Genesis GV60 Magma: a road and track test of the 650 cc electric SUV that pretends to be petrol-powered. And it pulls it off
The model, developed by Hyundai’s newly launched sports sub-brand, shares technologies with the Ioniq N series that combine zero emissions with an engaging driving experience
Key points
The Genesis brand is breaking new ground with Magma. It makes its debut by giving the GV60 compact SUV a high-performance makeover, whilst ensuring it retains the premium characteristics of the brand, of which it is the sporty embodiment. Magma is tackling this mission not only by producing zero-emission super-sports models but also by competing in motorsport – an endeavour that, this year, culminates in participation in the World Endurance Championship. In practice, Magma is tasked with taking Genesis’s offensive into the arena where Audi, BMW and Mercedes field their RS, M Motorsport and AMG models respectively, both on the road and on the track. The GV60 Magma competes with the corresponding models from these category brands at a price of 88,000 euros.
Genesis GV60 Magma: sophisticated technologies that fool the senses
Developed at Hyundai’s R&D centres in Korea and Germany and fine-tuned, in particular, at the French circuit of Le Castellet – home to the Genesis Magma Racing operational base – the most powerful SUV in the GV60 family is based, like certain Hyundai and Kia models, on the 800-volt E-GMP modular electric platform. Furthermore, it incorporates, in a suitably customised form, the original technologies from its Ioniq 5 and 6 ‘N’ series cousins – that is, those developed by Hyundai’s high-performance division. The most distinctive feature is the software that faithfully emulates an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. When this function is activated, the paddles behind the steering wheel cease to control regenerative braking and instead act as the gearbox controls. The system fills the cabin with the sound of a real V6 engine, interrupts the delivery of drive torque during gear changes, simulating the associated jerks, accompanying downshifts with double-clutching and crackling sounds, and accelerations with exhilarating symphonies, even activating a rev limiter if you do not change gear before thethe rev counter needle displayed in the digital cockpit reaches 9,000!
The technology is paired with a twin-motor powertrain that also provides all-wheel drive; in overboost mode, it delivers the same 650 cavalli of power as its Hyundai cousins but with higher torque: 790 Nm. These figures propel this SUV to 264 per hour, from 0 to 100 in 3.4 seconds and to 200 in 10.9 seconds, whilst achieving a claimed average consumption of 21.5 kWh/100 km. The system is powered by an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged via direct current at up to 264 kW, taking just 18 minutes to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent, and which promises a range of 425 kilometres. When the GV60 Magma is pushed to its limits, a thermal management system kicks in to maintain the battery at its optimum temperature. The GV60 Magma, alongside a suite of ADAS features for advanced Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, features adaptive suspension and an electronically controlled rear differential
Genesis GV60 Magma: its design is defined by aerodynamics
The Magma version of Genesis’s compact SUV is 4.63 metres long – slightly longer than the standard GV60 – 1.94 metres wide, 1.56 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.90 metres. Its appearance highlights the updates made to the design compared to the standard GV60. In fact, the Magma is also wider and sits lower to the ground than the standard GV60, thanks to its 20-millimetre-lowered ride height. The front end is dominated by the redesigned bumper shield, which incorporates different, wider air intakes; the front flanks feature airflow guides that reduce turbulence and are slightly reinforced by widened wheel arches, beneath which sit 21-inch fitted with Pirelli PZero tyres developed specifically for this model, whilst at the rear, the large ducktail spoiler – featuring side fins – stands out, spanning the entire rear to generate substantial vertical downforce at high speeds and reduce lift.
Genesis GV60 Magma: inside, it’s a sophisticated, high-tech lounge
Inside the cabin, the Magma brand’s sporting spirit blends harmoniously with the meticulous finish. The front seats, which are contoured to hug the body and, thanks to their precise electric adjustments, fit like a bespoke suit, are upholstered in suede with contrasting stitching. The interior design combines numerous physical controls scattered across the steering wheel, at the base of the dashboard and on the centre console – where the rotary gear selector is also located – with that
