep-pedal maneuvers (i.e., on a track), Genesis is attempting to reduce driver fatigue while providing a more intuitive, mechanical connection to the vehicle’s 641 horsepower. It is a nuanced touch that suggests Genesis and its Magma program understand that performance is as much about the touchpoints as it is about track times.
Meanwhile, the Genesis GV60 Magma comes standard with additional sound-absorbing material throughout the floor and doors, along with acoustic laminated glass
Availability and starting MSRP
While South Korean deliveries are already underway, the 2027 GV60 Magma will reach select American Genesis retailers this summer. Given its performance and capability, the projected starting MSRP range of $75,000 to $80,000 is quite affordable, although the number of available units is expected to be limited.
