XXL Genesis GV90 targets Range Rover Electric
Neolun concept, and 'Genesis' elevated hospitality ethos', makes it to a real world EV SUV
For years now, we’ve been desperate to see one of Genesis’ show stopping concepts become a production reality. Cars like the G90 Wingback, Vision Gran Turismo and X Convertible (which followed a Coupe) all hinted at a much sexier future for Genesis than had existed prior. Now, at last we have one - albeit an EV SUV, one inspired by the Neolun concept (and with a bit of the X Gran Equator thrown in for good measure). Still, something’s probably better than nothing. It’s hardly like you’re going to forget seeing one of these in a hurry, which couldn’t definitely happen with some other models in the lineup.
You can see why the giant electric car appealed to Genesis as well, with Range Rover and Bentley embarking on similar projects. Huge space, total refinement and decent range sound like solid foundations for a luxury car, after all. And for those that like to make a bit of an entrance, the GV90 seems guaranteed to do that, like a Maybach SUV but with some style. Apparently design inspiration comes from the moon jar, commonly referred to as a ‘symbol of traditional Korean aesthetics.’ The jar is all about ‘restrained elegance’, you see, so the car attempts the same, however hard that might be to achieve with 5.3m of car as tall as a flat roof pub. For what it’s worth, Genesis reckons what you’re looking at here is ‘exuding a majestic presence’, with the recognisable light and grille treatment lending it some identity. That’s where those concepts, repeating all those themes with such swagger and regularity, will help; more folk than ever will recognise this as a Genesis.
And everyone will want to talk about the doors. On the range-topping GV90 Neolun, customers will get what’s claimed to be the world’s first opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach door (the rest of the lineup makes do with a conventional setup). It’s called the Neolun Arch Gate, and is all about Genesis’ ‘hospitality philosophy when entering the vehicle’. Certainly it does open up a lot of space for entry and exit, as well as making for a very dramatic looking parked car; best hope the space you’ve found has room to accommodate. To make up for the lack of a B-pillar, the GV90 Neolun is reinforced with a pair of steel beams in the structure, as well as a ‘concealed yet robust roll cage’. So nobody need worry about strength in a crash. There’s even a roof airbag, said to be another Genesis innovation. Heaven knows what an SUV this massive carrying beams and a roll cage in the structure actually weighs - presumably that’s a concern for another day. Let’s hope it’s under three tonnes.
Though given everything packed into the interior, that doesn’t exactly seem guaranteed. Especially with a 123.5kWh battery under the floor. The GV90 is underpinned by Hyundai’s next gen infotainment platform called Pleos Connect, an ‘interface fit for a software defined vehicle’. Not heavy in itself, but check out everything else: a Cinematic display that extends when parked up, a 25-inch HUD, a 25 speaker B&O system that ‘delivers auditory satisfaction rivalling a concert hall’, a heated real wood veneer floor, a roof with six zones of transparency, a fridge, tables, those seats. A GV90, especially in Neolun spec, has everything anybody could possibly wish for onboard, and plenty you’ve probably never even thought of.
Moving all that along is the most powerful EV SUV setup in the Hyundai empire, the GV90 moved along by 666hp of dual motor battery power. It’s also the first in the group to feature the E-LSD tech - seen on cars like the Ioniq 5N and EV6 GT - on both axles for ‘agile handling’ of the eMP platform. There’s also rear wheel steer for maneuvering this beast around city streets and a ‘high-capacity brake disc system’ for slowing it down. Seems like it might need quite a lot of that. At the moment, Genesis says a seven-seat GV90 (presumably lighter than one with heated flooring) gets 311 miles ‘on internal R&D tests’, which surely won’t be replicated in actual homologation assessments. It charges at 350kW, at least.
The colours, finally, as the GV90 offers ‘unprecedented personalisation for a Genesis model’.There are 13 glossy finishes and three matt ones, with everything from Jaipur Rose and Como Blue to Seychelles Beige and Baena Green. There’s only one black option, thank goodness. Once more, if you want to arrive in unmistakable style, Genesis has you covered.
“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. “By removing unnecessary elements, we allowed timeless beauty to speak for itself. The Neolun Concept 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.” Always good for a quote, is Mr Dockerwolke. Whether the GV90 is coming to the UK isn’t confirmed yet; it’s hardly like our roads are flooded with Genesis cars, and big EVs are notorious for their depreciation. But then it could work wonders for brand awareness. A Range Rover isn’t for everyone, after all...
Other than that I quite like the interior.
AutoCar says "The Neolun, however, takes the luxury up a notch. The second and third rows of seats are swapped out for four, fully rotatable captain’s chairs to create an air of opulence never previously seen on a Genesis. As well as fully heated leather upholstery throughout, the cabin includes a real hardwood floor with underfloor heating, plus elements using cashmere wool and even stone."
I think really it needs a woodburning stove.
At 220k worldwide sales it's still relatively low volume, comparatively.
So they must be confident the investment costs will pay off.
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