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.

“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.

“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.”

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“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.”