2026 Genesis GV90 expected to challenge the Mercedes EQS SUV & BMW iX7

Update: All sections of the story revised to reflect new information.

Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG)’s luxury brand, announced in September 2021 that it aims to build an EV line-up of eight models by 2030. During the announcement (via YouTube), the company revealed a teaser of its future EV lineup that indicated one of the future Genesis EVs is a large SUV called the Genesis GV90. Here’s what we know about Genesis’ future SUV flagship.

Positioning

The Genesis GV90 would attract customers who find the GV80’s third-row uncomfortable. The three-row GV80 is ‘really small,’ and Genesis dealerships would like to offer ‘a true three-row GV90,’ Peter Lanzavecchia, Chairman of the National Dealer Advisory Council for Genesis, told Automotive News in an interview in January 2023. Lanzavecchia was answering a question about potential models missing in the Genesis line-up.

According to a report Money Today released on September 7, 2023, the GV90’s positioning has seen changes during the planning period from luxury to semi-high-end. Thus, the GV90 will be pitched as a product that’s upper-class compared to the Mercedes EQS SUV. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and Range Rover EV would be the comparable models. However, Genesis cars are usually priced lower than their chief rivals, and the same is expected in the GV90’s case. We’ll talk more about that later in the story.

Design

On November 30, 2021, an exclusive report from ET News said that the development of the Genesis GV90 had started. HMG was discussing the development and supply of electronic parts planned for use in the future model with partners.

As the brand’s first full-size electric SUV concept, the Genesis Neolun Concept, unveiled in March 2024, embodies the ultimate Genesis hospitality behind the wheel, combined with many features that are new to Genesis.

Two Lines design

Right behind the wheel arches, and continuing until the front doors, the “Two Lines” design of the headlamps reappears. While the sleek greenhouse and the sharp kick in the beltline add to the SUV’s dynamic character, flush door handles and simple bodywork add poise. At the rear, we expect thin, twin-lined Quad Lamps in line with the rest of the design.

Genesis may use micro lens array (MLA) technology for the low beam of the headlamps and interconnect the lens of the DRLs with the low beam to ensure the thinness of the headlamp housing. The lower front-end looks simple, which customers preferring a traditional design would surely appreciate.

Active Air Skirt

In January 2024, HMG introduced a new ‘Active Air Skirt (AAS)’ technology for its future EVs. AAS tweaks the flow of air through the lower front bumper as per the vehicle’s speed. This way, it can control the turbulence generated around the wheels at high speeds. It improves not only the vehicle’s range but also its speed.

When tested on the Genesis GV60, AAS lowered its drag by 2.8%, which is estimated to increase its range by 6 km (3.7 miles). We expect AAS to be a standard feature on the Genesis GV90. Being significantly larger and heavier and carrying more passengers and luggage, it’d desperately need any available system to increase its range.

Coach doors

According to the Money Today report, the Genesis GV90 is said to offer the choice of coach doors or center-opening doors, giving clients the opportunity to make a dramatic entrance. These classic doors would also allow a more graceful entry and exit, something clients would truly appreciate at red-carpet events like movie premieres, operas, and award ceremonies. The Neolun Concept features these distinctive doors without B-pillars, providing a more open interior space and maximizing passenger access.

The Genesis GV90 with coach doors is expected to be a special edition model, with the availability limited to a few hundred units. It will likely be launched three months after the regular model in South Korea, North America, and Europe.

Features

Below are some of the features we expect from the Genesis GV90, HMG’s future flagship SUV.

25-inch dashboard display

On June 7, 2023, Samsung Electronics announced that its Exynos Auto V920 chip will power Hyundai Motor Company (HMC)’s next-gen infotainment systems. It said these infotainment systems are expected to be introduced by 2025. V920 is the third generation of Samsung Electronics’ automotive processor for infotainment systems, but it’s the first one to be used by HMC.

The V920 chip packs ten Arm Cortex-A78AE core CPU, which consists of two quad-core clusters and one dual-core cluster, the Xclipse GPU built on AMD RDNA 2 architecture, and a dual-core NPU. It can power up to 6 high-resolution displays, infotainment and rear seat entertainment systems, and up to 12 camera sensors. On July 14, 2023, ET News reported that the Genesis GV90 would feature an infotainment system powered by the V920 chip.

ET News added that the Genesis GV90 will flaunt a 25-inch OLED display sourced from Samsung Display. At CES 2023, Samsung Display showcased a 34-inch OLED dashboard display with a 700R curvature (pictured above) as part of its automotive solutions. A smaller adaptation of this system could be what Genesis could have locked for the GV90.

Alternative materials

Genesis will likely take many sustainability measures to make the GV90 as eco-friendly as possible. The company should use various eco-friendly materials in the flagship EV, such as bioplastic, recycled plastic, recycled yarn, bio polyurethane, bio polyurethane foam, recycled PET fabric, recycled PET carpet, bio paint, BTX-free paint, and recycled PET felt.

Dual Color Ambient Lighting with Speed Sync Lighting

The GV90 electric will likely feature a Dual Color Ambient Lighting System with Speed Sync Lighting, which is available in the Ioniq 6. The new ambient lighting system could allow the driver to select from 64 single colors and 6 dual-color themes. The Speed Sync Lighting function will increase or decrease the brightness of the front cabin lighting depending on the speed of the vehicle, adding emotion to the driving experience.

e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD)

Already available in the GV60, e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) helps the driver get a better sense of their acceleration, the torque state of the vehicle’s powertrain, and the vehicle’s driving speed. Through the car’s speakers, it generates virtual driving sounds based on the driving mode, acceleration input (from the driver), and speed. For drivers unfamiliar with an EV’s responsiveness and silent operation, this feature is particularly useful.

Magic Roof

The GV90 is also expected to feature a ‘Magic Roof’ that allows controlling the light, heat, and transparency. This could be a glass roof that users can change from transparent to opaque electronically. It’s also possible that Genesis is going for a technology similar to SPD-SmartGlass that allows individually dimmable sections, as in the Cadillac Celestiq.

Inside, the Neolun Concept showcases a radiant heating system inspired by Korea’s traditional “ondol,” with heating films applied throughout the cabin for efficient warmth. The interior combines cashmere and naturally dyed leather in relaxing tones, providing a luxurious finish, which should translate to the production model.

Multi-charging system

The Genesis GV90 should feature a multi-charging system that supports both 800V ultra-fast charging and 400V fast-charging. The maximum charging capacity of the full-size electric SUV could be between 250 kW and 350 kW, which would allow it to be charged from 5 to 80% in less than 25 minutes.

In America, GV90 customers are likely to get three years of free 30-minute charging sessions from the date of vehicle purchase at all Electrify America charging stations. Electrify America is Genesis’ charging partner in the country, and it offers a coast-to-coast charging network with ultra-fast chargers that allow taking advantage of 800-volt technology.

Bi-directional charging

Thanks to V2L technology, the GV90 should allow using it as a mobile power source. Customers will likely be able to charge external devices and even other EVs with up to 3.6 kW of power. V2L would become useful for families traveling in the GV90 during adventure trips to use electrical equipment or domestic appliances as well. Using V2L functions would be possible even with the vehicle turned off.

Wireless vehicle charging

Genesis is the first global brand to offer wireless charging on a car with the GV60. If the technology is successful, the company may extend it to other models.

On January 2, 2022, Genesis introduced a pilot project at three locations in South Korea: Genesis Gangnam, Genesis Suji and Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang — each having a wireless charging station. To enable wireless charging, drivers have to park the front section over the EV charging mat, similar to how we place a smartphone on a wireless charging dock.

Genesis has partnered with American wireless EV charging expert WiTricity to develop the technology. As a part of the pilot project, the brand plans to install 75 wireless charging stations to analyze the feasibility and customer reaction to this technology before delving into full-blown commercialization.

Face Connect + Fingerprint Authentication System

The GV90 should feature Face Connect, the brand’s face recognition system that locks and unlocks the vehicle’s doors without a key. An infrared camera will likely be integrated into the B-pillar to scan the driver’s face. Biometric authentication methods may include even a fingerprint reader built into the vehicle’s start-stop button.

Face Connect makes locking/unlocking doors convenient when the driver is holding shopping bags or equipment in both hands. Plus, Face Connect can link to individual driver profiles. The vehicle automatically adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel, side mirrors, and multimedia settings after knowing which person from those whose driver profiles have been saved has unlocked it.

L3 Autonomous Driving

In South Korea, the G90 sedan will receive Level 3 autonomous driving with Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) with the MY2023 update, ET News reported on December 12, 2022. The updated car featuring HDP for L3 autonomous driving capability has already passed the country’s emission and noise certification requirements.

ET News claims the autonomous variant has two LiDARs at the front, one on the left and one on the right. Initially, HDP will not require driver involvement at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). HMC will keep increasing the speed limit with OTA updates and provide improved functions when regulation allows.

HMG should offer the Highway Driving Pilot in the GV90 in markets where this feature is legal. At some point in the lifecycle, it may use Valeo’s third-gen LiDAR, a more advanced version, which debuted in November 2021.

Valeo plans to commercialize its latest LiDAR sensor in 2024, and vehicles equipped with the third-gen Valeo LiDAR allow autonomous driving on the highway at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph). This LiDAR works in all light conditions, be it dazzlingly bright or pitch black. It creates a 3D real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings at a rate of 4.5 MP and 25 fps.

Hyundai AutoEver Maps

The G90 sedan will use a Hyundai AutoEver-developed precision map, a sort of ‘digital twin’ in which the movement of the roads and surrounding places have an error range of 20 cm or less. Hyundai AutoEver is HMG’s mobility software provider, and the precision map it has developed covers 16,000 km of automobile-only roads across South Korea. Four mobile mapping system vehicles update the maps six times a year. It has automated the 3D scanning data and images obtained by these vehicles. The GV90 could also feature maps from Hyundai AutoEver in the South Korean market.

Remote Parking

The GV90 would feature hands-free parking as well. On March 2, 2022, at the 2022 CEO Investor Day, Jaehoon Chang, HMC’s President & CEO, said that the company would update Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA) through OTA and continue developing it to provide customers more convenience. It has also listed RSPA 3 as coming in the second-generation EV platform.

HMG is reportedly working on a Level 3 Remote Parking Pilot (RPP) as well, and whenever it’s ready to commercialize that, the GV90 would certainly be among the recipients.

Custom home appliances

According to The Korea Economic Daily, Hyundai has partnered with LG Electronics to source home appliances such as a steam closet and refrigerator for the Ioniq 7. Given that the GV90 would be a luxury model price-positioned above the Ioniq 7, it should inherit these comfort and convenience features, besides sporting advanced features. Hyundai could go a step further and invite LG Electronics to design exclusive equipment for the GV90 and other upper-class Genesis EVs.

Swivel seats

Genesis should offer the GV90 with multiple seating options. One of these will likely include two swivel-type individual seats in the second row. These should let the occupants turn their seats 180º inward and 90º outward. Reclining, massage, and entertainment functions would keep the rear-seat occupants pampered and relaxed on the go. Additionally, some trims may also get a first-row swivel seat, which is being developed as a highlight of the second-generation platform.

Pop up display

As revealed in the 2023 CEO Investor Day presentation, Hyundai is also developing a pop-up display for the second-generation EV platform models. While there are no details, it could be a party trick of the Genesis GV90, where the screen emerges out of the dashboard once the driver settles into the seat.

One of One program

As part of its new One of One program, Genesis should offer a high level of personalization regarding colors, upholstery options, and trim materials, allowing customers to create a truly unique GV90 designed to suit their taste. The company already allows its most elite clients to hyper-personalize the G90 under this bespoke program in the Middle East region.

Specifications

Platform

The Genesis GV90 will be based on HMG’s upcoming eM platform, as per a report ET News dated May 23, 2023. eM will be the version of a new ‘Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA)’ developed for pure electric passenger vehicles. IMA itself will be a further enhancement of E-GMP, which underpins the company’s first bespoke EV platform.

Thanks to the eM platform, the electric SUV is expected to debut many innovations, including B-pillarless and swing doors, a swivel seat in the first row, a long-sliding seat in the second row, Level 3+ ADAS functions, and more.

Range & Charging

According to a report ET News published on June 12, 2023, HMG has planned a 113.2 kWh battery pack for a vehicle project codenamed ‘Kia GT1.’ In the future Tesla Model S rival, the new battery pack is said to deliver a range of 700-800 km (435-497 miles), as per South Korea’s stringent testing method.

The GV90 should get the same 113.2 kWh battery pack. However, being a bigger, F-segment SUV, the range may only come up to around 350 miles (EPA metric). That’s still quite impressive in absolute terms. As for charging, we expect a peak DC charging power of around 350 kW, which should give it a 10-80% charging time of under 25 minutes.

eM-based EVs will have standardized battery based on the modular system method. Moreover, the company will use a new, Cell-to-Pack (CTP) method to install the batteries in these EVs, eliminating the module level. It sees the new method as improving energy density. Cell-to-Frame (Cell-to-Chassis or CTC) is also under consideration.

Performance

The ET News report dated June 12, 2023, says the eM platform will allow triple-motor AWD applications, with the primary motor spinning the rear wheels and two less powerful motors on duty at the front axle. As it is a flagship, the GV90 will likely stick to AWD variants, producing north of 600 hp.

Improved power module

The ACEPACK DRIVE SiC-MOSFET Gen3 is a series of state-of-the-art power modules meant for electric drive applications. Manufactured by Switzerland’s STMicroelectronics and sporting the company’s “sintering technology,” five of these third-gen power modules will find their way into several Hyundai Motor Group vehicles in the future. Though unconfirmed, the GV90 is one of the cars that’s expected to be a beneficiary.

The newer power modules feature active metal brazed (AMB) substrate technology, allowing modules to handle heat better while also providing excellent mechanical strength. These ‘plug-and-play’ modules have been designed to be compatible with direct liquid cooling, but they can also withstand a maximum junction temperature reaching 175 degrees Celsius or 347 degrees Fahrenheit.

Production & Release Date

On November 13, 2023, HMG announced a new EV plant in Ulsan, South Korea, its first new factory in the country in 29 years since the Asan plant opened in 1996. Built on a 548,000 m² area, it will have an annual production capacity of 200,000 electric vehicles.

Initially, the GV90 was scheduled to reach series production in the last quarter of 2025 in South Korea. However, due to the slower adoption of EVs, ET News, in an exclusive story filed on May 21, 2024, reported that the production launch has been delayed to the first quarter of 2026, with 21,000 units expected to be produced annually. We expect Genesis to bring down the GV90 to the U.S. market in the second half of 2026.

Price

Money Today expects the Genesis GV90’s prices to start in the mid-KRW 100 million won (USD 76,000) range. Based on that, we expect it to retail for around USD 100,000 in its base configuration in the U.S.

TopElectricSUV says

The Genesis GV90 will likely be one of the most innovative three-row electric SUVs in the upper end of the market. It should feature one of the best electric powertrains and high-voltage batteries and many in-cabin technologies. The GV90 holds immense significance for Genesis in the U.S. market, representing a rare opportunity to compete and outmatch the established German Big 3 automakers at the high-end of the market.

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