“I know that you would like to see more light on this photo, but for now we will keep the mystery.” That’s what Genesis’ Chief Designer Luc Donckerwolke said during the GV80’s official debut. What he was referring to was the image displayed behind him during the reveal. It showed six vehicles in some dark lighting so they were mostly obscured. Those vehicles are the new Genesis models for 2021. 

The backdrop that Donckerwolke stood in front of was in reference to the new design language Genesis is adopting. It’s to help visually define a Genesis and what it looks like. Distinctive features like the squinty quad lighting and crest grille were shown across a selection of family vehicles. A family portrait of 2021, if you will.

“Six exciting body styles” to Genesis line by 2021

But those vehicles were also the promised “six exciting body styles” by 2021. That is what Genesis Brand Head Manfred Fitzgerald told Go Auto in June 2019. So, what are we seeing specifically?

First off is the G80 which gets refreshed from the current model. Then next to it is a G70  sedan. The soon-to-be-revealed GV70 compact luxury SUV is next. It’s sitting by its larger sibling the GV80.

What’s revealed is the 2021 Genesis coupe and three-door hatchback

The other two cars are what’s newsworthy here. The coupe looks to be similar to the Essentia concept. Based on comments from Genesis higher-ups this will be an EV, but different from the Mint concept. As you may remember the Essentia show car had a carbon-fiber body and EV powertrain. 

A three-door hatchback looks to be the last vehicle shown. This could be a productionized version of the Mint concept. That was a two-seat show car with a 200-mile range. It was unveiled at the New York Auto Show last year. We knew then that it had production possibilities because Genesis doesn’t do fantasy show cars. Everything it shows in concept form has production possibilities. 

It doesn’t appear to have the Mint’s wild C-pillar design that is visually separated from the roof. But, it definitely has the Mint’s profile and front end design. Originally envisioned as a small luxury vehicle, it looks more like an econo-hatchback. By 2021 this mystery will be solved.

The coupe looks just like the Essentia concept

The coupe that is taking cues from the Essentia concept could be the money shot. The swoopy body with a long hood brings classic proportions to a production car. It featured the quad headlight and crest grille design language Genesis is promoting. It’s their look. The Essentia had it for all to consider.

But now it seems like there was more production-intent than first implied. After all, SUVs rule and cars of any sort don’t. At least that’s what some companies are saying.

We hope we aren’t disappointed if it’s not 2021 line

We see an actual C-pillar in the mystery image. The concept had an almost bubble top-like upper. The rest of what we can see looks so similar to the Essentia we hope we aren’t disappointed if it’s not. 

Genesis is an interesting brand to watch because it is building a brand piece-by-piece. Each model has a reason to establish the brand and Genesis is methodically building the house. By 2021 we’ll know if the house it builds suits our needs.