Hyundai Genesis Set To Redefine Luxury in India With SUV Lineup: Launch Details And Market Strategy

Hyundai Genesis, the premium luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Corporation, is gearing up for its much-anticipated entry into the Indian market, likely by the latter half of 2025. As the Indian luxury car segment flourishes, Hyundai aims to introduce Genesis SUVs via the Completely Built-Up (CBU) route initially, with plans for local assembly to follow subsequently.

Sources reveal that Hyundai has established a dedicated team to strategize the market launch of the Genesis brand in India, with a strong emphasis on SUV offerings. This aligns with previous reports indicating Hyundai’s interest in bringing its luxury arm to India, positioning Genesis to compete with established luxury marques such as Lexus, Audi, Mercedes, and BMW.

The forthcoming Genesis lineup in India is expected to kick off with SUV models, with potential candidates including the GV70, GV80, and the upcoming GV90 (yet to be globally launched). These models are anticipated to enter the market as CBUs initially, with plans for local assembly at Hyundai’s Sriperumbudur facility later on.

The Genesis GV70, a contender against the likes of Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5, offers a range of petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains. Meanwhile, the GV80, a prominent Genesis SUV, competes with models like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, featuring an SUV-coupe variant for added sportiness. Additionally, the Genesis GV60 e-SUV and the upcoming GV90 aim to challenge BMW iX1, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Notably, Hyundai’s Genesis brand has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one million vehicle sales since its inception in November 2015, with robust annual sales averaging between 2 to 2.5 lakh units globally. Genesis’ global success, particularly in markets like the US, where electrified vehicle sales have surged, underscores its strategic significance in Hyundai’s global expansion plans.

Looking ahead, Genesis aims to transition into a zero-emission brand by 2030, with a commitment to exclusively launch electric vehicles from 2025 onward, paving the way for carbon neutrality by 2035.

In the context of the rapidly expanding Indian luxury car market, which is set to surpass 50,000 units for the first time in 2024, luxury automakers anticipate double-digit growth despite industry forecasts suggesting sub-5 percent growth. While luxury car sales currently represent a small fraction (1.5-2 percent) of overall passenger vehicle sales in India, the segment’s upward trajectory underscores its increasing significance in the automotive landscape. As Genesis prepares to make its mark in India, it represents a significant milestone in Hyundai’s global strategy and reinforces the country’s position as a key market for luxury automotive brands.