Genesis Essentia Concept unveiled at New York Motor Show

A new electric performance concept from Genesis, the Essentia, has debuted at the New York Motor Show.

The brand’s first battery electric vehicle takes a performance GT approach to functionality, with a four-seat interior laid out to be minimalistic but luxurious. Yes, there’s a steering wheel.

Genesis says the Essentia isn’t just a design concept, but a taste of what the future might bring in terms of performance.

“Essentia is the brand’s first battery electric vehicle and features a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque, a robust, multi-motor electric powertrain, and a custom-tailored interior.

“It is the brand’s initial concept for a true GT car and challenges the status quo as the ultimate manifestation of Genesis design and engineering.

“The battery pack is housed in the centre tunnel in an I-shape structure, as opposed to underneath the passenger compartment.

“This allows Essentia to achieve the super-low, 50-inch roofline and spacious, GT-style cabin.

“With an estimated 0-to-60mph [0-97km/h] time of 3.0 seconds, Essentia brings sports car-level performance to the realm of electric luxury coupes.”

But Genesis global boss Manfred Fitzgerald says the brand also needs to understand what customers want, rather than just what can be done.

“We understand our obligation as a luxury car manufacturer to create objects of desire, sparking passion and inspiration by emphasizing a culture while exceeding expectations in terms of technology and connectivity, bringing our outside world seamlessly to the inside of the vehicle,” says Fitzgerald.

“This is what the Genesis Essentia Concept is all about, and we are thrilled to introduce our interpretation of an all-electric, two-door Gran Turismo here in New York.”