2027 Genesis GV60 Magma Blends Speed and LuxuryMiguel Cortina - MotorTrendTen 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.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.GenesisOn the RoadThe 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendWatching 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.GenesisSprint 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.GenesisInsideStep inside the GV60 Magma, and you see Genesis wasn't interested in simply adding a few sporty accents. The cabin retains the standard GV60's premium feel, but it also layers in enough performance-focused touches to remind you this is the Magma model. Suede bucket seats come standard, offering plenty of lateral support without feeling overly aggressive or difficult to climb into and out of. The familiar rounded interior design remains, but the seats and door panels feature a bold square pattern that gives the interior a more athletic character. U.S.-spec models come exclusively with a black interior accented by orange stitching, a combination we prefer over the white stitching found on the Korean test vehicles. Other Magma-exclusive details include an orange steering-wheel button that provides quick access to the dedicated drive modes.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite its compact footprint, the GV60 Magma feels surprisingly spacious inside. Sitting behind the driver's seat adjusted to our 6-foot driving position, we still had plenty of legroom. The flat floor further enhances the space, giving rear passengers more room to stretch out. It isn't a full-size SUV, but the GV60 Magma offers enough second-row comfort to keep adults happy on longer drives.GenesisGenesis didn't stop at adding more power; the digital experience received the Magma treatment, too. The panel that houses both the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster features exclusive Magma graphics and animations. A dedicated Magma menu lets drivers monitor everything from drive mode settings to battery and motor temperatures, while the digital gauge cluster adopts performance-focused graphics that reinforce the SUV's sporting character. It's a level of attention to detail that Genesis didn't forget about. Many other brands' performance models simply reuse the same displays as their standard counterparts, whereas Genesis created an interface that reinforces the Magma's performance mission every time you get behind the wheel.However, choosing the Magma doesn't mean sacrificing the luxury that's synonymous with Genesis. Our test vehicle came equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, a color head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system, reminding us this is still a premium SUV at heart. The cabin materials are excellent throughout. The suede bucket seats are supportive without compromising comfort, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel feels soft and substantial in your hands. Even the suede headliner, a feature more commonly associated with ultra-luxury brands like Bentley, comes standard on the GV60 Magma.Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendWhen and How MuchOur first experience with the 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma was brief, but it gave us a clear picture of where Genesis is headed. For a brand that has spent the past decade establishing itself as a legitimate luxury player, Magma represents the next step. The GV60 Magma blends the refinement we've come to expect from the company with a level of performance and engagement enthusiasts should take note of.AdvertisementAdvertisementGenesis hasn't announced final pricing, but we expect the electric performance SUV to start around $80,000 when it arrives in U.S. showrooms in the coming months. That's not in what we consider affordable territory, but if this is what Genesis' performance future looks like, it's off to a strong start.Photo credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Miguel Cortina - MotorTrendPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisPhoto credit: GenesisAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Genesis