Genesis Says Its New Hybrids Will Surprise You

A Genesis executive confirmed he’s already tested a working prototype EREV hybrid

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Luxury might be where Genesis built its name, but lately, it’s been looking beyond plush cabins and elegant sedans. The brand has started flexing its muscles in motorsport and now seems ready to explore more performance-oriented territory through its new Magma sub-brand – think of it as Genesis’s answer to BMW’s M division. Alongside that push comes word of a deeper dive into electrification.

Read: Genesis G80 Magma Hints At Performance Electric Sedan

Manfred Harrer, the head of Genesis’s performance development tech unit, recently shared that these new systems are well underway. While Genesis currently offers a limited mix of internal combustion and fully electric models, it has made no secret of its plan to expand its electrified lineup, especially by adding traditional hybrids into the mix.

Hybrids, But Not as You Know Them

We first heard about the brand’s hybrid ambitions last year, but Harrer just confirmed that Genesis is working on both conventional hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). He also revealed he’s already had seat time in one of the prototypes.

“This is going full steam, but now is not the right moment to reveal the exact date when we can really bring it to the market,” he said of the project. “But I promise you, we are working intensively to bring it sooner rather than later. And this is really advanced technology. It fits perfectly with the brand’s premium luxury approach and is the next step for our electrified propulsion.”

The Case for EREVs

Harrer also spoke about the brand’s planned EREVs. He noted they offer a similar seamless driving experience to an EV, but with more range. Genesis’s first range-extender model is expected to be a special version of the GV70 tailored for North America, though Harrer stopped short of confirming that outright.

“The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics – instant high torque and serene cabin space – with a longer range,” he said. “It’s kind of a modern hybrid: You can use it as an EV on a daily basis, but if you have to take a long trip, say, from San Francisco to Las Vegas, and you don’t want to carefully plan your route around EV charging stations, it provides seamless driving with the ICE generating electricity for you. This freedom is generating a lot of excitement around the world.”

“But there’s more to EREVs than range. There’s also the ample power for towing capacity – the energy to tow something like a horse trailer – which remains an unsolved issue with EVs.”

Next-Gen EV Platform in the Works

In addition to new powertrains, Genesis is also working on a next-generation EV platform that promises to boost driving range. This new platform will also support EREV options and include a “new kind of torque vectoring system” that promises to “bring back agility at every speed.”

“We can’t do much about the weight of the underfloor batteries in EVs,” Harrer said. “What we can do, however, is modify weight distribution within the vehicles by optimizing the placement of various components and adjusting the balance of systems. For example, different types of tires could be used at the front and rear to enhance the grip level. Another way would be balancing the drivelines. In the future, you will see more drive-oriented, more powerful e-motors with a rear-wheel bias. This would bring balance by pushing the vehicle from the rear.”

More Powertrains Coming to G90

Harrer also confirmed that the first model to carry the Magma nameplate will be the GV60. As for the flagship G90, he hinted at some notable updates on the way, including a broader range of powertrain options.

“We are currently enhancing the G90 with numerous ideas for new technologies, including digital experiences and improvements to ride quality, ” he said. We’re also looking forward to more powertrain variations, which go in tandem with our broader efforts to optimise our whole propulsion lineup encompassing electrified and hybridized solutions.”