Genesis will offer plug-in hybrid drivetrain options

Above: The Hyundai Genesis, which will soon become the Genesis G80.

Genesis, Hyundai’s new luxury brand, will offer plug-in hybrid drive train options in some of its future models.

In an interview with Automotive News, Dave Zuchowski, CEO of Hyundai USA, said that the Korean automaker is working on multiple plug-in hybrid options.

While some of these plug-in hybrid options will appear on Hyundai badged vehicles, others are destined for vehicles which are being developed for the Genesis luxury marque.

Zuchowski believes that “alternative-propulsion engines are going to be really important, even more important in the luxury market than they are in the mainstream market”.

In Zuchowski’s view, plug-in hybrids allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of electrification but with a “safety net”, and are a good interim solution before hydrogen fuel cell vehicles become more affordable and popular.

That said, the head of Hyundai America declined to indicate which Genesis models will be offered with the plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

In the US, Hyundai’s luxury marque will have an initial lineup consisting of the G80, an updated and rebranded Hyundai Genesis, and the new G90, a full-size sedan that effectively replaces the Hyundai Equus.

Above: The Genesis New York Concept previews the new Genesis G70.

Following on from this, the company will launch a smaller G70 sedan to take on BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class,Audi A4, and Lexus IS. Current plans also call for the Genesis range to have two SUVs and a coupe by the end of the decade.

Australia
It’s not clear whether some or all of the Genesis’ future plug-in hybrid options will be offered in the Australian market. The range-topping Genesis G90 seems to out of the local picture at the moment as it won’t be built in right-hand drive.