The Korean luxury brand’s first Magma model delivers the performance enthusiasts have waited for without sacrificing the refinement that made Genesis a success.
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Ten years ago, Genesis set out to prove it could build world-class luxury cars. It didn’t take long to earn recognition, with three of its models taking home MotorTrend Car and SUV of the Year honors. Now the Korean automaker turns its attention to performance. Enter Magma, Genesis’ new performance subbrand that arrives alongside a huge racing effort that recently completed its first 24 Hours of Le Mans. Soon, American buyers will get their first taste of this new, hotter side with the arrival of the 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma , an all-electric compact SUV that kicks off the Magma era.
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The 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma is more than just another trim level. It marks Genesis’ entry into one of the most fiercely contested corners of the luxury market. For decades, German automakers have dominated the performance SUV space with Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi S models. Now Genesis wants a seat at that table. And while the GV60 Magma is the first Magma model headed to the U.S., it’s only the beginning. Expect the performance subbrand to expand across the Genesis lineup in the coming years.
To find out whether Genesis has what it takes to challenge Europe’s performance elite, we traveled to the company’s home base in South Korea. There, we got behind the wheel of the Genesis GV60 Magma just months before the all-electric performance SUV makes its way to American roads.
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On the Road
The good news for Genesis is that it didn’t have to start from scratch. The standard GV60 already rides on a solid foundation, offering competitive range, a refined ride, and some of the fastest charging speeds in the EV segment . The Magma builds on those strengths with a healthy dose of performance. Every U.S.-spec model comes equipped with dual electric motors producing about 601 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. Press the boost button on the steering wheel, and those numbers climb to 640 hp and 583 lb-ft for 15 seconds. Those figures should sound familiar, as the GV60 Magma shares much of its hardware with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, one of the most entertaining performance EVs on the market, and the quickest SUV MotorTrend has ever tested.
The performance model is 3.6 inches longer than the standard GV60, though most of that extra length comes from its more aggressive front and rear fascias rather than a stretched wheelbase. It’s also 2.0 inches wider and 1.0 inch lower, giving the Magma a noticeably more planted and athletic look.
South Korea’s low speed limits kept us from fully exploring the GV60 Magma’s performance, but that hardly mattered. This is the kind of EV that puts a smile on your face without getting close to triple-digit speeds. Like the Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma can simulate gear changes and the sound of an internal combustion engine, making the driving experience far more engaging than you’d expect from a silent EV.
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Watching the virtual tachometer climb toward redline, feeling the “transmission” snap off an upshift, and hearing the synthesized engine note filling the cabin is equal parts convincing and entertaining. Better yet, Genesis resisted the temptation to create a futuristic soundtrack. Instead of sounding like a spaceship, the GV60 Magma delivers an engine note that’s surprisingly authentic. Pair that with instant electric torque, a suspension tuned for spirited driving, and steering that’s pleasantly weighty, and you get an EV that’s just as enjoyable on the morning commute as it is carving up a mountain road.
South Korea’s mountains stretch across much of the country, creating the kind of winding roads that are perfect for performance vehicles. Part of our route took us over Maltijae Pass, a narrow mountain road that climbs more than 1,400 feet through 12 tight hairpin turns. The corners were stacked too closely together to fully unleash the GV60 Magma’s motors, but the road made for a useful test of braking performance and grip. The Pirelli P Zero summer tires wrapped around 21-inch wheels delivered solid traction on the way up the mountain, especially through the tightest corners where the SUV’s weight had less time to settle. We noticed a bit of slip in a few places, but given the sharp turns and elevation changes, it never felt unexpected. The brakes, meanwhile, delivered strong bite and reassuring response. The harder we pressed, the more confidence they provided.
The GV60 Magma offers two exclusive drive modes: GT and Sprint. We spent most of our time in GT, which struck the best balance between performance and everyday usability. Throttle response was immediate without feeling overly aggressive, while the steering and adaptive suspension remained sporty without becoming harsh. GT mode also keeps the electronic limited-slip differential in its Comfort setting, making the SUV feel composed and predictable on winding roads.
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Sprint turns everything up a notch. The suspension dampers stiffen, the steering gains more weight, the dual motors deliver their sharpest responses, and the electronic limited-slip diff switches to its most aggressive calibration. It’s the mode you’ll want when the road opens up and you’re ready to explore the GV60 Magma’s full potential.
Cruising along South Korea’s roads and highways was just as enjoyable as tackling its mountain passes. Switch off the simulated engine sound, and the cabin becomes quiet. Some tire noise still makes its way inside, but conversation with passengers never requires raising your voice. The suspension lets you feel the road a bit more than in a standard GV60, which is exactly what you expect and what enthusiasts want from a performance model. Even so, it never crosses the line into being punishing, striking a balance between comfort and driver engagement that’s easy to live with every day.