Who is Genesis? Meet the brand vying for the luxury car crown

Who is Genesis, and are their cars any good?

TL;DR: Who is Genesis?

Genesis is a South Korean luxury car brand, originally the premium division of Hyundai before becoming an independent marque in 2015. 

As of 2026, they're a fully electric brand in the UK, offering three new models — the GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 — spanning electric SUVs and executive saloons. 

While rivals chase autonomous driving and integrated AI, Genesis focuses on comfort, refinement and distinctive design. 

Every new car comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, eight years of battery cover and five years of free servicing.

This South Korean superstar’s approach to luxury driving is electrifying

No, we're not talking about the ‘60s rock band or the book — we're talking about the luxury South Korean car manufacturer: Genesis Motors.

Originally part of Hyundai, they made their debut as an independent marque in 2015.

Genesis offers everything from practical mid-sized SUVs, to sleek saloons, to electric crossovers; all embodying the brand's commitment to thoughtful luxury design.

With the upcoming 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, Genesis have transitioned to being a fully electric brand.

Because a premium, luxury driving experience shouldn't come with the cost of high emissions.

It means clean energy with the latest tech — all wrapped up in distinctively stylish packaging.

And Genesis is doing it better than most. 

Stick with us as we explore exactly what makes this Korean superstar so special.

How did Genesis start?

Genesis was meant to be the luxury division of the major manufacturer, Hyundai.

But customers couldn't get enough of Genesis.

Hyundai were so impressed with the sales they let their luxury line go out into the world on its own, after seven successful years under the Hyundai umbrella.

And it was the best decision they could've made.

The G90 was its flagship model: A full-size, four-door luxury saloon — closely followed by the G80 and Genesis G70.

Saloon models are named by combining the letter 'G' with a number. Likewise, crossovers are assigned 'GV' and a number. Simple names, yes, born from a simple alphanumeric naming convention.

Genesis isn't relying on marketing spin to hype up their luxury selling point. No fussy, frilly names required.

Just pared back elegance on a product that does exactly what it says on the tin.

And it's clearly working.

Genesis sold over a million cars in its first eight years of operation. Not bad for a company that's always had a small line-up.

While the original dream — quiet luxury for the modern age — is still very much the name of the game, we think it's safe to say there's been a definite shift in gears recently.

And there's no better place to see that than in the current Genesis line-up (UK):

• GV60
• Electrified GV70
• Electrified G80 

Does Genesis only make electric cars?

Yes, Genesis currently only have electric cars available. They announced in 2025 that they'd be axing all combustion models to make way for their electric future.

The GV80, G70 and G80 were pulled from UK production, and are now only available in the second-hand market.

Their mission is still to deliver a luxury driving experience to customers anywhere and everywhere.

But like pretty much every manufacturer on the planet, Genesis is moving with the electric current. Launching their flagship EV (the GV60) in 2021, it was the first model to be produced on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

A platform that is also used by Hyundai — no surprises there, we're sure — and Kia.

What makes Genesis so good?

Carmakers have differing ideas about luxury and what it means.

Many Chinese newcomers are pushing integrated AI as the next big thing, while Tesla's focus seems to be on autonomous driving.

Genesis is newer to our roads compared to rivals like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. But the South Korean brand has gone all out on advancing driver and passenger comfort to the next level.

And they put their money where their mouth is, teaming up with the Seoul National University College of Medicine to develop their 'smart posture control' system. This tech automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors and head-up display based on the driver's physical characteristics. 

No more struggling to find the best seat position after your super-short partner has been in the driver's seat.

Genesis was also the first to sport Ergo Motion Seats, designed to improve seating comfort via a pneumatic system. 

Seven air-cells installed inside the seats inflate and deflate depending on the driving mode — so the car is actively optimising your comfort for the kind of driving you're doing.

Models like the GV60 also offer a Relaxation Comfort mode, which optimises the distribution of body pressure to make you feel weightless. 

It's not a feature for driving; it's for those parked up moments, whether you're waiting for the car to charge or arriving early for the school pick-up.

Luxury, but make it practical.

Get to know the full Genesis line-up

Comfort is key, but it's not the only essential.

As you'd expect from a luxury carmaker, Genesis combines distinctive design and the latest technology with a firm commitment to an electric future — all while managing to feel completely attainable.

The current UK line-up is fully electric, spanning executive saloons and premium SUVs. 

Three models, all updated in 2025, all worth knowing about.

Genesis Electrified G80 

Genesis has properly engineered this as a premium electric executive saloon. 

It's now only available in long-wheelbase form, meaning it sits somewhere between a BMW i5 and i7 in terms of space and price — but closer to the i5 on cost.

Under the bonnet, a 94.5kWh battery feeds two motors for four-wheel drive, producing 365bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds. The official WLTP Comb range is 354 miles. Enough for long business trips without range anxiety, and better than the BMW i5 M60 xDrive.

When you do need to charge, a 10-80% top-up takes around 25 minutes at a rapid public charger.

Inside, it's where the Electrified G80 really earns its money:

• A 27-inch display combines the driver's display and infotainment touchscreen, operable via a central dial as well as the touchscreen
• 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard
• Matrix LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a head-up display — all standard
• Triple-sealed door surrounds and active noise cancellation make it genuinely hushed at motorway speeds

Rear legroom is seriously impressive — more than a BMW i5 or Mercedes EQE — thanks to the extended wheelbase. The boot at 354 litres is on the small side compared to rivals, but the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats help with practicality.

If you want a luxury electric saloon that doesn't shout about it, the Electrified G80 makes a compelling case.

Genesis Electrified GV70 

Take everything great about the regular GV70, add instant electric torque, and you've got the Electrified GV70. Updated for 2025 with a bigger battery, revised styling and a completely overhauled interior, it's a more compelling package than ever.

Every version gets two electric motors, four-wheel drive and up to 483bhp, although you only get the full power in 10-second bursts via the Boost button. 

Without it, you're still working with a healthy 429bhp, which is enough to sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds. Quicker than an Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, for reference.

The official WLTP Comb range is 298 miles on entry-level Pure trim, dipping slightly to 287 miles on higher trims with larger wheels. A 10-80% charge takes around 19 minutes at a rapid public charger with a maximum charging rate of 240kW.

Where the Electrified GV70 really impresses is refinement. 

At motorway speeds it's hushed, smooth and genuinely relaxing — the acoustic windscreen and laminated side glass keep wind and tyre noise well at bay. Top-spec Luxury trim adds active noise cancellation as part of a Bang & Olufsen upgrade, taking things even further.

Inside:

• A new 27-inch screen combines the driver's display and infotainment, a significant upgrade over the previous 14.5-inch setup
• Rotary controller sits centrally, reducing touchscreen distraction while driving
• Physical climate control dials — a genuine advantage over most rivals
• Optional Nappa leather and Comfort Seat pack with massaging front seats available on higher trims

Rear space is fine for two six-footers, and the 503-litre boot is a decent size. Larger than the GV60 and enough for a pushchair or golf clubs with no loading lip to negotiate.

If you want a premium electric SUV that prioritises comfort and refinement over outright range, the Electrified GV70 is well worth a look.

Genesis GV60

The Genesis GV60 is the stuff of sci-fi dreams.

And we mean that in the best possible way.

As Genesis's first dedicated electric vehicle, the GV60 was built from the ground up to be electric — no compromises, no adapting an existing platform. It's also the brand's best-selling model since it launched in 2022, and a recent facelift has made it better still.

You can have the GV60 in three guises — Pure, Sport and Performance — all sharing an 80kWh battery. The entry-level Pure is rear-wheel drive with 226bhp and a WLTP Comb range of 348 miles. Step up to Sport or Performance and you get four-wheel drive and significantly more power, though range drops slightly to 318 and 311 miles respectively.

The Performance variant is the headline act. 429bhp normally, rising to 483bhp in short bursts via Boost mode, with 0-62mph in just four seconds. It also gets a Virtual Gearshift system that simulates an automatic gearbox through the steering wheel paddles. 

Entirely synthetic, but genuinely fun.

All versions are impressively refined on the move — quieter than a Kia EV6 or Tesla Model Y — and the Pure's 19-inch wheels give it the most comfortable ride of the range.

Inside, it's a proper showpiece:

• A 27-inch screen combines the driver's display and infotainment, with a rotary controller as an alternative to the touchscreen
• The Crystal Sphere on the centre console spins to reveal the drive selector when you press start
• Premium soft-touch materials throughout — you'd be hard pressed to find a scratchy plastic
• Optional Nappa leather, Bang & Olufsen 17-speaker stereo and digital door mirrors available

Charging is quick across the range. All versions support up to 240kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up in as little as 18 minutes at a suitable rapid charger.

Boot space is 432 litres, which is adequate rather than generous, and smaller than most direct rivals. Rear headroom is also slightly compromised by the sloping roofline, so worth bearing in mind for taller passengers.

The GV60 comes backed by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, eight years of battery cover, and five years of free servicing and over-the-air updates.

The GV60 started Genesis's electric story. 

It's still one of the best reasons to pay attention to the brand.

Why Genesis is worth your attention 

Genesis might be relatively new to UK roads, but they're already making a strong case for a place in the luxury car conversation. 

Three fully electric models, a clear commitment to refinement over gimmicks, and a design language that stands apart from the German establishment.

Whether you're drawn to the executive presence of the Electrified G80, the everyday usability of the Electrified GV70, or the tech-forward GV60, there's a Genesis worth considering.