Genesis Gets Its Own EV Platform--What's Next?
The Korean Car Blog has a succinct summary of everything that separates the new eMP architecture (underpinning the new GV90 flagship electric SUV) from the more mundane E-GMP (that's underneath a variety of Hyundai and Kia EVs, as well as the Genesis GV60). The list of upgrades is impressive:
🔹Stiffer structure to support pillarless coach rear doors, with a revised flat-floor architecture to support fully swiveling front seats
🔹Rear-wheel steering (to keep up with the Europeans) and multi-chamber air suspension
🔹Support for larger batteries (up to 123.5kWh) and wireless battery management
🔹Higher-output powertrains and dual electronic limited-slip differential
🔹Centralized compute architecture and advanced high-output zonal controller layout
So, we've got more performance, more comfort, and software-defined vehicle capability--but what's the next step? Just as Genesis has a unique rear-drive ICE architecture that's not shared with its non-luxury siblings, they now their own EV component set. It's described as "customized for full-size luxury, higher power envelopes, and radical cabin packaging", so there may be other opportunities to leverage this architecture:
🔹A Genesis minivan rumor surfaced earlier this year (targeting China), and this platform would be ideal for creating a competitor to Mercedes' VLE and VLS luxury MPVs
🔹A slightly smaller, two-row SUV coupe could offer higher style and more performance to take on the Bentley Torcal (among others)
🔹Although luxury electric cars may not be as popular, a coach-door-equipped electric G90 sedan might be appealing as well.
Curiously not mentioned was the capability to add a range extender. With Hyundai's first EREV--the Santa Fe--due next year, it looks like Hyundai Motor Group may be deploying this technology with their ICE platforms, rather than re-engineering their EV platforms to accept ICE hardware. Genesis is on the list to receive this technology, but now it looks more likely to appear in the GV70 or GV80.
Between this new hardware, the development of the Magma performance sub-brand (and accompanying GT supercar), and the addition of bespoke capability, Genesis appears to be investing for the long term to take on the Tier 1 global luxury brands. I'm curious to see what comes next...
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