Written by Genesis Motor
Genesis Motor is the luxury car brand of Hyundai Motor Group, and since 2015 it has grown into a rival for BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. This guide covers the current Genesis lineup, as well as the brand’s history and ownership, its awards and its new racing program.
Genesis Motor at a Glance
Launched 4 November 2015 As a standalone luxury brand
Roots Hyundai Genesis sedan Sold as a Hyundai from 2008
Headquarters Seoul South Korea
Owner Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Company
Sales 2025 221,482 Worldwide; US record of 82,331
Leadership Sean Lee Global Head of Genesis since December 2025
Genesis Motor Model Lineup
Genesis Motor sells sedans, SUVs and electric cars, so the list below shows its core models in 2026, grouped by type. Most are built in Ulsan, South Korea, while the GV70 for North America is built in Alabama. In addition, the brand launched its Magma performance line in 2026, and its first hybrid arrives late in the year.
Sedans (3)
Sports sedan
Genesis G70
Gas Rear or all-wheel drive
The G70 is the brand’s smallest sedan, while it was first unveiled in 2016. As a result of its sharp handling, it was named both 2019 North American Car of the Year and MotorTrend Car of the Year.
Executive sedan
Genesis G80
Gas Electric
The G80 grew out of the Hyundai Genesis sedan, so it was the first Genesis to pass 500,000 sales. In addition, the Electrified G80 of 2021 was the brand’s first electric car.
Luxury sedan
Genesis G90
Gas Flagship
The G90 was the first Genesis model when it launched in December 2015. Today it is still the brand’s flagship sedan.
SUVs (3)
Compact SUV
Genesis GV70
Gas Electric
In 2021 the GV70 was named MotorTrend SUV of the Year for 2022. Meanwhile, the Electrified GV70 is built in Montgomery, Alabama, the first Genesis made in North America.
Large SUV
Genesis GV80
Gas Hybrid due 2026
The GV80 was the first Genesis SUV when it arrived in 2020. In addition, it will offer the brand’s first hybrid from late 2026.
Coupe SUV
Genesis GV80 Coupe
Gas Turbo V6
The GV80 Coupe arrived in 2024, while its top engine uses an electric supercharger for 409 hp.
Electric (3)
Electric crossover
Genesis GV60
Electric E-GMP
When it arrived in 2021, the GV60 was the first Genesis built on a dedicated electric platform.
Performance EV
Genesis GV60 Magma
Electric Up to 650 hp
The GV60 Magma is the first model of the brand’s Magma performance line. It produces up to 650 hp in boost mode, while launches in Europe and North America follow in 2026.
Electric flagship SUV
Genesis GV90
Electric 123.5 kWh
The GV90 was revealed in 2026 as the brand’s electric flagship. In addition, its 123.5 kWh battery is the largest in any Hyundai Motor Group electric car.
What Is Genesis Motor?
Genesis Motor is the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, based in Seoul, South Korea. It began as the Hyundai Genesis, a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan launched in 2008, which won North American Car of the Year in 2009. Then, on 4 November 2015, Hyundai turned Genesis into a separate brand.
The first Genesis model, the G90 flagship, arrived in December 2015, and then the G70, G80 and a range of SUVs followed. Meanwhile, designers Luc Donckerwolke and SangYup Lee gave the brand its distinctive two-line lights and crest grille.
Today Genesis Motor sells in about 20 major markets, and it passed 1.5 million cumulative sales in 2025. Its US sales reached a record 82,331 in 2025, so it outsold Infiniti there. In addition, the brand made its racing debut in the World Endurance Championship in 2026.
Genesis Motor History
Genesis Motor grew from a single Hyundai sedan into a full luxury brand in about a decade.
- 2007 First, Hyundai shows the Concept Genesis at the New York Auto Show.
- 2008 Then production of the Hyundai Genesis sedan begins in Korea in January.
- 2009 The Hyundai Genesis is then named North American Car of the Year.
- 2015 Genesis becomes a separate luxury brand on 4 November, and the G90 launches in December.
- 2016 Genesis launches in the US, while the G70 is unveiled in September.
- 2019 Finally, the G70 wins both North American Car of the Year and MotorTrend Car of the Year.
- 2020 Later, the GV80 arrives as the first Genesis SUV.
- 2021 Genesis enters Europe, while the Electrified G80 and GV60 arrive.
- 2023 Electrified GV70 production starts in Alabama, and Genesis passes 1 million sales.
- 2024 Meanwhile, Genesis Magma Racing is founded in December.
- 2025 The GV60 Magma is unveiled, and the brand passes 1.5 million sales.
- 2026 Genesis races in the WEC and at Le Mans, while the GV90 electric flagship is revealed.
Iconic Genesis Models
These two cars shaped the story of Genesis Motor, from its Hyundai roots to its new performance line.
2008–2016
Hyundai Genesis
Luxury sedan Car of the Year
The Hyundai Genesis was Hyundai’s first rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, and the first version offered Hyundai’s first V8. As a result of its success, Hyundai turned Genesis into a separate brand.
2024
GV60 Magma Concept
Concept Performance
The GV60 Magma Concept previewed the brand’s new performance line, which then reached production in 2025.
Who Owns Genesis Motor?
Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Company, which is part of Hyundai Motor Group. Its global head reports to Hyundai Motor CEO José Muñoz, while it shares engineering with Hyundai and Kia. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor Group · Seoul
This page Genesis Motor Seoul, South Korea
Sub-brand Magma Performance models, from 2025
Racing team Genesis Magma Racing Hypercar team, founded 2024
Plant Ulsan, South Korea Builds most Genesis models
Plant Montgomery, Alabama Builds the GV70 for North America
Sister brands
As a result of its ownership, Genesis shares platforms and technology with its Hyundai Motor Group sister brands.
In addition, Genesis offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty in the US, together with three years of free maintenance.
Before the brand
- Hyundai Genesis (2008–2016) The Hyundai-badged sedan that later became the Genesis G80.
Genesis Motor Accomplishments
The record of Genesis Motor rests on fast growth, strong safety ratings and a string of major awards.
2009
North American Car of the Year
When the Hyundai Genesis won, it showed that Hyundai could build a luxury car.
2019
Double Car of the Year
Ten years later, the G70 won both North American Car of the Year and MotorTrend Car of the Year.
2022
MotorTrend SUV of the Year
The GV70 won the award, while the whole lineup earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ that year.
82,331
US sales in 2025
It was a record for Genesis in the US, so it outsold Infiniti.
1.5 million
Cumulative sales
Genesis passed 1.5 million sales in late 2025, only ten years after launch.
2026
Le Mans finish
In addition, Genesis became the first Korean brand to race in and finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Genesis Racing History
Genesis Motor entered top-level endurance racing in 2026 with Genesis Magma Racing, led by team principal Cyril Abiteboul. Its GMR-001 Hypercar raced at the Circuit de la Sarthe and at Spa-Francorchamps, where it scored its first points.
24 Hours of Le Mans, 2026
GMR-001 at Le Mans
Debut 13th overall
On its Le Mans debut in 2026, Genesis qualified sixth and ninth. The No. 19 car then finished 13th overall, while the No. 17 retired after about 16 hours.
World Endurance Championship, 2026
Genesis in the WEC
Hypercar First points at Spa
The GMR-001 uses a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8, while its drivers include André Lotterer and Pipo Derani. In addition, the team scored its first points with eighth place at Spa in May 2026.
Talk Genesis With Other Owners
Genesis owners have plenty to share, whether it is a G70 sports sedan or a new GV60 Magma. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Genesis community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- G70 and performance
- Electric Genesis ownership
- Maintenance and warranty
- Luxury SUV comparisons
- Buying used
- Magma models
- Genesis meets and events
- Le Mans and WEC
Genesis Motor FAQ
Is Genesis made by Hyundai?
Yes. Genesis Motor is the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, and it began as the Hyundai Genesis sedan before becoming a separate brand in 2015.
Who owns Genesis?
Genesis is owned by Hyundai Motor Company, part of Hyundai Motor Group. Its global head, Sean Lee, reports to Hyundai Motor CEO José Muñoz.
Where are Genesis cars made?
Since the start, most Genesis models have been built in Ulsan, South Korea. However, the GV70 and Electrified GV70 for North America are built in Montgomery, Alabama.
What are Genesis’s main rivals?
Genesis competes with luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and Lincoln. In the US it outsold Infiniti in 2025.
What warranty does Genesis offer?
In the US, Genesis offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty and three years of free maintenance.
Does Genesis make electric cars?
Yes. Genesis sells the GV60, the Electrified G80 and GV70, and the new GV90 flagship, while the GV60 Magma is its performance EV.
What is Genesis Magma?
Magma is the brand’s performance line, and it launched with the GV60 Magma. It also gives its name to Genesis Magma Racing, the brand’s endurance racing team.
Does Genesis race at Le Mans?
Yes. Genesis Magma Racing made its Le Mans debut in 2026, and its No. 19 GMR-001 finished 13th overall.
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Compare Genesis Motor with its sister brands and its biggest rivals.
Photo credits
- Header image: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2022 Genesis G70 2.0T sports sedan: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis G80 executive sedan at the IAA…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis G90 flagship sedan in Savile Silver: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV60 electric crossover: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV60 Performance and orange GV60 Magma…: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV70 SUV at the IAA 2021: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced SUV: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV80 Coupe: JustAnotherCarDesigner, CC0, cropped and resized.
- 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 sedan, the forerunner…: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV60 Magma Concept at Auto Zurich…: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar No. 17 at the…: T GOUREAU, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GMR-001 No. 19 at the 2026…: MarcelX42, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Genesis GV90 electric SUV: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.