Introduction
Hyundai India has upped its game over the last decade. Buoyed by the success of models like the Creta, Venue, and the Alcazar to a certain extent, it is now aiming to go full premium in its quest for a share in the Indian market. One part of this equation is Genesis, which will come to India in 2027, while the second part encompasses an entry into new segments above the Alcazar. With Indian buyers now moving up the chain, both as first-time and returning buyers, the automaker is now seeing potential in low-volume, high-margin segments.
Moving up the Chain
One potential product in the pipeline is the new-generation Santa Fe SUV. It has all the makings of a potential Toyota Fortuner/Škoda Kodiaq/Volkswagen Tiguan/Tayron rival, offering presence, hybrid powertrains, and a plethora of features, which is Hyundai's forte.
Many have come and gone in this part of the market, and none have been able to dethrone the Fortuner. What's more, this part of the market is also where luxury marques have their entry-level models, like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and the Audi Q3. These are all potential buyers that Hyundai could bring into its fold, if it is able to spec and price the Santa Fe correctly. This fight will become even tighter when Honda comes in with a new hybrid CR-V within the next two years. The product will encompass local assembly, thus offering the SUV across all tiers of the landscape.
Hyundai currently has the Ioniq 5 in the Rs. 50 lakh+ price bracket, but there is definitely potential for more models in the premium game. Two of the new models are expected to be the Palisade SUV and the Ioniq 9, of which the latter was showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, while the former could be Hyundai's answer to a three-row premium SUV to be placed above the Santa Fe.
Taking on the Germans
Right at the top of this fight will be Genesis, Hyundai's premium badge, which will come with a set of SUVs, separate showrooms, and a completely different brand identity from Hyundai. In fact, sources suggest that the facilities will be placed far apart to ensure complete brand separation.
Some potential Genesis candidates include the GV70 and the GV80. Both are large SUVs, offering packages to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and the Audi Q5. The automaker has announced that the brand will be launched here in 2027, and the cars will be locally assembled, making India the first RHD market to get this type of setup.
26 Models by 2030
The automaker, at its first-ever investor day in India, announced that it would bring 26 new models to the country by 2030. This list includes a new off-road SUV, MPV, refreshes and facelifts of existing models, and, of course, Genesis. The first model of this lot is the new-gen Hyundai Venue that was launched in India on 4 November.
