Genesis Named Best Brand Overall in AUTO BILD Survey

Genesis ranks first in AUTO BILD 2026 survey, leading overall and in luxury class. See how readers rated brands by quality, design and value for money.

Genesis has taken the top spot in AUTO BILD’s annual readers’ survey, becoming “Best Brand Overall” and marking the first time a Korean automaker has achieved this result in the study’s history.

The brand did not stop at the overall win. It also ranked first in the Luxury Class and achieved the highest score for value for money within the same segment, outperforming established competitors such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

The AUTO BILD survey, now in its 15th year, reflects the opinions of more than 50,000 readers who evaluate 52 automotive brands across 14 categories. Each brand is assessed based on three core criteria: quality, design, and value for money. Genesis’ success across all three dimensions allowed it to secure multiple top rankings rather than a single category win.

This outcome carries broader significance for the European market. According to AUTO BILD, buyers are increasingly prioritizing value for money alongside traditional premium attributes, a shift that benefits newer entrants. The study also highlights the growing visibility of Asian brands, suggesting a wider change in consumer perception.

Genesis reached this milestone while actively expanding its European footprint. After entering the region in 2021 with launches in Germany, the UK, and Switzerland, the brand has announced further expansion into France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, with customer deliveries expected from early 2026.

The company’s strategy in Europe is closely tied to electrification. Its lineup includes three fully electric models — GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80 — positioned within a market where battery-electric vehicles accounted for 17.4% of new car registrations in the EU in 2025.

Further momentum is expected from the introduction of the Magma performance line. The first model, GV60 Magma, delivers up to 650 PS (478 kW), features an 84 kWh battery, and supports fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. Its European debut is scheduled for 2026, marking Genesis’ entry into the high-performance segment.

AUTO BILD attributes Genesis’ rise not to a single advantage but to a balanced combination of technology, comfort, and brand perception. Against the backdrop of BMW’s continued dominance in total awards and the long-standing strength of German manufacturers, Genesis’ breakthrough signals a notable shift in the competitive landscape.