- Prestigious award: AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG present the Golden Steering Wheel in its 50th anniversary year
- Victory in the “Upper Mid-Size Class”: GV60 Magma impresses readers and the expert jury in the competition
- Outstanding driving dynamics: Top marks for powertrain, acceleration, handling and braking performance
- Validation of “Luxury High Performance”: Genesis’ first series-production high-performance model combines exceptional performance with refined comfort
Frankfurt, Germany, 11 November 2026 – With GV60 Magma, Genesis has won the Golden Steering Wheel for the first time since entering the European market in 2021. By taking victory in the “Upper Mid-Size Class” category, the Korean premium brand has secured one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious awards. GV60 Magma not only won over readers in the vote organised by AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, but also conquered in the final evaluation at the Lausitzring circuit. Its outstanding driving dynamics were the deciding factor in a highly competitive field.
For five decades, the Golden Steering Wheel has been one of the world’s most important automotive awards. In the 2026 anniversary year, a total of 27 vehicles qualified for the final round following the readers’ preliminary selection. An expert jury, comprising motorsport professionals, automotive experts and well-known car enthusiasts, then determined the winners in nine vehicle categories through extensive practical testing.
Peter Kronschnabl, Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe, said: “We are proud to receive the prestigious Golden Steering Wheel for the first time in Genesis’ still young history. We have been present in the German market since 2021 and are expanding our presence across Europe step by step.
“With GV60 Magma, our first high-performance model, we are now opening a promising new chapter. The car embodies the very best of what Genesis stands for: power, precision and control, combined with an emotional driving experience, carefully selected premium materials and the refined comfort of our brand. The Golden Steering Wheel encourages us to continue resolutely along this path and gives us additional momentum for the further development of Genesis in Europe.”
GV60 Magma received particularly high marks for its powertrain and driving behaviour. During the decisive test at the Lausitzring, the expert jury rated its agility, acceleration, direct steering and braking system particularly highly. The ergonomic seating position and high-quality interior craftsmanship also received top marks.
GV60 Magma impressed not only with its remarkable performance figures, but with the way it delivers power to the road. The combination of a powerful drivetrain, precise handling and assured control embodies Genesis’ vision of “Luxury High Performance”: exceptional driving dynamics paired with refined comfort.
Equipped with an 84-kWh battery, the all-electric GV60 Magma accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 264 km/h. What defines its character, however, is not raw performance alone but the composure with which it delivers that performance. GV60 Magma was designed to combine dynamic driving capabilities with a controlled, balanced driving experience.
Its design also expresses this ambition. Compared with GV60, the Magma variant features a wider body that sits 20 millimetres lower. Wider wheel arches, exclusive 21-inch forged wheels and specially developed Pirelli tyres underline its distinctive appearance.
The car’s design follows the Genesis “Athletic Elegance” philosophy, combining a sporty presence with clean, elegant lines. In May, GV60 Magma received a Red Dot Design Award in the “Product Design” category. With the Golden Steering Wheel, GV60 Magma now also receives one of the most prestigious accolades for its outstanding driving qualities.
GV60 Magma is available in Germany starting at 85,990 EUR and comes standard with a comprehensive specification featuring specific Magma design and performance elements.
About Genesis Motor Europe
Founded in Seoul, Genesis brings a distinct Korean perspective to premium electrified mobility, combining performance, visionary design and commitment to unique hospitality and customer experience excellence.
Genesis is a multi award winning business, earning wide recognition from leading industry experts and consumers across Europe for its brand reputation and products.
The brand’s range GV60, Electrified GV70, Electrified G80 and GV90 is defined by advanced technologies, dynamic performance and Genesis’ distinctive ‘Athletic Elegance’ design philosophy.
Genesis GV90 is the ultimate expression of vision of luxury, innovation and hospitality. This flagship SUV is set to arrive in Europe in 2027.
Genesis is embarking on the next chapter of its journey as a design-driven performance brand, expanding ambitions through its Magma program with high-performance model, GV60 Magma, and Genesis Magma Racing team participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Genesis launched in Europe in 2021 and is headquartered in Frankfurt. Genesis Motor Europe now operates in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. Spain will be operational soon, taking Genesis into its 7th European market. In 2027, Genesis will continue its European expansion, with plans to launch across several additional markets, including Austria, Denmark, Poland and Portugal.
For more information about Genesis, please visit www.genesis.com.
