Genesis commits to high-performance EVs

South Korean luxury carmaker Genesis is accelerating developments on more high-performance electric vehicles amid competition heating up from BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS divisions.

“As a group, we are looking at the most efficient ways of developing electric cars as we approach the new era, but at Genesis, it is clear that we want to be differentiated. We can’t just carry over from our sister brands,” head of Genesis product planning, Mark Choi, told Autocar.

“We want to separate ourselves on the more high-performance side.

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“We are not keen on a high-performance sub-brand or anything like that, but we do talk about developing ‘effortless’ powertrains – enough power to be enjoyable in all circumstances, and which satisfies the luxury experience.”

The premium marque of the Hyundai Motor Group unveiled three related EV concepts in the past two years – the X Concept, X Speedium Coupe and X Convertible.

Choi said they have received good feedback and could become a reality if it’s “possible and then feasible”.

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Genesis design head, Sangyup Lee, wanted to launch a flagship coupe, but admitted to Autocar that the “flush shapes we want… are not easy to make in production, especially around the A and B-pillar. These are challenging engineering details that we need to be perfected before we can proceed.”

High-performing EV technologies and know-how aren’t out-of-reach for the luxury brand, with its Hyundai and Kia counterparts developing electric N models and selling the hot EV6 GT.

Genesis launched a trio of EVs last year, including the bespoke GV60 crossover, Electrified GV70 SUV, and Electrified G80 sedan. All models already have a performance-edge boasting sub-5.5 second 0-100km/h acceleration times.

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The automaker will only launch all-electric cars from 2025, with six new models slated by 2030.

Genesis executives also confirmed to the British publication that it’s evaluating the launch of a smaller, Europe-focused EV inspired by the 2019 Mint concept to rival the upcoming ‘Tesla Model 2’.