Hyundai a brand that has steadily risen from offering budget-friendly cars to establishing itself as a trusted name in Indiaโs premium vehicle segment, is now gearing up for a significant milestone. Fresh off its successful stock market debut in India, the South Korean automaker is setting its sights on the luxury car market by introducing its premium Genesis brand. With plans to potentially launch its first Genesis model as early as 2026, Hyundai is poised to redefine its presence in Indiaโs high-end automotive landscape.
A Strategic Move Toward Luxury
For over a decade, Hyundai has been carefully studying the Indian market to bring its luxury vision to life. The Genesis brand, launched globally in 2015, evolved from Hyundaiโs executive sedan, initially known as the Hyundai Genesis, now rebranded as the G80. This sedan laid the groundwork for Genesis, which has since grown into a standalone luxury marque. Hyundaiโs Indian arm has now confirmed its intent to bring Genesis to India, marking a pivotal shift from planning to action.
In its FY2025 investor report, Hyundai Motor Indiaโs leadership hinted at this ambitious step. โWe are actively exploring the launch of our Genesis brand to cater to Indiaโs growing luxury car segment,โ said Tarun Garg, Hyundai Motor Indiaโs COO and Whole-Time Director. To drive this initiative forward, Hyundai has appointed Anuraag Singh as the Vertical Head for Genesis India, signaling a clear commitment to making this venture a success.
Genesis: A Diverse and Premium Lineup
In less than ten years, Genesis has built an impressive portfolio of eight distinct models, catering to a wide range of luxury buyers worldwide. The lineup includes:
- G70: A stylish D-segment sedan, also available as a G70 Shooting Brake tailored for European markets.
- G80: An elegant E-segment sedan, offering a blend of sophistication and performance.
- G90: A flagship F-segment sedan designed for ultimate luxury.
- GV60: A compact C-segment SUV, designed from the ground up as a fully electric vehicle.
- GV70: A versatile D-segment SUV, available in both conventional and electric variants.
- GV80: A spacious E-segment SUV, with a sleek GV80 Coupe variant also offered.
Genesis has also embraced electrification, with three fully electric models: the GV60, Electrified G80, and Electrified GV70. Looking ahead, Genesis plans to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), with the first model expected to debut globally in 2026.
Why SUVs and EVs for India?
Hyundaiโs Indian subsidiary is particularly focused on Genesis SUVs, aligning with Indiaโs strong consumer preference for high-ground-clearance vehicles. The countryโs diverse road conditions, ranging from urban highways to rural unpaved paths, make SUVs a practical and popular choice. Additionally, Indiaโs favorable tax structure for electric vehiclesโlevied at just 5% GST compared to up to 40% for other vehicle categoriesโmakes electric models like the GV60 or Electrified GV80 strong contenders for the Indian market.
A Phased Approach to Market Entry
Hyundai plans to initially introduce Genesis vehicles through the Completely Built-Up (CBU) import route, allowing the brand to establish a foothold in Indiaโs luxury segment. As demand grows, Hyundai may transition to Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly to optimize costs and meet local market needs. The first Genesis model is expected to hit Indian showrooms by late 2025 or early 2026, marking Hyundaiโs official entry into the luxury car arena.
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Hyundaiโs Vision for Genesis in India
Hyundaiโs decision to bring Genesis to India reflects its confidence in the countryโs burgeoning luxury car market. With a growing base of affluent buyers and increasing demand for premium vehicles, Genesis is well-positioned to compete with established players like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. By offering a mix of cutting-edge technology, refined design, and eco-friendly options, Hyundai aims to carve out a unique space for Genesis in India.
