Genesis unveils GV90 luxury electric SUV
Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand Genesis has unveiled a full-sized eSUV, the GV90, in San Francisco. It is the largest model in the entire group and will be the first vehicle produced at Hyundai's new facility in Ulsan, South Korea, which is specifically built for EVs.
With the GV90, Genesis is presenting its new flagship model. The generously proportioned SUV completes the brand’s current lineup, which includes the smaller battery-electric SUVs GV60 and Electrified GV70, as well as the Electrified G80 saloon. At 5.30 metres in length, 2.0 metres in width, and 1.80 metres in height, the GV90 is also the largest model across all HMG brands – meaning neither Hyundai nor Kia offers a larger vehicle.
Genesis’s new premium electric SUV features a long wheelbase of 3.2 metres and is available exclusively in a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, with one motor at each axle paired with its own electronic limited-slip differential. The front motor delivers 240 kW and 350 Nm of torque, while the rear motor produces 250 kW and 450 Nm. Combined, this setup provides a total output of 490 kW and 800 Nm of torque.
A battery pack with a gross capacity of 123.5 kWh (115 kWh net) powers these motors. Genesis also highlights a wireless Battery Management System (WBMS) as a technical innovation that has reached series production. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent state of charge (SoC) using a 350-kW charger takes 22 minutes, according to the datasheet. Genesis estimates the range at approximately 500 kilometres based on internal tests, though it does not specify whether these tests followed the official South Korean certification procedure, the WLTP test, or the EPA methodology.
New platform for “Genesis flagship” models
The GV90 is based on the new eMP platform (Electric Mobility Prime), developed exclusively for Genesis ‘flagship’ models. The eMP platform is likely the first and most advanced iteration of the eM platform, which the Hyundai Group announced in 2022 alongside the eS platform for Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). At the time, eM and eS were introduced as part of the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA), an evolution of the familiar Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
During this week’s world premiere, Genesis announced that the GV90 will be offered in two versions: a standard model and the Neolun. The regular GV90 is expected to compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, while the GV90 Neolun is positioned to rival even higher-end luxury models such as the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV or the Range Rover Electric.
A sleek exterior
The GV90 is an evolution of the Neolun concept and remains remarkably faithful to its design, particularly evident in the Neolun version. The full-size SUV combines upright, boxy proportions with smoothly contoured surfaces and a rather polarising lighting signature. Its overall silhouette is quite different from most full-size SUVs on sale today, regardless of powertrain type.
A clamshell bonnet gently slopes towards a large body-coloured panel that incorporates ‘Wing Face’ Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlamps. A large, two-tier grille with a prominent diamond-mesh pattern and chrome garnish contrasts with the minimalist upper fascia and gives the front end a more extroverted appearance.
On the sides, the roofline of the GV90 has an expansive greenhouse with generous area even in the rear quarter glass, large conventional mirrors, a nearly straight beltline, and a sloping roofline. There’s extensive chrome detailing here, too, seen around the greenhouse and nearly full length of the lower body. Depending on the trim, the GV90 features sporty 22-inch five-spoke wheels and almost fully covered 24-inch aero wheels.
The roofline flows almost uninterrupted into the rounded rear, creating an arch-like design. The absence of roof rails and a roof spoiler accentuates this effect, giving the GV90 an unusually smooth appearance. The standard version features regular doors, while the Neolun version flaunts independently opening and closing coach doors.
The seamless transition between the bodywork and the curved rear glass and the flush-mounted surface-emitting tail lights and brand inscription give the rear of the GV90 a distinctive, minimalist appearance. Genesis designers have integrated the reverse and fog lights into the bottom of the bumper, trying to keep them largely hidden out of sight.
Luxury and gimmicks in the interior
The GV90 has a sumptuous interior inspired by a modern living space, along with touches of classic luxury such as an analogue-look digital clock set into the centre of the dashboard and quilted upholstery on the seats and door panels. As with the exterior, unconventional and innovative design details are found throughout the cabin.
The dashboard houses an ultra-wide OLED infotainment touchscreen that can be raised by 90 mm when the vehicle is parked, expanding the view area from 23.6 inches to 24.6 inches. Genesis is using HMG’s new Pleos Connect cockpit in the GV90, but without an instrument cluster. The company does include a 25-inch head-up display, though.
The steering wheel’s conventional three-spoke design is contrasted by a motorised gear lever mounted to its column. This gear shifter rests at the 12 o’clock position and moves to the 2 o’clock position once the driver closes the door. A crystal sphere in the centre console adds to the theatrics, rotating to reveal an integrated controller for the infotainment system. The dial of the clock in the dashboard serves as a knob to adjust the speaker volume, temperature, and airflow.
Genesis will offer the standard GV90 in seven- and six-seat configurations and the GV90 Neolun in six- and four-seat configurations. The four-seat configuration, dubbed ‘Executive Suite’, offers a more luxurious experience with a real wood veneer floor, electric swivel front seats, a partition between the second-row seats and the cargo area, a panoramic sunroof with electrochromic shading, and a rear centre console with a refrigerator and integrated tables.
Genesis has not yet disclosed the GV90’s price at its world premiere. However, its launch will initially take place in the brand’s home market of South Korea, followed by availability in the USA and Europe. According to several media reports, the European market debut is expected in the first half of 2027.