Korean luxury brand Genesis will introduce its first hot Magma model in Australia in 2026, and we’re in line to receive a raft of them.
Revealed only in concept form thus far – although it will soon be pelted around the Mount Panorama circuit by racing legend Jacky Ickx – the GV60 Magma will be the first vehicle from Genesis’ new line of higher-performance vehicles.
“We’re going to launch it in Q4 this year in Korea, maybe Q1 next year in Australia,” Genesis global boss Mike Song told Australian media.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Genesis has previously confirmed that all of its models will get the Magma treatment, having debuted its new sub-brand with concept versions of future GV60, GV80 Coupe and G80 Magma variants.
When asked whether Australia will get access to all Magma production models, Mr Song said: “Yes, except the G90.”
“G90 we don’t have right-hand drive. Any one that has [right-hand drive], we’ll have the Magma model.”
That includes the Magma version of the G80, a low-volume large sedan in Australia but Genesis’ best-selling model in its home market of South Korea.
-
G80 Magma concept
The G80 Magma had previously been confirmed only for the Middle East.
“So for G80 in the Middle East, we are working on it to come up with more power, but at the same time to guarantee the driveability,” said Mr Song.
“We will get it once we finalise the base model for the Middle East, then we will accommodate to Australia.”
While Mr Song said all Genesis models will get the Magma treatment, he confirmed a G70 Magma – one that you can buy, not one you can pay for a ride in at the Nurburgring – hasn’t been locked in.
-
G70 Track Taxi
“We are now gauging demand from the market, if we develop this one. Now we are under study,” he said.
The company hasn’t set a sales target for its new performance sub-brand, but Mr Song said Magma vehicles accounting for 10 per cent of total Genesis sales “would be great” and he believes the company can reach that.
“It will take time, so even though we do not achieve this target with current generation of Genesis, maybe next generation – definitely when we develop any new model Magma will be part of our development and then definitely we have the plan to achieve our goal,” he said.
But in the context of Genesis – and not geology – just what does Magma mean?
-
GV60 Magma concept
“Magma should have a little bit different shape. Not just the regular design, and then certain tuning, enhance the horsepower – [that’s] not the Magma. Magma should have its own characteristics,” said Mr Song.
The GV60 Magma concept features a wider stance, flared wheel-arches and a racy spoiler, among other sporty enhancements.
Underneath the skin, it’s expected to feature similar outputs to the related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which pumps out 478kW and 770Nm, though powertrain specifications have yet to be announced.
Mr Song’s remarks suggest Magma, then, aligns more closely with fully fledged BMW M and Lexus F vehicles rather than tamer M Sport and F Sport model variants.
-
Electrified G80 Magma concept
In addition to previously revealed electric and combustion-powered Magma models, Mr Song also confirmed upcoming hybrid models will get the Magma treatment.
Magma’s signature colour is orange, but Genesis will offer its high-performance vehicles in more than just this retina-searing shade.
Notably, Genesis showed off a Magma concept version of its Electrified G80 EV in China last year finished in blue.
Genesis will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with the launch of the Magma line.
-
Initial Genesis Magma teaser
The luxury brand was founded in November 2015, and Mr Song’s reference to a fourth-quarter launch in Korea for the GV60 Magma suggests a November 2025 market introduction is in the offing.
The brand’s local arm says it’s enthusiastic about bringing Magma products here.
“Australia is a very performance-orientated market, so for us I think having something like that in place for us brings a lot of desirability and credibility to the brand and I think it brings a lot of opportunity,” said Genesis Motors Australia boss Justin Douglass.
“As to what that will mean in numbers, time will tell, but the reality is we know it will really resonate with the Australian public and we’re very excited to bring that to Australia.”
