New Electric Genesis Coming Soon To Hunt Audi

Genesis isn't done with springtime reveals. Two weeks ago it unveiled the absolutely stunningGenesis X Concept, an all-electric grand touring coupe that's very seriously being considered for production. However, it won't be the South Korean luxury brand's first-ever battery-electric. That honor is expected to go to theG80eand that sedan could be unveiled next week at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Genesis just released a teaser image announcing the debut and the front end looks awfully like that of the also new, conventionally-poweredGenesis G80. The headlight design, hood lines, and grille pattern closely match those of the luxury four-door. Alternatively, Genesis could debut the upcoming GV70e, which we recently sawspy imagesof.

If it is the sedan, the electrified variant's overall styling shouldn't differ too greatly, albeit without tailpipes. Unlike the X Concept, the G80e will not utilize Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform but rather an existing setup that'll see its combustion engine swapped out in favor of batteries and electric motors.

The alsoupcoming GV60, however, will ride on that EV-only architecture that also underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Other details about the G80e, such as range (it's rumored to travel over 300 miles on a single charge) and pricing will have to wait until next week, assuming we've guessed the reveal correctly.

And yes, it's expected to be sold in the US, a critical market for Genesis. TheTesla Model Swill only be one of its many targets. Like with the G80, the G80e will likely be a more affordable luxury EV sedan priced thousands less than the Tesla, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-tron GT.

Genesis has already confirmed it intends tocompletely bypasshybrids and plug-in hybrids and dive directly into BEVs. This strategy may have raised a few eyebrows not long ago, but the rapid pace we've been seeing automakers commit to all-electric futures proves Genesis made the right call. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show gets underway on April 19.