Genesis has revealed the production version of its new GV90, a full-size electric SUV that will sit at the top of the Korean luxury brand’s growing EV range.
Unveiled in San Francisco, the GV90 is based on the Neolun concept first shown in 2024 and will be offered in two main forms: the conventional GV90 and a more extravagant GV90 Neolun featuring rear-hinged coach doors and no visible B-pillar.
The GV90 is a significant step up for Genesis, which has spent the past decade trying to establish itself alongside traditional German and Japanese luxury brands. It will sit at the very top of the Genesis range, effectively serving as the company’s electric flagship and technological showcase.
Underneath is a new eMP electric vehicle platform developed specifically for Genesis’ flagship model, rather than the familiar E-GMP architecture underpinning vehicles including the GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
The GV90 carries the largest battery yet fitted to a Hyundai Motor Group electric vehicle, with a capacity of 123.5 kWh.
Genesis says the seven-seat model has an estimated driving range of around 500 km based on its own internal testing. No official WLTP range has yet been announced.
Despite that enormous battery, Genesis says the GV90 can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes when connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger.
Performance is suitably substantial for the brand’s flagship. Front and rear motors produce a combined maximum output of 490 kW and 800 Nm, making it the most powerful electric drivetrain yet developed by Hyundai Motor Group.
The GV90 is also the first Hyundai Motor Group vehicle to use electronic limited-slip differentials on both the front and rear axles, allowing the vehicle to more precisely distribute power between its four wheels.
A multi-chamber air suspension and electronically controlled dampers are designed to deliver the sort of isolated ride expected from a luxury limousine, while rear-wheel steering can turn the rear wheels by up to five degrees to reduce the turning circle of the enormous SUV.
And enormous it is. At 5,285 mm long with a 3,245 mm wheelbase and available 24-inch wheels, the GV90 is comfortably the largest vehicle in the Genesis range. The long wheelbase also contributes to a completely flat cabin floor and a more spacious second and third row.
The headline feature of the range-topping GV90 Neolun is what Genesis calls its Neolun Arch Gate. It consists of front and rear doors which open in opposite directions, with the conventional fixed B-pillar between them removed completely.
Unlike some coach-door arrangements, Genesis says the front and rear doors can open and close independently. The rear door first moves slightly outwards before rotating open, allowing it to clear the front door.
Genesis says the cabin uses a frame 1.5 times thicker than that of conventional vehicles, together with integrated high-strength steel tubes and structural foam, creating what it describes as a concealed roll cage.
The Neolun gets electrically swivelling front seats which can rotate a full 180 degrees when the vehicle is parked, which means the front occupants can face passengers sitting behind them, effectively transforming the cabin into a lounge or meeting space.
A four-seat Neolun Executive Suite goes further again, with individual rear seating, real wood flooring, an electrically controlled privacy roof, refrigerator, fold-out tables and a partition separating the passengers from the luggage compartment. In another act of indulgence, the wood floor incorporates radiant heating inspired by Korea’s traditional ondol underfloor heating system.
Genesis has removed the conventional start button. Opening the door powers up the vehicle, while pressing the brake pedal prepares it for driving.
A rotating Crystal Sphere controller emerges from the centre console and the column-mounted drive selector automatically moves into position. The dashboard features a 23.6-inch OLED display which can physically rise 90 mm from the dashboard when the vehicle is parked, expanding into a 24.6-inch screen intended for watching video and other entertainment.
Instead of a conventional instrument cluster, driving information is projected through an unusually large 25-inch head-up display. Other equipment includes a 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen Dolby Atmos audio system, massage seats with 15 individual air cells, ambient lighting, a heated windscreen and glass capable of electronically changing its transparency.
While Genesis has previously produced large luxury vehicles, the GV90 is a clear attempt to establish the relatively young brand alongside the traditional flagship models from European luxury manufacturers.
Genesis says the exterior design takes inspiration from traditional Korean moon jar pottery, with the company deliberately reducing the number of creases and decorative details across the vehicle.
Customers will have 16 exterior colours and multiple interior combinations to choose from, incorporating materials including natural wood, stone, leather and wool cashmere.A limited Neolun First Edition will also be produced with two-tone exterior paint, body-coloured 24-inch forged wheels and additional interior detailing.
Details on pricing or Australian availability has yet to be confirmed by Genesis.