South Korean publication ETNews, in an exclusive story published on May 21, 2024, has reported that the next-gen Genesis GV80 will be an electric vehicle.
Production
According to information shared by Hyundai Motor Group with its major part vendors, the Genesis GV90 (project code: JG) is locked as the first electric vehicle to be built on the eM platform. The eM platform, announced in 2022, is an evolution of the E-GMP that underpins the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models.
Initially, the GV90 was slated for mass production in the fourth quarter of 2025, in South Korea. However, due to slower-than-anticipated adoption of EVs, the launch has been pushed to the first quarter of 2026, ETNews added.
Following the GV90, Hyundai plans to release the second-generation Genesis GV80 EV (project code: JX2) as its second electric vehicle based on the eM platform. This new GV80 EV, which will be an electric version of the well-established nameplate, is now programed for mass production in the third quarter of 2026, a quarter later than the original plan.
Conservative targets
The production targets for these new models have been set conservatively. The domestic production target for the GV90 ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 units, while the second-generation GV80 EV is set at 30,000 units. Given that global sales of the GV80 reached 56,469 units last year, these targets reflect cautious optimism, ETNews noted.
Expected Features
Genesis should make the interior of the next-gen GV80 eco-friendly with materials like bioplastic, recycled plastic, recycled yarn, bio polyurethane, and recycled PET fabric and carpet.
The 2026 GV80 should feature Face Connect, a face recognition system for keyless entry, and a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. It will adjust settings based on the driver. We expect it to offer hands-free parking with updated Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and future RSPA 3. A Level 3 Remote Parking Pilot is also in development, for which the new GV80 is a candidate.
Genesis may offer the next-gen GV80 with swivel-type seats in the second row, providing reclining, massage, and entertainment functions. A pop-up display is being developed for eM models, emerging from the dashboard when the driver is seated.
Specifications
ETNews has not reported powertrain details, but our expectations is that the next-gen GV80 will come in RWD and AWD versions. It should support both 800V ultra-fast and 400V fast-charging, with a capacity of 250-350 kW, charging from 5 to 80% in under 25 minutes. V2L technology in the new GV80 should allow it to power external devices and other EVs with up to 3.6 kW, useful for families on camping trips.
According to previous South Korean reports, the company is developing a 113.2 kWh battery pack, which we believe would provide a vehicle of the GV80’s size with a satisfactory range (around 300 miles EPA-est.) and performance. Even the base configuration should have over 300 hp on tap, with the top-end version likely to be a high-performance vehicle developed by Genesis Magma.
Price & Competitors
While nothing is confirmed, the next-gen Genesis GV80 could be introduced for MY2026 in the United States. As electric vehicle adoption in North America has been slower that anticipated, it would be wise for Genesis to have an electrified combustion model that works alongside the all-electric SUV in this region.
The new GV80 could be priced at around USD 80,000 and compete with variants of the Volvo EX90, Audi Q8 e-tron, Jeep Wagoneer S, and the BMW iX.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
