The funny thing about long-term plans is that they’re often subject to change. Remember how, several years ago, Genesis announced that all models debuting in 2025 or later would be EVs? Well, now it seems that Genesis is also reportedly focusing on quickly turning out a range of hybrid models, and that’s something worth getting excited about.
As Global Head of Genesis Mike Song told Top Gear, “Electrification is still our vision. We will have 100 percent electrified vehicles, but the market and the customers now want hybrid more than EV, so we really want to bring Genesis hybrid into the market as soon as possible,” adding, “We will apply it to as many models as possible.”
While Genesis already offers a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an electric supercharger in its G90 flagship sedan and GV80 Coupe fastback SUV, such a system is designed primarily to facilitate the operation of power-hungry accessories, and barely puts a dent in fuel consumption. In contrast, a series-parallel hybrid system, like the ones available in most Toyota models, can drive the wheels on electric power alone and should offer significant fuel economy gains.
At the same time, hybrid powertrains hold promise for furthering traits we’ve come to expect from luxury vehicles. Using at least one electric motor to set off means that automatic stop-start systems can be smoother, turbo lag can be filled by electric assistance for smoother power delivery, and being able to glide for short distances on electric power alone should cut noise, vibration, and harshness. All good things for enhancing a luxury experience.
Plus, if the hybrid offerings from Genesis’ parent company Hyundai are of any indication, we should be expecting some seriously good products. Although the transverse platform underneath the Tucson and Santa Fe crossovers is completely different from what Genesis currently offers, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain is affably smooth, puts electric power through a traditional all-wheel-drive system for winter traction, and enables those family crossovers to get some seriously great fuel economy.
While there’s currently no timeline on when we can expect Genesis to launch its hybrid program, this is a brand known for moving quickly. Don’t be surprised to see the brand’s first series-parallel or plug-in hybrid model launch within the next few years, giving Lexus and BMW some serious competition in the hybrid luxury vehicle space.
(Photo credits: Genesis)
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Why does it seem like the Korean brands are just so much more agile than everyone else? Hybrids are in? Half the lineup is hybrid next year. PHEVs? Got them too. EVs? Yup, pick from a few options.
Because they own something like 90% of their supply chain, so it’s much easier for them to pivot.
One thing I’ve noticed is that all of Kia’s hybrid SUVs have half the towing capacity of their ICE counterparts. If they could just fix that, there’s zero reason to stick to a fully ICE SUV.
No offense, but this is hardly news. I fully expect them to just mild-hybrid everything like Volvo did and then call it a day and continue developing EVs. I’ll be glad to be surprised with a full parallel hybrid or PHEV lineup, but I very much doubt it.
They already have a full electric and ICE version of the GV70, so they have experience fitting a decent battery in a chassis that can accommodate an ICE drivetrain.
Since we are going all in on conspiracy theories – EVs were just a giant government ploy to make hybrids seem acceptable.
I would really, really like to see more automakers announcing series hybrids rather than parallel. We’re truly embracing yesterday’s technology by finally adopting parallel hybrids
This fits nicely with the reports that the Electrified GV70 is getting a range extender option in 2026:
https://www.carscoops.com/2024/06/genesis-gv70-reportedly-getting-a-range-extender-hybrid-option-in-2026/
If that comes to pass, I might be looking at an upgrade for the family hauler.
GV70’s interior is fantastic. I was considering the electrified but I couldn’t bring myself to put dogs in that interior.
Luxury vehicles seem like the one segment where there should be no problem going fully electric. It’s why Tesla started with the Model S(its luxury bona fides can be debated but that is the target market).
– Cost/margins are already manageable(see how the i4 isn’t really any more expensive than a comparable gas model)
– Charging should be easiest for wealthier people to have a good setup for.
– Wealthier people tend to own multiple vehicles.
– Road trips: wealthier people can use a second vehicle or just fly and rent.
For people that have a place to charge, resistance to full EV seems to come down to feeling like they need to have 1 vehicle that does everything.
Mmmpfff…. if one of them is a wagon, or at least wagon-ish I would strongly, strongly consider it.
We don’t get the G70 wagon and it’s a goddamn shame because it’s gorgeous. Audi’s new A5/S5 Avant (I’m not sure why there hasn’t been an article here on the new A5, it’s a pretty big deal since it’s essentially merging two models into one) looks incredible too but it’s almost guaranteed to not be coming stateside.
Well, Audi did bring the RS6 avant back stateside, so we can always dream. That G70 wagon is a very sexy beast. Give me a PHEV version with like 40 miles of range for daily commuting and I will absolutely put down a deposit.
Agreed. Would buy!
Yeah unfortunately they already confirmed no Avant for us. MT really got our hopes up a while ago with that article saying it was for sure coming here. Maybe we’ll (by that I mean the wealthy) get lucky and they’ll sneak the Avant in as an RS5.
Like I said, I’m not sure why we haven’t had an article here about it yet. It’s a pretty important car. Despite the fact that I’m often critical of Audi I think they absolutely nailed the design and packaging…and I’m happy the V6 is living on and they’re not going the cursed AMG route. The haptic steering wheel buttons and lack of climate controls are a different matter but unfortunately I think we’re all fighting a losing battle on that front.
Oh and also the (not so) mild hybrid system seems cool as hell. Apparently it can propel the cars up to 18MPH on its own and will have major emissions and fuel economy benefits.
Genesis once again nails it.
This article also serves as a reminder that Genesis have the best-looking range of cars out there right now. Not a dog in the bunch.
I have a garage full of used Audi’s but given their trajectory it may one day be a garage full of used Genesis. The G90 is flat out stunning.
Yep. My next car will be a Genesis, maybe. Love my Audi but they are getting stale. The awesome Rs6 avant is terrible to live with. It’s so wide I may as well drive a truck.
They fell into the same trap as most other automakers. “We’re going to stop investing in ICE and hybrids and go full electric!” followed by “Oh shit, not as many people as we thought want an electric car, wtf are we gonna do?”. VAG is hit especially hard by this due to Dieselgate. Audi nailed it between 2014 and 2024 but the future isn’t looking particularly bright.
“VAG is hit especially hard by this due to Dieselgate.”
Maybe if they had put more effort into Electrify America instead of dooming it to failure.
Many such cases.
This is brilliant. There aren’t enough luxury hybrids, it’s a big hole in the market. Acura has 0 hybrids. Infiniti has 0 hybrids. Cadillac has 0 hybrids. Audi has a few lackluster PHEV and the hybrids Mercedes has are primarily performance oriented PHEVs with lousy range.
Lexus, BMW, and Volvo are the only serious players in this space right now. The general line of thinking is that luxury buyers are more likely to consider an EV, which is why so many of these companies skipped hybrids entirely. It was a dumb decision in retrospect.
Hybrids work now and make a real difference, which is why everyone wants them. Toyota and I assume Lexus can’t keep the damn things on lots because there just aren’t enough options out there. And I agree-Hyundai’s 1.6 turbo hybrid system is excellent, I’ve driven it. I’m not sure how easily Genesis could use it since it’s a transverse 4 popper intended for FWD applications, but we’ll see. It also has the advantage of having an actual gearbox, so you don’t have to deal with the eCVT weirdness that you do in Japanese hybrids.
I’m excited to see where this goes and will be a potential buyer down the road.
I can confirm, at least where I am, that Lexus can’t keep their hybrid models on the lot. BMW and Volvo are having less success in my area, but that has more to do with pricing and not being a Toyota product in Toyota country.
My wife wants a Highlander hybrid as her next car so I casually browse listings every now and then. In my area if they even hit lots at all they’re usually marked up, and if they aren’t they usually sell within a couple hours of being posted. If you want one in an actual color you’d better get on a list.
I…don’t really get it? Like Toyota reliability speaks for itself, I get wanting a hybrid, needing that much space, etc. but I don’t understand paying over sticker or going on a waitlist for a goddamn Highlander. It’s so goddamn bland and devoid of character. It’s the most appliance-ey appliance that ever applianced.
I keep telling her we can get a Santa Fe hybrid in an actual color with an interior that isn’t black for $5,000 less and under sticker….but she’s not budging. We have a year or two at this point, so I’ll keep trying. But I’m also resigned to the fact that I’m probably going to have get on a waitlist and pay $50,000+ for the Highlander that she wants….
I’m in the same boat, except my wife wants the Lexus TX hybrid. Both the Highlander hybrid and the TX hybrid are wait listed and marked up in my area. We had initially considered just getting the TX350, as we could get those slightly under MSRP at launch, but decided to just keep the minivan for a few more years and let the TX hit the used market and/or hope dealers eventually chill with absurd markups.
Hopefully you can convince her. I used to be a Toyota guy but I’m pretty much a Hyundai guy now because they’re cheaper and not as expensive to insure. It doesn’t hurt that my local Hyundai dealer isn’t terrible either. I will say though that the Corolla engine is much quieter than my Elantra’s engine under acceleration. To some people that refinement is worth an extra 1500 or so. For me I’ll just turn the music up.
Cheaper, better warranty: I’m a Toyota guy but if my CRV fails I’m 100% getting a Santa Fe. Also kinda like the PHEV Outlander lol
I mean I daily a Hyundai and have for over two years now. I’ve had 0 issues with it and it’s seen multiple track days. The service folks at my local dealership are fine too and outside of the lousy fuel economy and bad depreciation it’s been cheap to own. The insurance is cheap. The payment is cheap/interest is low. I basically don’t even have to think about any of it.
I think they’re great cars. Unfortunately a lot of people still aren’f ready to consider them. The Kia boys nonsense did a lot of damage and for a lot of people Hyundai means poor. A lot of the stereotypes you see with Nissans get applied to Hyundai too. I’m personally not usually loyal to brands because I think people that are tend to not consider viable alternatives…so none of that shit really bothers me at all/I love having a sleeper.
But a lot of people still can’t get past the stigma. I think some of it’s a bit ridiculous…but at the same time you shouldn’t sell cars that can be stolen by kids with a damn USB cable, so some of it’s deserved as well I suppose.