Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, has shifted its promise to fully transition to electric cars in the next 10 years. Good news for electrification enthusiasts is that they are adopting a dual strategy that also involves hybrid cars. In fact, the manufacturer says the next-generation hybrids will not only bring efficiency and performance improvements compared to current models, but they will also borrow features that have largely been reserved for pure electric vehicles.
Last year, Genesis Global Head, Mike Song, stated that buyers clearly prefer hybrid cars over pure electric cars, and the company has been working on new electric models to meet this demand. Now the company has tested prototypes for its future hybrid range, which also includes extended-range electric vehicles (EREV).
According to Manfred Harrer, a senior engineer in charge of powertrain, performance will be the main focus driving the creation of Genesis’ next-generation electric vehicles. Harrer said, “With my roots in vehicle dynamics and performance, my latest mission to marry Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a highly engaging performance approach is very exciting.”
We don’t know much about the upcoming EREVs from the brand, but Harrer shared some insights after spending time with the prototype. He added, “The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics – instant high torque and a quiet cabin – with longer range. Yet, there is more to EREVs than just range. There is also enough power for towing capacity – energy to pull something like a horse trailer – which is still an unresolved issue with EVs.”
Genesis’ new EREVs will be a smaller battery version of the manufacturer’s future EVs, which will also receive a combustion-powered generator to reduce range anxiety and charging.
All vehicles built on the new platform will have a rear-wheel drive bias, positively impacting the driving experience, according to Harrer, who then explained that they can’t do much about the battery weight under the floor in EVs. However, different tire types can be used on the front and rear to increase grip levels. Another way is by balancing drivelines.
Hyundai recently unveiled some specs of its new hybrid system, which will likely be used on Genesis models. One of the innovations introduced is having an integrated starter generator and hybrid traction motor inside the gearbox for enhanced smoothness and reduced noise and vibration.
Two combustion engines will be used to power the hybrid system. The first is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which, along with the electric motor, produces 329 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque in the 2026 Palisade. Hyundai notes that with the hybrid system, fuel efficiency increases by up to 45% and power increases by 19% compared to non-hybrid models with the same engine.
For mid-tier models, Hyundai will use a smaller 1.6-liter turbo-four engine that provides slightly lower torque output up to 280 lb-ft. This engine has been used in the 2025 Santa Fe but will become more common in the coming years.
Palisade is Hyundai’s first hybrid with two-way vehicle-to-vehicle charging (V2L), allowing it to power external equipment from a 1.65 kilowatt-hour battery. V2L will be a feature of all future Hyundai (and Genesis) hybrid cars, not just the brand’s electric cars.
Manfred Harrer also discusses the 600+ hp Genesis GV60 Magma, the hot version expected to debut later this year. This will be Genesis’ first vehicle bearing the Magma designation, which will be used for all the manufacturer’s top performance offerings. Exciting prospects lie ahead for Genesis and Hyundai, with the company saying you’ll be pleased with whichever powertrain you choose.
