Genesis unveiled the brand's first full-size flagship electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the GV90. It features "coach doors" that open facing each other, and the GV90 is the first in the world to have coach doors with all doors operating independently. Genesis also mobilized its luxury philosophy and electrification capabilities by fitting the largest-capacity battery among Hyundai Motor Group models and the world's first roof air bag.
On the 19th (local time), Genesis unveiled the GV90 in sync with the GV90 world premiere held in San Francisco by revealing the actual vehicle on the 18th at Genesis Suji in Suji-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi. The GV90 surpasses the midsize GV80, which had been at the top of the existing Genesis SUV lineup. It will be split into two versions, the Neolun and the standard model, and is slated to launch in the domestic market within the year.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun said, "The GV90 is a model that shows the direction of future luxury as envisioned by Genesis, embodying a philosophy to offer customers greater freedom through innovation across technology, design and the overall customer experience," and added, "The value of innovation lies not in the technology itself but in enhancing the human experience, and based on this philosophy, we will continue to set new standards for future luxury."
◇ Neolun fitted with independent-opening coach doors… front seats rotate 180 degrees
As befits the brand's largest SUV, the GV90 boasts generous dimensions. Its length is 5,285 mm, width 2,030 mm, and height 1,825 mm (with 24-inch tires), making it smaller than the Cadillac Escalade among peers, but larger than the Bentley Bentayga. The wheelbase is 3,245 mm, longer than the Escalade's 3,071 mm, maximizing interior space.
The biggest difference between the GV90 Neolun and the standard GV90 is how the doors open. The Neolun is the first in the world to adopt the Neolun Arch Gate, an independent-opening coach door system in which the front and rear doors open separately. Dedicated hinges push the rear door outward to rotate, eliminating interference with the front door so each door can open independently. Coach doors from other brands are interlinked, requiring the front door to open before the rear door can open.
Building a car this way can raise safety concerns because the B-pillar—the pillar between the front and rear seats—disappears. To address this, Genesis significantly increased door rigidity and adopted a structure that connects the body and the doors to effectively disperse crash energy.
In fact, the Neolun's doors seen that day were thicker than the width of an adult hand. Genesis said it applied a body frame around the passenger compartment that is 1.5 times thicker than before, securing crash safety performance on par with vehicles that have B-pillars.
Another highlight on the Neolun is the swiveling chair. This technology allows the front seats to rotate 180 degrees to face the rear seats, a first for Hyundai Motor Group as well. The cabin transforms into a lounge space where occupants face each other. The seats can only be rotated when the vehicle is stopped, and the system is set not to operate if someone is nearby or if the rear-seat table is unfolded and there isn't enough space.
◇ Hyundai Motor Group's largest-capacity battery and even the world's first roof air bag
The interior also gained a host of features unseen in previous Genesis models. First, Hyundai Motor Group removed the start button for the first time. Pulling the door handle powers on the vehicle, the door opens automatically, and the car greets the driver. After boarding and closing the door, the rotary shift lever behind the steering wheel moves from the 12 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position, indicating it is ready to shift. The crystal integrated controller on the center console also spins, intuitively signaling that the vehicle is ready to drive.
The battery is a high-voltage 123.5 kWh unit, the largest capacity among Hyundai Motor Group EVs. Battery cells with high-density, high-output design improve power performance and fast-charging capability. On a single charge, the GV90 Standard (seven-seater) has a driving range of 500 km (as measured by the Hyundai Motor research center). With a 350 kW fast charger, charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes 22 minutes.
Combined peak output from the front and rear motors is 490 kW, and maximum torque is 800 Nm. This is the most powerful level among Hyundai Motor Group EVs. The group also applied, for the first time, dual (front and rear) electronic limited-slip differentials (E-LSD). By efficiently controlling power to all four wheels at high motor speeds, it improves cornering performance and enables stable driving on snowy or rainy roads.
Active rear-wheel steering (RWS), which can steer the rear wheels up to 5 degrees, is also included. It reduces the turning radius to midsize-car levels, making U-turns and parking easier. For cabin quietness, every window uses soundproof glass more than 5 mm thick, among the best in the world.
The GV90 features a pop-up center display. It measures 23.6 inches while driving, and after stopping, pressing a separate button raises the display by 90 mm to 24.6 inches. It suits a variety of activities such as video conferencing and watching movies. It also comes with Hyundai Motor Group's next-generation infotainment system, PLEOS Connect.
Genesis emphasized openness by making most of the GV90's interior roof glass. Notably, it features the world's first roof air bag. In a rollover, the air bag covers the entire roof glass. It helps prevent occupants from hitting the roof or being ejected through it as much as possible.
◇ GV90 shaped after the "moon jar"… emphasizing "luxury flagship" inside and out
The exterior design applies the "moon jar" concept, which represents Korean aesthetics. It maximizes curves and embraces the beauty of empty space.
Up front, Genesis applied its first Wing Face micro-lens array (MLA) headlamps. While the existing GV80 emphasized a grand SUV image with a massive pentagonal grille, the GV90 replaces the central area with two lines of three-dimensional light sources shaped after the Genesis wing logo. On close look, it appears as if dotted with jewels, adding elegance.
At the rear, it emphasizes jar-like volume. To minimize unnecessary lines, it removes the rear spoiler and completes a smooth design with rear lamps that, along with the front, use a cutless method.
To underscore the GV90's luxury flagship identity, Genesis paid particular attention to interior materials. Customers can choose garnish materials that match interior color combinations, from natural wood to real stone and wool cashmere. The Neolun applies wooden flooring in the second row, and a radiant heating system inspired by ondol adds warmth to the cabin.
Genesis also unveiled the limited Neolun First Edition. The exterior can be configured in two colors, and wheel colors can be matched to the exterior. Wool cashmere garnish comes standard inside, and dedicated logos are engraved throughout the interior.