The 641-Horsepower Genesis GV60 Magma Is A Lot Less Expensive Than I Expected

When Genesis first unveiled the GV60 Magma, my interest was immediately piqued. I already love the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, so a shortened version of that platform with all manner of go-fast tech and a properly posh interior felt like taking things to the next level. However, one question’s gone unanswered until now: how much more expensive would it be than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N?

As it turns out, not nearly as expensive as many were expecting, myself included. While speculative figures typically flew in the $80,000 to $85,000 zone, Genesis has surprised us all by selling the GV60 Magma in America for $71,495 including a $1,545 freight charge. That’s only $4,020 more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was when it launched.

Now granted, Hyundai has recently lowered the price of the Ioniq 5 N to $61,500, so we’re still talking about a fairly serious premium for the GV60 Magma. However, in addition to the shorter wheelbase, unique suspension geometry, and all the calibration changes that make it a Genesis, the upgraded amenities you get make the $9,995 premium feel worth it.

Photo credit: Thomas Hundal

If you’re into your music, one of the big creature comforts on the GV60 Magma will be the Bang & Olufsen sound system. It’s not of the same caliber as the Bowers & Wilkins system in a Volvo or the Naim system in a Bentley, but it’s a marked step up in clarity from the Bose system in the Ioniq 5 N. Then there’s the quality of materials inside. Stitched textiles all over the dashboard and door cards, a suede headliner, that lovely circular steering wheel with two-tone solid and perforated leather. Then there are the seats. The Ioniq 5 N’s seats are good, but the GV60 Magma’s 10-way memory front seats are more adjustable, one-touch presettable for households with multiple drivers, and still remarkably well-bolstered. In short, they’re a step up, and that’s important because the seat is something you’re constantly touching when you’re driving.

Photo credit: Thomas Hundal

So, you get a properly lovely interior, but that’s not all. Dual electric motors delivering up to 641 horsepower ought to provide riotous acceleration, while the simulated 9,000 RPM V6 sounds interesting. Paired with Hyundai Motor Group’s simulated gearshifts, there should be proper engagement on hand even in a straight line. Early reports from industry colleagues speak well to the GV60 Magma’s chassis and steering tuning, so this should be one fun upscale EV.

Photo credit: Thomas Hundal

As strange as it sounds, at a time where sticker prices frequently cause eyeballs to pop out of skulls, it seems that Genesis has priced the GV60 Magma right. It takes ingredients we already love, adds some meaningful luxury, and doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for it. For only $2,200 more than a Cadillac Optiq-V, you’re getting a lot more power, some promising drive modes, and an overall leg up in performance. Unless range is your utmost priority in a quick, posh EV crossover, the GV60 Magma sounds like a no-brainer.

Top graphic image: Thomas Hundal

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