Coming to Australia: Huge 490kW Genesis GV90 electric flagship confirmed with 123.5kWh battery and Rolls-Royce-style doors
Genesis has finally ripped the covers off its spectacular GV90 electric flagship SUV – and the 490kW luxury behemoth is already confirmed as coming to Australia.
The Hyundai-owned luxury brand’s new range-topper has appeared on the Genesis Australia website marked “Coming Soon”, with local customers now able to register their interest.
READ MORE: Genesis plots huge Australian comeback: EV offensive will help triple sales growth
READ MORE: Pimpmobile interior aside, why I’ll retire driving a Genesis electric SUV, not a BMW, Benz or Audi
READ MORE: New York show: Genesis Neolun concept previews all-electric GV90 large SUV as Hyundai-owned luxury brand thinks big and very bold
The GV90 will enter the top end of the electric SUV market against models including the Volvo EX90, while the lavish four-seat Neolun pushes into Range Rover territory.
Genesis has now revealed virtually everything bar Australian price and arrival timing about its biggest and most ambitious model, including a massive 123.5kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel drive producing up to 490kW and 800Nm, and an estimated driving range of about 500km.
The GV90 is the production version of the striking Neolun concept revealed at the 2024 New York motor show and will sit above the GV60 and Electrified GV70 in the Korean luxury brand’s electric SUV range.
At 5285mm long, 2030mm wide and riding on a huge 3245mm wheelbase, it’s also substantially larger than the existing GV80 flagship SUV.
Genesis will offer two versions globally: the regular GV90 with conventional doors and the more extravagant GV90 Neolun, which retains one of the concept car’s most dramatic features – opposing coach doors without a conventional fixed B-pillar.
Genesis calls the arrangement the Neolun Arch Gate and claims it is the world’s first independently opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach-door system.
The rear doors initially move outwards before swinging backwards and can operate independently of the fronts.
Removing the conventional B-pillar required significant structural engineering. Genesis says high-strength steel beams are incorporated into the doors, while the passenger compartment uses a reinforced structure incorporating steel tubes and structural foam.
Underneath is a new eMP electric architecture developed specifically for the Genesis flagship rather than the E-GMP platform underpinning vehicles including the GV60, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.
Its 123.5kWh battery is the largest yet fitted to a Hyundai Motor Group EV.
Genesis claims the seven-seat GV90 can travel approximately 500km on a charge based on its own internal testing, while connection to an appropriate DC fast charger can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes.
The front motor produces up to 240kW and 350Nm and the rear 250kW and 450Nm, giving combined maximum outputs of 490kW and 800Nm. Genesis has not quoted a 0-100km/h time.
There’s serious chassis hardware underneath the luxury treatment too, including electronic limited-slip differentials for both axles, multi-chamber air suspension, electronically controlled dampers and rear-wheel steering capable of turning the rear wheels by up to five degrees. Genesis says that reduces the turning radius to that of a mid-size car.
The GV90 also introduces some unusual safety technology, headed by what Genesis claims is the world’s first production roof airbag.
Part of a 12-airbag system, it deploys across the glass roof during a severe rollover in an attempt to prevent occupants being ejected and reduce injuries caused by striking the roof.
Other measures include airbags incorporated into the seat cushions, third-row curtain airbag coverage, an occupant monitoring system and extensive structural protection around the high-voltage battery.
The Neolun pushes much further into limousine territory. Its front seats can rotate through 180 degrees while the vehicle is parked to create a face-to-face lounge arrangement, while an available four-seat Executive Suite adds individual rear accommodation, a real wood floor with radiant heating inspired by traditional Korean ondol heating, privacy blinds, refrigerator and tables.
A 23.6-inch OLED display normally handles instruments, navigation and entertainment, but when the GV90 is parked it rises 90mm from the dashboard to become a 24.6-inch cinematic display.
There’s also a huge 25-inch head-up display and Hyundai Motor Group’s new Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect infotainment system, including its Gleo generative AI voice assistant.
A 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premier 3D audio system with Dolby Atmos is available, along with massage seats containing 15 individual air cells, a heated windscreen and a six-zone variable-transparency glass roof.
Genesis has also revealed an ultra-luxury GV90 Neolun First Edition based on the four-seat Executive Suite and distinguished by two-tone paint, body-coloured 24-inch forged wheels and additional interior detailing.
The GV90 arrives at an important time for Genesis in Australia. The luxury brand has outlined plans to significantly increase its local sales as it expands its retail network and renews its electrified range, with the GV90 providing a new flagship above everything it currently sells.
