The Genesis GV90, Hyundai’s luxury division’s inaugural full-size, three-row electric SUV, boasts an array of distinctive features designed to captivate the US market. Among these are its standout coach-style doors, which, in conjunction with the innovative Neolun Arch Gate, eliminate the conventional B-pillar to provide an unprecedentedly wide entrance.
Innovative Design and Safety
The absence of the traditional B-pillar, usually critical for structural integrity during rollovers and collisions, is replaced by a groundbreaking mechanism. Genesis assures that the GV90 maintains top-tier safety with “high-strength dual steel beams” that act as a substitute, integrating the doors with the vehicle body to distribute collision forces effectively. Reinforcement is further ensured by a concealed roll cage constructed from high-strength steel tubes, claiming to meet crash safety standards on par with traditional designs.
Interior Features and Passenger Experience
Inside, the GV90 redefines luxury with its rotating front seats, which turn 180 degrees to face the second row when parked, imparting a unique lounge-like setting. This design concept, reminiscent of early autonomous vehicle models, is now brought to life in a production-ready model by Genesis, emphasising an unparalleled passenger experience.
Technology and Performance
The SUV is equipped with a 23.6-inch OLED Cinematic Display that can extend to 24.6 inches, alongside a 25-inch heads-up display for essential navigation and driver assist details. Additionally, Memory Reversing Assist technology autonomously retraces the vehicle’s route to manoeuvre out of tight spaces.
On the performance side, the GV90 is powered by a 123.5kWh battery supporting 800 nominal volts and a wireless battery management system. The vehicle delivers 657 horsepower and 590lb-ft of torque through its dual electric drive units, compatible with 350kW DC fast charging. However, its range is approximately 310 miles.
Additional Comfort and Safety Innovations
Further enriching the experience, the GV90 features heated elements extending beyond seats to include the vehicle’s floors, armrests, side panels, and door trims. A heated windshield prevents fogging by using a metallic coating. Unique to the GV90 is a roof airbag that covers the entire glass roof, offering unprecedented protection during rollovers.
Genesis aims to push the boundaries of electric vehicle design, venturing beyond conventional paths of affordability and profitability, to showcase what’s possible at the intersection of luxury, technology, and innovation.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.