Three Rows, a Huge Battery and a Neolun Arch Gate
When a company rolls out its flagship vehicle, as Genesis just did with the GV90, it is expected to be accompanied with superlatives. Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury division did not disappoint, including an innovative door opening option that is a first for large SUVs.
The Neolun Arch Gate, a world first according to Genesis, removes the B-pillar with a door that swings to the rear. Paired with the front door, it offers a spacious entry to the interior of the three-row SUV. It’s only available on the GV90 Neolun model, one of two models initially offered.
Safety concerns are addressed by high-strength dual steel beams that are integrated into the doors and body to maintain rigidity and dispense any collision forces. Genesis also added a concealed roll cage to reinforce the passenger cabin.
A New Platform
Both new models are based on Genesis’ eMP (Electric Mobility Prime) platform. At present, they are the only models using this platform. The GV90 is substantially bigger than its sibling vehicles in the Hyundai and Kia brands—the Hyundai Pallisade and Ioniq 9 and the Kia Telluride/EV9. The GV90 adds 9-11 inches in overall length, about two inches in width and 4½-11 inches of wheelbase to those similar models.
A multi-chamber air suspension ensure the large car’s ride is smooth while rear-wheel steering adds to its maneuverability. Acoustic glass more than 19 inches thick should keep any noise outside the cabin.
Inside the Neolun model’s cabin are front seats that will swivel 180 degrees to create a cozy configuration with the middle row seats, complete with a real wood veneer floor and underfloor heating. Those could come in handy when full self-driving functions finally arrive. The car’s OLED display is a 23.l6-inch screen that integrates the instrument cluster, navigation and media. That’s augmented with a 25-inch head-up display containing speed, naiviation prompts and ADAS functions.
Like most of its competition, the GV90 will offer a premium sound system, this one from Bang & Olufsen, with 25 speakers creating a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos system. Genesis also promises an extensive list of bespoke options that will allow customers to personalize their GV90s.
The Power Beneath
A massive luxury vehicle needs massive power, which the GV90 has with a 123.5-kilowatt-hour battery delivering power through front and rear motors that will generate 657 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Genesis promises approximately 310 miles of range and DC fast-charging that will take the GV90 batteries from 10-to-80% in 22 minutes.
That power will need to move a car rolling on 24-inch wheels, a refined new presence in the premium SUV market. The GV90 is scheduled to arrive at North American Genesis dealers in early 2027. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Below is a gallery of John Faulker’s photos from the launch event.
