[1] It was built in 2018 and first displayed at the New York International Auto Show in the same year.

[8] As early as September 2018,[9] there were reports that Genesis executive Manfred Fitzgerald was pushing for the eventual production of the vehicle,[10] albeit with some changes, such as conventional doors.

[12] Like many of its contemporaries in the sports car and supercar markets,[13] the Essentia features a number of performance and luxury features.,[14] following the brand's then-new 'athletic elegance' design language.

[15] These include a two-tone exterior,[16] carbon fiber monocoque,[17] a low roofline at only 50 inches,[18] butterfly doors,[19] digital connectivity,[20] and others.

[21] Much of the car utilizes detailed stylized webbing as a primary texture, which designer Luc Donckerwolke noted was done by 3D printing.