Genesis starts to electrify model range in Europe

Hyundai's premium brand Genesis is phasing out its pure combustion models in Europe and plans to fully electrify its European product range this year. The three all-electric models GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 are to receive an update this year.

Specifically, Genesis is announcing ‘more battery power, more extensive equipment and further improvements’ for its three existing BEV models. Genesis has not yet provided any technical data on the updates, and there is only a more precise timing for two models.

For the Electrified G80, it is stated that the electric saloon will be available from the second quarter with a longer wheelbase and greater range. The current version has an 87.2 kWh battery for a range of up to 520 kilometres. The Electrified GV70 electric SUV is set to receive a mid-life facelift in the summer. This will not only give it a visual refresh but also a longer range. The model currently uses the 77.4 kWh battery known from other Hyundai and Kia models – an upgrade to the 84 kWh battery is therefore likely, but not confirmed. In the USA, the model has already been offered with this battery since the facelift.

In the case of the third electric model, the matter is clear: Genesis presented the facelift for the GV60 electric SUV, which is based on the E-GMP from Hyundai, at the beginning of January. Even then, there were ‘only’ pictures and statements about the design, but here too – as with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 – the switch to the 84.0 kWh battery is obvious.

Further electric models in new vehicle segments are to follow “in the coming years,” as Genesis announces rather generally. Only one model is mentioned specifically, even if it is not entirely new: with the GV60 Magma of the high-performance sub-brand of Genesis, the Hyundai subsidiary wants to enter “the world of all-electric high-performance models.” However, anything other than the adoption of the 478 kW drive from the Ioniq 5 N and the revised Kia EV6 GT would be a surprise.

In addition, the Genesis range will be expanded to include hybrid models in the future – Hyundai had originally planned to switch completely to pure electric drives by 2025 but softened this target in 2024. The conventional combustion models – the G70, G70 Shooting Brake and G80 – will no longer be offered in Europe; only vehicles from stock can be purchased. The flagship G90 will continue to be offered in Germany and Switzerland until the middle of the year, after which it will also be discontinued.

“Since arriving in the UK, Genesis has led the way in premium electrification,” says Jonny Miller, Brand Director for Genesis Motor UK. “As a brand, we’ve established our presence in the markets with award-winning cars and customer service excellence. We’re committed to responding to customer and market feedback, and we’re confident our transition to an electric range, joined by future hybrid models, is the right direction.”

genesiseurope.com