What is it?
Genesis is one of the newest mainstream luxury brands in America, and the Korean brand continues to delight customers with an impressive range of sedans and SUVs. Now the brand is taking a step up the luxury ladder with the introduction of the all-new GV90 SUV. With a powerful electric drivetrain, a range of advanced technology features, and an ultra-luxurious cabin, the GV90 takes its rightful place as the new Genesis flagship.
Vision for the Future
“Today marks a landmark arrival for Genesis and for the future of luxury mobility. GV90 opens a new chapter for Genesis, building on our track record of bold innovation, elevated customer experiences, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Jose Munoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “In less than eight years, Genesis became the fastest luxury brand ever to reach one million sales, built on distinctive design, class-leading innovation, and a relentless focus on our customers. Our new flagship SUV represents our vision for the future while embodying the very best of Genesis, staying true to the distinctly Korean values of hospitality and craftmanship that have shaped our journey.”
Electric Drivetrain
The new GV90 is powered by the most potent electric drivetrain ever offered by the Hyundai Motor Group. The dual-motor system puts out 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, which should get this big SUV moving rather quickly. Power is distributed between the front and rear axles, and the brand’s first Dual E-LSD limited-slip differential can vary it at each wheel, improving traction and handling. Available rear-wheel steering adds to the big SUV’s maneuverability and can improve driving dynamics at higher speeds.
Charging and Range
With a 123.5 kWh high-density battery, the GV90 is expected to have a driving range of up to 310 miles. When plugged into a 350-kW DC fast charger, the GV90 can charge from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes.
Like the Concept
Just a few years ago, Genesis unveiled the Neolun Concept at the New York Auto Show. At the time, that concept looked quite futuristic with a range of features unlikely to make it into production. So, I was quite surprised to see that the GV90 production model is almost identical to that vehicle, even down to unexpected features like coach doors and swiveling front seats.
Ultimate Majestic Presence
“GV90 is the embodiment of The Ultimate Majestic Presence, Genesis’ belief that true luxury is revealed not through addition, but through reduction, until only the essential remains,” said Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “Inspired by the Korean moon jar, we pursued a purity shaped by restraint, balance, and an elegance that never fades. By removing unnecessary elements, we allowed timeless beauty to speak for itself. The Neolun Concept, unveiled in 2024, was not simply a vision, but a promise for the future. GV90 brings that promise to life, opening a new chapter for Genesis design, one shaped by extraordinary patience, care and dedication.”
Looks like a Genesis
The new Genesis GV90 adopts the same styling as the Neolun Concept, showcasing the latest iteration of the brand’s trademark two-line lighting motif. An advanced laser-engraving process integrates the lighting into the bodywork, giving it the look of embedded jewelry for an elegant finish. Adding to the bold appearance are the dual-layered, patterned chrome grille on the lower front fascia and the stylish 24-inch wheels.
Rear View
The familiar two-line lighting continues at the rear, where taillights span the tailgate and wrap around the corners, further emphasizing the new SUV’s width. Lights are flush with the body panels, adding to the premium appearance. The curved lines at the rear have an almost Art Deco look.
Model Lineup
When the GV90 arrives next year, it will be offered in a standard six- or seven-passenger configuration or as the higher-end Neolun, which features seating for four or six. A special limited run Neolun First Edition will also be available to the brand’s top customers. Pricing is not yet available, but I expect that well-equipped versions will easily reach into triple digits – another first for Genesis.
Clean Design
Looking inside the GV90, you’ll find a clean dashboard design with minimal switches and knobs. It’s the 23.6-inch touchscreen display that immediately grabs your attention, and that’s when you’ll notice that there is no driver display. The instrument cluster resides on the main screen, along with infotainment features like navigation and media; however, a 25-inch head-up display is available that displays pertinent information directly in the driver’s line of sight. I do appreciate that Genesis kept the familiar physical buttons providing shortcuts to climate, navigation, media, and vehicle features.
Watch a Movie
When the GV90 is parked, the display screen can extend upwards, increasing the display size to 24.6 inches. The larger screen is ideal for watching a movie while the vehicle charges, and the extended screen is large enough to see from all three rows.
Upscale Vibe
Genesis vehicles always feel luxurious, but the GV90 takes the vibe up a notch. The Ambient Glow lighting system uses indirect lighting from the door panels, ceiling, and under the seats to gently illuminate the cabin and create a richer atmosphere. High-quality materials like premium leather, wool, cashmere, and wood accent the GV90’s interior, making it feel like a proper flagship. Seats are impressively comfortable, with soft padding and excellent support.
Neolun Arch Gate
The range-topping Neolun stands out with its elegant cabin and available executive seating for four, but most noticeable are the coach doors. Referred to as the Neolun Arch Gate, the innovative doors feature rear-hinged rear doors and a hidden B-Pillar, so opening both doors provides an unobstructed wide opening for easy access to the cabin. Doors can open independently, with the rear door sliding outwards slightly before rotating open, and are opened and closed either manually or with the push of a button.
Executive Suite
Like the Neolun Concept, the GV90 Neolun offers an Executive Suite with two seats in the second row and swivel front seats that can turn 180 degrees at the touch of a button. Seats can swivel only when unoccupied and the vehicle is parked, but with both front seats turned to the rear, the GV90 becomes a stylish and comfortable meeting place. However, I found that the front and rear seats end up rather close together, so the meeting will be cozy. Adding to the comfort is the real wood veneer floor with radiant heating, mimicking traditional Korean “ondol” underfloor heating. An available partition separates the passenger space from the cargo area – just like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Neolun First Edition
For the ultimate experience, the exclusive GV90 Neolun First Edition stands out with a two-tone exterior paint and matching body-color 24-inch forged wheels. Available exclusively with the 4-seat Executive Suite, the First Edition features wool-cashmere decor highlights throughout the cabin, with First Edition embossed on the headrests, doors, and doorsteps, as well as a First Edition-exclusive logo engraved on the Crystal Sphere Controller.
Coming Next Year
The all-new 2028 Genesis GV90 should start arriving in showrooms in the first half of next year. Pricing and EPA efficiency ratings are expected to be announced closer to the on-sale date.
