[Driven] GV60 Magma Captures Both Luxury and High Performance

Public roads and drag races... experiencing the GV60 Magma
10.9 seconds to 200 km/h, top speed of 264 km/h
When you want to relax, enjoy comfortable driving in Comfort mode

We had the opportunity to experience the Genesis GV60 Magma, a model that combines both design and performance. The GV60 Magma was officially launched in Korea last month.

On the 10th, we drove the GV60 for approximately 50 kilometers, from the Automobile Safety Research Institute of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, to Genesis Suji. Through a 'drag race,' which involved rapid acceleration and hard braking using launch control, we were able to push the GV60 Magma's performance to its limits. Thanks to its boost mode and sprint mode, the GV60 Magma delivered powerful yet lively output, while the Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system created the sensation of driving a high-performance internal combustion engine vehicle. When a more comfortable drive was needed, comfort mode allowed for quiet and smooth driving.

The GV60 Magma after completing a drag-and-race at the Automobile Safety Research Institute of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province on the 10th. Photo by Choi Youngchan

Comfortable High Performance in Everyday Life

The first thing I noticed upon getting into the car was the functionality and comfort of the Magma-exclusive bucket seats. Even after driving for more than an hour, there was no discomfort. The GV60 Magma features 10-way bucket seats designed to firmly support the body, providing more precise control and enhanced comfort.

The feature that effectively blocks out external noise made the GV60 Magma feel like an even more comfortable space. This was achieved not only by adding extra sound-absorbing and insulating materials throughout the body, but also by smoothing out the electric motor's characteristic harmonics through motor control and reducing gear noise. Most notably, the standard Active Road Noise Control (ANC-R) system was especially impressive. This technology uses information from accelerometers on all four wheel suspensions to detect low-frequency noise from the road surface and emits sound waves of the opposite phase through speakers to reduce the noise. Microphones inside the vehicle monitor the level of noise reduction and continually adjust the control logic to maintain a consistently comfortable cabin environment.

Genesis GV60 Magma interior. Genesis

The Most Powerful Model Among Genesis Lineup

On typical roads like those we drove that day, comfort mode or range mode alone allowed for a relaxed drive. The GV60 Magma is equipped with the most powerful Power Electric (PE) system of any Genesis model to date, always providing ample output. The front motor outputs 175kW/370Nm, while the rear motor delivers 303kW/420Nm. In boost mode, their combined output reaches a maximum of 478kW (approximately 650PS) and 790Nm (about 80.6kgf·m) of torque.

Additionally, the 84kWh NCM battery has had its heater capacity increased for active temperature management during sporty driving or before fast charging. Notably, by utilizing the motor and inverter, the DC fast charger’s incoming voltage of 400V can be increased to 800V for ultra-fast charging, and eliminating the dedicated boost converter helped reduce weight. As a result, the GV60 Magma stands out among high-performance EVs for maintaining both track-ready performance and excellent long-distance high-speed efficiency.

The true character of the GV60 Magma emerges when you press the Magma-colored drive mode button to engage GT mode or sprint mode. Switching to GT mode after setting off transforms the suspension characteristics to enhance driving pleasure. The steering wheel communicates far more feedback from the road, and the heavier feel of the steering makes it easier to enjoy dynamic driving.

Ultimately, true to the name 'GT', which stands for long-distance high-speed cruising, the GV60 Magma offers a superb experience of driving swiftly and comfortably on expressways, thanks to its ample power and outstanding driving stability. Of course, using advanced driver assistance systems like Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) allows for a relaxed and quiet journey with the aid of the car's technology.

Genesis GV60 Magma. Genesis

10.9 Seconds to 200km/h, Top Speed of 264km/h

At the Automobile Safety Research Institute, where general vehicle access is restricted, the true capabilities of the GV60 Magma could be observed. The acceleration performance experienced during the drag race was impressive. Utilizing both launch control and boost mode in sprint mode, we accelerated to a point 300 meters from the starting line and then tested the car’s powerful braking. Even when the dampers were heavily compressed and the front end of the car dipped under hard braking, the GV60 Magma maintained complete stability.

VGS further enhanced the exhilaration of the drag race. The torque variation of the motor provides the satisfying shift feel of an 8-speed DCT, making gear changes engaging. On regular roads, you can use the paddle shifters for manual control and enjoy the E-Active Sound Design Plus feature, which simulates the sound of a high-revving six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

The GV60 Magma accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, and from 0 to 200km/h in 10.9 seconds. The boost mode, which operates for 15 seconds, still offers ample power even beyond the ultra-high-speed range of 200km/h. The GV60 Magma's top speed is 264km/h.

In drag racing, the fact that boost mode automatically activates when the accelerator pedal is pressed more than 95% was a major advantage. On the track’s long straight, you could focus entirely on acceleration without having to search for and press a button. This simplicity of choice, without complicated steps, is Genesis’s approach to enjoying luxury performance.

The GV60 Magma is offered in a single trim, with a selling price of 96,570,000 won based on the individual consumption tax rate of 3.5%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.