Skip advert
Advertisement

Genesis eyeing-up electric sports cars

Hyundai’s premium arm is looking at the business case for electric sports cars, but has ruled out a high-performance sub–brand

Genesis X Concept - front

Genesis is looking at expanding its electric car lineup with a series of high-power flagships that provide “effortless” performance in-keeping with the brand’s “luxury and lifestyle” aspirations, Auto Express has learned.

Following a trio of recent concept cars – the Genesis X Concept, the Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept and the Genesis X Convertible Concept – the brand’s top-level management has said it is looking into the feasibility of high-performance electric sports cars designed to sit alongside the company’s current range of saloons and SUVs

However, head of product planning, Mark Choi, suggests any such models would form part of the core line-up, rather than being separated off in the same way Hyundai has with its hardcore N-badged variants.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“We’re not looking to create a high-performance sub-brand or anything like that,” Choi said. “We have recently decided on a product identity called ‘effortless’ – something that can be enjoyable, but something that has the power and performance that satisfies the customer experience in the luxury field and lifestyle.”

Chief brand officer Graeme Russell followed this by saying: “The reaction [to Genesis X] from the wider media audience, investors, dealers and partners, has all been extremely positive. So from a brand perspective and a desirability perspective, we clearly believe there is an opportunity.

Genesis X Concept

“We ask if it’s possible, if it’s feasible, how we position it and everything else. That’s the stage we’re at,” he said. “I would love to see any one of our Genesis X trilogy come to life; there’s desire for all three, but whether all three are possible is another story. Watch this space.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Genesis is planning to only launch electric cars from 2025, on the way to having a “full-EV lineup by 2030-2031”. The maker’s design language will evolve from the middle of this decade, shying away from the traditional combustion-engined styling and introducing new bodyshapes – possibly including the aforementioned supermini and sports cars.

“It wouldn’t be particularly original for us if we were doing minor changes or if we perhaps were carrying over bodystyles,” Russell said. “I think there is a confidence from design that we can be progressive and audacious. We have a clear strategy – you maintain momentum by maintaining desirability.”

Choi said: “We are going to become electrified, with dedicated electric models – and the styling will reflect that. The electrified models; aerodynamics, frontal area, packaging. It almost asks to be unique so I’m pretty sure you will not see any ICE-vehicle resemblance.”

Elsewhere, Genesis has confirmed it is looking at whether now is the right time to launch a luxury small car, possibly based on 2019’s Mint concept car, first shown at the New York Motor Show. 

“We are looking into a smaller model for the European market. But the time is to be determined,” Choi said.

Now read more about the new Genesis GV80 Coupe...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Genesis cars to grow bigger, posher and faster as brand exits the mainstream
Genesis Neolun concept - front

Genesis cars to grow bigger, posher and faster as brand exits the mainstream

The premium Korean brand is going for prestigious and profitable with its future models
News
7 Apr 2025
Stunning Genesis X Gran Coupe and Convertible concepts preview new flagship two-doors
Genesis X Gran Coupe and Convertible concepts - show

Stunning Genesis X Gran Coupe and Convertible concepts preview new flagship two-doors

This sleek pair of concepts are proof Genesis are serious about taking on Mercs and BMWs in a segment they’ve largely left behind
News
3 Apr 2025
New Genesis GV90 flagship SUV spotted for the first time… in a ditch
Genesis GV90 - front end in a ditch

New Genesis GV90 flagship SUV spotted for the first time… in a ditch

Korea’s answer to the BMW iX and Range Rover Electric is expected to arrive next year – hopefully featuring a Snow mode
News
11 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025