The Genesis Mint Concept aims to revolutionise the city

The Genesis Mint Concept has just made its debut in society, and it has been presented in a very unusual way: alongside a fashion show. The manufacturer’s aim was for New York to become the centre of the fashion world.

As a preview of the New York Auto Show, the brand presented its new Genesis Mint Concept. It is a battery electric car with two doors and a very short wheelbase, which makes it “ideal” for urban journeys. It is also green.

Genesis has stated that the new Genesis Mint will have a range of 321 kilometres and a fast-charging system of up to 350 kW. These figures could be a very good indicator of a possible electric luxury car from the brand that could reach the market in a few years. Some sources suggest that if it is a city car, it may not need more range than the one provided by the manufacturer.

The new Genesis concept arrives as a traditional hatchback, with a door-opening system that is more reminiscent of a Lamborghini than a city electric car.

Manfred Fitzgerald, executive vice president and head of Genesis, stated that “the Mint belongs to the city, and we are proud to present our evolution of the ideal urban car in New York. As a brand, Genesis embraces progressive design values, and the Mint Concept reinforces this commitment from a previously unknown perspective”.

A new electric car?

According to the manufacturer, the Genesis Mint Concept “reinvents the iconic form of the urban car, adapted to the needs of modern lifestyles. The Genesis Mint is very manoeuvrable and stimulating”. Luc Donckerwolke, executive vice president and head of design at Hyundai, noted that “the Mint Concept decouples the physical dimensions of the vehicle and turns it into a first-class product”.

The new Genesis Mint Concept represents a collaboration between the manufacturer’s design studios, which are spread across the world: Germany, the United States and South Korea.

Its habitat? The city

The new electric concept from Genesis arrives clad in matt paint in Hunter Green , and for its designers the Genesis Mint has a “safe-like” design with short overhangs. The light clusters extend to the corners to wrap the model. The grille has a slight opening so that it can cool the battery.

Instead of the usual boot, the new concept offers a parcel shelf designed for occasional use. Access to the rear compartment is via side doors with a ‘scissor-style’ opening. The charging point, meanwhile, is centred at the rear, which makes connections at charging stations easier.

The interior aims to become your home: the brand has equipped it with lightweight textiles, cognac leather and windows without mullions. Its chief designer added that “the interior style of the Mint concept draws influence from the Korean tradition of embracing empty space”.

The steering wheel is surrounded by six screens for the infotainment system. A seventh screen is mounted flush with the steering wheel and shows the vehicle’s main information. This also allows the driver to keep their attention on the road and on possible hazards.