Genesis GV60 Magma Review: A Sporty Electric SUV That Outdrives the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Genesis GV60 Magma electric SUV review: Genesis France and Italy director Charles Fuster says this is the right moment for Genesis to launch in Europe, particularly in France. Customer loyalty to European brands is declining, he argues, creating an opportunity to win buyers. The brand faces a crowded field, as many Chinese manufacturers are entering the market. Genesis does not.

Genesis GV60 Magma electric SUV review, Digi Mart USA News: Genesis France and Italy director Charles Fuster says this is the right moment for Genesis to launch in Europe, particularly in France. Customer loyalty to European brands is declining, he argues, creating an opportunity to win buyers.

The brand faces a crowded field, as many Chinese manufacturers are entering the market. Genesis does not want to be associated with them, since their image among drivers remains less valued despite recent progress.

To establish its premium credentials, Genesis is competing in the World Endurance Championship with its Genesis Magma Racing team and promoting image models such as the new GV60 Magma.

The GV60 Magma is based on the GV60, an electric SUV measuring 4.55 meters long with a restrained, elegant fastback line. The Magma version is far more aggressive, starting with its Magma Orange paint, which is joined by nine other, more subdued colors.

The front features a large lower air intake and a triple upper intake that subtly houses the front camera. The rear shares the front light design, and an oversized fixed rear spoiler with horn-like ends gives it a distinctly sporty look.

The reviewer notes the styling is a bold choice for a brand seeking a refined premium positioning.

Inside, the rear seat offers generous legroom for a 1.86-meter passenger, though headroom is tight. The front sport seats provide firm support and are heated and ventilated as standard.

Cargo capacity is 400 liters under the window line and 670 liters to the roof, less than the Audi Q4 e-tron’s 520 liters.

The cabin uses a single 27-inch digital display sourced from the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Genesis retains many physical buttons along with a rotary controller reminiscent of BMW iDrive. The reviewer finds the infotainment initially complex, particularly for Magma-specific functions, but expects owners to adapt over time.

On the road, the Magma uses a simulated eight-speed gearbox and an audio-generated V6 engine sound that rises to 9,000 rpm. The reviewer found the simulated shifts and sound enhance the driving experience and reduce passenger motion sickness.

The car’s body was reinforced, and its electronically controlled suspension limits body roll effectively.

With 650 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque from two motors, the GV60 Magma reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h. The reviewer says the brakes lack bite and the pedal feels overly assisted.

The electronic limited-slip differential allows controlled rear-end rotation through corners.

In Comfort mode the car is quiet and smooth. The i-Pedal one-pedal driving mode brings the car to a complete stop, and the reviewer praised its smooth transition between acceleration and deceleration.

Range is rated at 425 km under the WLTP cycle, less than the 52 kWh Volkswagen ID. Polo and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s 448 km.

The reviewer measured roughly 40 kWh/100 km in sporty road driving, while the car charges from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using an 800-volt platform and a 264 kW charging rate communicated by Genesis.

In France the GV60 Magma is available to order at 86,600 euros, with only a 900-euro optional paint color. Genesis currently has two French sales points, in Paris and Lille, with expansion planned.

The reviewer notes there is no direct competitor, though the Alpine A390 GTS and Porsche Macan rear-wheel-drive were mentioned, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N costs 8,600 euros less.

Felix Reeves

Felix Reeves is the Digital Motoring Editor at USA News after joining in July 2023. He previously worked as a Motoring News Reporter at the Express.

If you have a story you want to share, email felix.reeves@icifmede.com or motoring@icifmede.com

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