Genesis GV60 Magma wins upper midsize class at Germany's Golden Steering Wheel Award

Genesis announced Wednesday that its GV60 Magma has won the upper midsize class at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel Award, a prestigious German automotive prize co-organized by Auto Bild and the weekly magazine Bild am Sonntag. The award ceremony was held Tuesday (local time).

The GV60 Magma earned high scores in the final evaluation for agility, acceleration response, steering intuitiveness and braking performance, topping the upper midsize category ahead of the Volvo ES90 and Mazda CX-6e.

Genesis said the result reflects the electrified driving dynamics of the GV60 Magma — the brand's luxury high-performance electric model — rooted in what Genesis calls "athletic elegance."

Peter Kronschnabl, president of Genesis Europe, said the brand defines high performance not simply as acceleration but as the harmony of precise control and refined comfort. "It is meaningful to have the brand's vision recognized as the GV60 Magma, our first high-performance model, earned high praise for its dynamic driving performance," he said.

The GV60 Magma earlier won a main prize at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Product Design in May.

The Golden Steering Wheel Award, which Genesis describes as Germany's most prestigious automotive honor, was established in 1976. Marking its 50th anniversary this year, the award saw editors from both publications select 90 new vehicles as candidates; following a reader vote, 27 finalists — three models in each of nine vehicle categories — were chosen.

Winners were selected by a 23-member jury of European entertainment and media figures, including nine-time World Rally Championship winner Sébastien Ogier and active racing driver David Schumacher. The jury conducted evaluations at the Dekra Lausitzring circuit, assessing handling, ride comfort, ease of use and everyday practicality.