Genesis used to be that quiet luxury guest in the room, the one who sits in the corner sipping sparkling water while everyone else revs their engines and flexes horsepower charts. Not anymore. The brand has decided it is done being subtle and is now throwing down with a spicy new performance sub-brand called Magma. And leading this new era is the Genesis GV60 Magma, a delightful EV that wants you to associate “Korean luxury” with “gentle tire vaporization.”
The GV60 Magma is Genesis’s first-ever high-performance production electric vehicle. Think of it as the regular GV60 after a week-long spa retreat, followed by a surprise boot camp run by an overcaffeinated motorsport engineer. Underneath that sleek skin lives a dual-motor setup good for 448 kW (609 horsepower) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, and if that does not scare your socks off, hitting the Boost button spikes output to 478 kW (650 horsepower) and 790 Nm (583 lb-ft). Top speed is 264 km/h (164 mph). Yes, the quiet little luxury EV now bites.
Genesis lowered the Magma by 20 mm, widened the stance, added sculpted fenders, chiseled bumpers, 21-inch forged wheels, and a rear spoiler that generates actual downforce. It is athletic elegance now interpreted as “luxury missile.” There are even three tiny side-skirt holes to help airflow. You know a car is serious when it starts drilling holes in itself.
Inside, the cabin swaps polite luxury for sporty luxury. Chamude suede, orange stitching, sporty seats, dark metal accents, and a steering wheel with Magma-exclusive buttons remind you this is not your accountant’s Genesis. Hit Magma Mode and the cluster transforms into a three-circle layout showing G-force, motor temps, and remaining Boost, which is wonderful because knowing when your car is about to overachieve is always handy.
Of course, Genesis had to throw in the toys. Virtual Gear Shift recreates the feel of a high-revving ICE car. Drift Mode redistributes torque for sideways fun. HPBC makes sure the battery stays ready for mischief. And Launch Control sends it from a standstill to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.9 seconds.
The GV60 Magma is shaping up to be the most exciting thing to come out of Korea since instant ramen. As for the price, it remains to be announced.
Images: Genesis.
