Genesis GV60 Magma Brings the Fire to New York

Genesis revealed the GV60 Magma last year, the luxury marque’s first go at a performance sub-brand in the mold of BMW’s M, Audi’s RS, or Merc’s AMG. More than just a classier, upscale version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma will pack an outrageous 601 horsepower when it arrives in the U.S. this summer. Like any great performance car, the GV60 Magma has to look the part, and after seeing it in the metal at this week’s New York International Auto Show, it seems like Genesis has hit a home run.

Related: Just Like BMW M: Every Genesis Model Will Get a Magma Version

The Naughty Side of Genesis

For a luxury brand with cars that tend to have a Bentley-like allure, the all-out sportiness of the GV60 Magma can come as a shock when you first see it. The Magma Orange paint immediately jumps out—it’s a far cry from the reserved color palette found on most Genesis models. The stacked headlight design is shared with the normal GV60, but the front fascia features a much more aggressive bumper and a more prominent lip. Triple-hole vents in the bumper are another touch exclusive to the Magma.

Moving around the side, the 21-inch forged black wheels contrast well with the orange paintwork, as do the various gloss-black accents. The side skirts feature three-hole cut-outs that mirror those in front, and there are more aggressive fenders than on normal GV60s. It’s impossible to miss the wing-type rear spoiler, which should boost downforce. The new rear bumper and prominent diffuser add some menace to the rear view. Interestingly, there are no visible ‘Magma’ badges, unlike on a BMW M car.

Related: US-Spec Genesis GV60 Magma Spotted Looking Anything but Boring

A Racy Yet Luxurious Interior

Inside, though, there’s a ‘Magma’ orange button on the steering wheel that unleashes 641 hp in short bursts, as part of the EV’s boost mode. Operating at peak power, this Genesis will easily reach 60 mph in under four seconds. 

Sporty orange stitching can be seen on the dashboard, steering wheel, and seats. Speaking of seats, these have a satisfying suede-like material, which should help to hold occupants in place. Orange seat belts add another dash of flair, but the craftsmanship inherent in every Genesis model is still evident in details like the Crystal Sphere gear selector, which has an eerie orange glow in the Magma.

Overall, it’s a high-quality cabin with a lot more personality than a Tesla’s interior. It feels like you’re seated in a sporty, sophisticated machine.

What Are Its Rivals?

As a small but high-performance electric crossover, the GV60 Magma will compete against rivals like the Cadillac Optiq-V (perhaps its closest competitor in terms of its mix of performance and luxury), the Tesla Model Y Performance, and the Porsche Macan Electric.

All deliver breathtaking straight-line performance, especially the Tesla, which shoots to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. What should differentiate them is the driving experience and the level of luxury. The Tesla has a sparser interior than the others, but some will prefer the minimalist look. If you prefer sporty responses, Porsche typically has the edge, but we won’t underestimate the GV60 Magma. After all, Hyundai showed us what it can do with a performance EV in the fantastic Ioniq 5 N. If the Magma drives as well as that, it’ll be a blast.

These vehicles all show that EVs need not only be refined and environmentally friendly, but also genuinely enjoyable.