Several carmakers have invested time and money in high-performance electric SUVs, with the Porsche Macan, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Lotus Eletre all recent additions to the segment.
Korean brand Genesis is the latest to do so, last week officially revealing the GV60 Magma - a luxury-focused, ‘super-powered’ rival to the aforementioned Macan Electric.
The GV60 Magma is the first model to receive a performance model from the new Genesis Magma performance subbrand. Genesis has described the car as a “luxury grand tourer with the agility of a track car”.
The GV60 Magma boasts significant performance-based enhancements, evident in its revised exterior styling.
The front and rear bumpers have been re-engineered to optimise airflow, reducing front lift and increasing rear downforce. A bespoke large rear spoiler further aids this.
Distinguishing features of the Magma include a signature design element: three holes in the front bumper, which also appear on the side skirts. These not only enhance cooling and airflow but will serve as a hallmark of Magma models. The exterior also features high-gloss moulding and dark metal accents.
Inside, the Magma cabin is extensively trimmed in suede-like Chamude fabric with contrasting orange and grey stitching. The custom steering wheel is a focal point, featuring orange accents on the bespoke boost and drive mode buttons.
The bespoke Magma mode digital interface incorporates a three-circle instrument cluster. This display provides information such as motor and battery temperatures, speed, and g-force. Furthermore, selecting the virtual gearshift and High-Performance Battery Control modes adds a timer and pedal input levels to the cluster.
Beneath the metal, the GV60 Magma sits on the same E-GMP platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. As a result, much of its underpinnings are also shared, down to its powertrain and motor setup.
Power is sourced from an 84kWh battery, which is capable of charging at speeds of up to 240kW. Genesis has kept the car’s range figure under wraps for now, but claims an efficiency figure of 23.2kWh/100km (2.67mpkWh), which indicates a real-world range of around 360km (224 miles). The Ioniq 5 N, meanwhile, has a range of 278 miles.
The GV60 Magma is driven by two electric motors, delivering a combined power output of 641bhp and 583b ft of torque. Individually, the front motor produces 222bhp, while the rear motor offers 378bhp.
With launch control activated, the SUV will accelerate from 0 to 100kph (0 to 62mph) in just 3.4 seconds, making the GV60 Magma faster than several Porsche sports cars and closer rivals, such as the BMW iX M60. It will also hit 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in 10.9sec.
The car will feature three drive modes: Sprint, GT, and a configurable 'My' mode. In the 'My' mode, the driver can tailor systems such as the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and stability control.
Additionally, a Drift mode will be available. Mirroring its Hyundai relatives, the vehicle includes a virtual gearshift system. This system simulates a manual combustion sports car experience by adjusting motor output, torque, and regenerative braking.
The changes don’t stop at design and performance. The GV60’s chassis has also been upgraded with a new electronic limited-slip differential added. Total weight stands at 2240kg.
The suspension has also been upgraded with new geometry and a recalibrated roll centre, which should, in theory, balance stability when cornering and offer some ride comfort benefits.
Tuned specifically for the 21-inch wheels, the GV60 Magma features large-diameter 400mm disc brakes and front monoblock callipers. It runs on custom 275mm Pirelli tyres—the widest ever offered on a GV60.
The battery's thermal management system has been updated to handle the high-performance motors. This includes enhanced cooling that enables the Boost mode to be used for extended periods.
