SEOUL, Aug. 13, 2026 — Genesis has unveiled its next-generation hybrid system, engineered to deliver an electric vehicle (EV)-like driving experience.

Developed to provide customers with a refined electrified driving experience befitting the Genesis brand, the next-generation hybrid system will debut in the GV80 Hybrid, which is scheduled to launch next month.

The Genesis 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System adopts a parallel hybrid configuration consisting of a starter-generator motor (P1), which handles engine starting and power generation, and a drive motor (P2), which provides propulsion and regenerative braking.

The 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System featured in the Genesis GV80 Hybrid delivers a combined maximum output of 352 Pferdestärke and maximum torque of 54.0 kilogram-force meters, representing increases of approximately 16% and 26%, respectively, over the GV80 2.5 Turbo model.

With these advancements, the GV80 Hybrid delivers a 0–100 kilometers per hour acceleration time of approximately 7.1 seconds from a standstill, based on internal testing standards.

Based on internal testing of the five-seat GV80 equipped with 19-inch wheels and two-wheel drive, combined fuel efficiency improved by approximately 25% or more compared to the 2.5 Turbo powertrain, enabling more efficient driving. *

The Genesis 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System is also the first hybrid system from Hyundai Motor Group to feature a liquid-cooled hybrid battery system.

Compared to an air-cooled system, the liquid-cooled battery system enables more efficient temperature management, allowing for higher maximum discharge output and more extensive use of the battery’s available power.

By expanding electric motor engagement across a broader range of driving conditions, the Genesis 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System delivers quieter operation and smooth, linear acceleration, creating a driving experience closer to that of an EV.

To minimize vibration and noise caused by engine operation during a cold start after the vehicle has been parked, Genesis developed the system to make active use of its EV Mode from initial departure until the vehicle reaches approximately 30 kilometers per hour.

This enables the vehicle to move in EV Mode in noise-sensitive environments such as underground parking garages. Once the vehicle enters regular road traffic and exceeds a certain speed, the engine engages, allowing occupants to begin their journey in a quieter and more comfortable environment.

Genesis has also optimized the system to maximize the use of EV Mode on urban roads with frequent traffic lights and during stop-and-go traffic, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

In addition, Genesis lowered the Final Drive Gear Ratio (FGR) — the reduction ratio between the transmission and the wheels — compared to the 2.5 Turbo model to reduce drivetrain noise.

The luxury marque also introduced a new engine crankshaft damper pulley technology designed to reduce both torsional and bending vibrations, helping to minimize engine noise transmitted into the cabin. A Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) damper has also been applied to the new seven-speed rear-wheel-drive transmission to counteract engine rotational vibrations with opposing-phase forces, further enhancing cabin comfort.

Another key feature of the Genesis 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System is its immediate acceleration response, which is similar to that of an EV.

When the driver depresses the accelerator firmly while driving in EV Mode, the system simultaneously performs a downshift and engine clutch engagement, allowing the engine to provide immediate, additional acceleration.

According to internal testing, when the accelerator is depressed while traveling 100 kilometers per hour, the system can resume acceleration approximately 18% faster than the 2.5 gasoline turbo model — delivering responsive performance in situations such as overtaking.

Genesis has also optimized the transmission architecture by enabling the vehicle to reverse using the P2 motor rotating in the opposite direction. This eliminates the need for components associated with a dedicated reverse gear in the transmission. The first-gear ratio has also been set higher to efficiently transmit power from the P2 motor to the wheels while reversing.

The resulting reduction in transmission weight and frictional components improves power transmission efficiency. At the same time, the higher first-gear ratio enhances acceleration performance when pulling away from a standstill.

The Genesis 2.5 Turbo Hybrid System also incorporates a range of hybrid-specific features, including Stay Mode, Hierarchical Predictive Control (HPC) and Smart Regenerative Braking.

Stay Mode uses the high-voltage battery to operate all in-vehicle comfort and convenience functions, including climate control and multimedia systems without starting the engine. This allows occupants to remain comfortable inside the stationary vehicle before and after a journey.

Hybrid HPC predicts the driving route and road conditions to the destination and optimally manages the battery’s state of charge. This allows the system to select and operate the most efficient driving mode, including EV Mode, Hybrid Mode and Regenerative Braking Mode.

Smart Regenerative Braking uses navigation data (including speed-camera information) and the distance to vehicles ahead to automatically determine and apply the optimal level of regenerative braking. By reducing the need for brake pedal input, the system helps reduce driver fatigue while increasing the amount of energy recovered through regenerative braking — contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Genesis also unveiled the design of the upcoming GV80 Hybrid. The GV80 Hybrid features a newly designed exterior grille and wheels, giving the model an even more premium appearance.

Inside, four new two-tone color combinations have been introduced, including Obsidian Black with Taiga Green, and Ultramarine Blue with Travertine Beige. Two new real wood trim options are also available, together with new quilting patterns, offering customers a wider range of interior choices.

“We expect the new powertrain to deliver a differentiated driving experience by achieving a finely tuned balance of efficiency, refinement and performance,” said Sean Lee, global head of Genesis. “Beginning with the GV80 Hybrid, Genesis will continue to respond proactively to evolving market conditions and customer needs while introducing innovative technologies that embody the brand’s distinctive character and philosophy.”

* Official fuel economy figures will be announced following certification by the relevant Korean government authorities.

At Genesis, there just never seems to be an end to them.

“I’m an auto engineer, and I’m quite a passionate one,” says Harrer, Head of the Vehicle Development Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group (the Group). “With my roots in vehicle dynamics and performance, my latest mission to marry Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a performance approach is incredibly exciting.”

The Genesis Newsroom recently sat down with Harrer near his office at the Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, Korea, to learn more about the brand’s high-performance Genesis Magma initiative and plans to introduce hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs).

How is progress coming along for Genesis Magma?

The first Magma model to go into production will be the GV60 Magma, and our planning for this, to bring this to the market, is really very, very aggressive.

From a technical standpoint, what do you think Magma signifies for the Genesis brand?

The Genesis brand right now stands for premium luxury refinement. It’s optimized. It's a very comfortable experience, perfect for premium luxury. Magma is the performance bridge leading to more powerful engines, a bolder stance, a wider body and a lower ride height. Magma is aimed at the customer who wants more horsepower, higher top speed, and bold and sporty optics in each segment.  

How about Genesis’ entry into the realm of motorsports? What impact do you think it will have on the brand’s overall tech advancements?

Motorsports is the toughest testing environment you can find in the auto world. We’re talking about high speeds, aerodynamics, cooling strategies and durability enough to last 24 hours. The things we learn coming out of these races can create a great opportunity for all of us to further enhance our products.

What innovative technologies are currently being developed for future Genesis models?

We’re working day and night to build Genesis-dedicated technologies. Digital experience is super important for us, and so are next-generation propulsion systems, which will allow us to gain even more power and more fuel efficiency.

Is there anything a bit more specific you can share about the future lineup, for instance, the flagship G90?

We are currently enhancing the G90 with numerous ideas for new technologies, including digital experience and improvement to ride quality. We’re also looking forward to more powertrain variations, which go in tandem with our broader efforts to optimize our whole propulsion lineup encompassing electrified and hybridized solutions. 

So the G90, now based on an internal combustion engine (ICE), could have more variations in terms of powertrain?

Definitely. More variations are coming.

Let’s talk about EVs. How do global trends like the EV chasm influence your R&D strategies?

The EV chasm, with this gap between early adopters and the market, is really about the fact that completely transforming or transferring to EVs is taking longer than expected. It's a hard lesson for the whole automotive industry right now and we must react and innovate. We cannot push so hard and bring only EVs to the market. It was a bold goal from us years ago, but we must adjust and face the reality of differences in our customers — that not every customer is ready to go there.

What we’re doing in the meantime is developing hybrid and other hybrid-similar technologies for our customers before we can really go 100-percent EV, 100-percent zero emissions. We will soon offer a larger variety of new EV cars and updated or new Genesis models, with modern propulsion lineups, like the hybrid I mentioned already, or even alternative technologies like the EREV.

Speaking of hybrids and EREVs, when will the first Genesis production model of each hit sales?

Believe it or not, a couple of days ago we had a test drive of our future lineup with hybrid propulsion. This is going full steam, but now is not the right moment to reveal the exact date when we can really bring it to the market. But I promise you, we are working intensively to bring it sooner rather than later. And this is really advanced technology. It fits perfectly with the brand’s premium luxury approach and is the next step for our electrified propulsion.

How will EREVs improve the overall driving experience?

The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics — instant high torque and serene cabin space — with a longer range. It’s kind of a modern hybrid: You can use it as an EV on a daily basis, but if you have to take a long trip, say, from San Francisco to Las Vegas, and you don’t want to carefully plan your route around EV charging stations, it provides seamless driving with the ICE generating electricity for you. This freedom is generating a lot of excitement around the world.

But there’s more to EREVs than range. There’s also the ample power for towing capacity — the energy to tow something like a horse trailer — which remains an unsolved issue with EVs.

How is Genesis collaborating with other companies in the area of EV batteries?

We’re a Korean brand, and the advantage I see here is that we have a strong network of Korean partners that thrive globally. They have battery know-how and technology, and we speak the same language and share the same culture, which allows seamless collaboration and innovation. It’s truly an outstanding environment for an OEM [original equipment manufacturer] like Hyundai to have these partners to work together on not only traditional cells but also on performance cells you will see in the future.

A couple of years ago, the Group announced it would develop a next-generation EV platform aimed at providing significant improvement in driving range on a single charge compared to the Group’s current E-GMP platform. Will this platform also be adaptable to HEVs and EREVs?

We are indeed developing an EV-focused platform dedicated to Genesis that’s aimed at improving driving range on a single charge. Furthermore, to overcome the EV chasm and respond to market conditions, we have begun upgrading this platform to make it adaptable to future tech like EREVs.

What strategies are being employed to maximize driving performance in this new EV/EREV platform?

We can’t do much about the weight of the underfloor batteries in EVs. What we can do, however, is modify weight distribution within the vehicles by optimizing the placement of various components and adjusting the balance of systems. For example, different types of tires could be used at the front and rear to enhance the grip level. Another way would be balancing the drivelines. In the future, you will see more drive-oriented, more powerful e-motors with a rear-wheel bias. This would bring balance by pushing the vehicle from the rear.

What’s really important is that we are now working on a new kind of torque vectoring system for future Genesis models, especially Magma, really cutting-edge, which will bring back agility at every speed. The combination of that with smart tire selection will bring dynamic and performance to the car, despite the mass.

It’s been a year since you’ve joined the Group. Compared to your previous roles working at other car companies in Europe, what particular strengths have you noticed so far in the way of working at Genesis?

What fascinates me most about the Group as a whole, not just Genesis, is the vertical integration. We have about 40 partners and affiliates with whom we work closely together in an intricate automotive value chain. It’s quite unique to see a deep understanding of practically everything — from customer requirements to the manufacturing of small components — and I think this is what makes a huge difference and gives us a lot of innovation power.

What excites you most about the future of Genesis?

I’d have to say combining Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a performance approach. We have really great products in the pipeline that will allow us to create a new foundation and open a new chapter. And most importantly, we have passionate colleagues who will help us get there.