Genesis has stepped up its model offensive with the premiere of the GV90 flagship SUV at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The elite new model seeks to disrupt the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Range Rover Electric with a mix of commanding design that includes optional coach doors, plus top-end electric performance and advanced technologies.

Expected to cost around £100,000, the GV90 is a production model based on the Neolun concept revealed in 2024. It sits on the eMP (Electric Mobility Prime) platform developed exclusively for the new flagship from the luxury vehicle division of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group.

The GV90 will be available in two variants with distinct seating configurations. The standard model comes equipped with conventional swing doors and a practical seven-seat layout across three rows. The ultra-luxury GV90 Neolun swaps traditional styling for the ‘Neolun Arch Gate’ which comes with pillarless, reverse-opening rear doors and will be available in four-seat configuration as standard.

At 5,285mm long, it’s the brand’s largest model and will also be the largest in Europe when it arrives in 2027. The 3.25m wheelbase will also offer plenty of space.

“GV90 is not simply a new vehicle, but a new vision for luxury mobility that brings together inspiring design, AI-powered software and connectivity, and industry-leading safety,” said Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group.

Featuring a new motor system that delivers the most powerful performance among Hyundai Motor Group EVs, the GV90 comes with a combined maximum output of 657hp and 800Nm of torque from the front and rear motors.

It’s the first Hyundai Motor Group vehicle to be equipped with a dual electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD), which distributes the motors’ powerful output according to driving conditions. E-LSDs are mounted on both the front and rear motors to ensure power is efficiently supplied to all four wheels during high-speed cornering for agile handling. It also suppresses wheel slip on snowy, rainy or uneven roads, ensuring more control when driving.

Despite the hefty power, Genesis promises a relaxed and effortless driving experience, aided by multi-chamber air suspension which uses air springs with adjustable stiffness, allowing ride height to adapt accordingly to road conditions. The vehicle also features active rear wheel steering, which allows the rear wheels to turn up to five degrees. Genesis says this reduces the turning radius to that of a mid-size car and makes U-turns and parking more convenient while also improving cornering stability at medium and high speeds.

The GV90 is equipped with a 123.5kWh high-voltage battery, the largest capacity among Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicles. WLTP range is expected to be around 311 miles (500km) and the GV90 is capable of charging at up to 350kW DC, giving a 10% to 80% charge in 22 minutes.

Genesis says the exterior of the GV90 draws inspiration from the iconic moon jar – a symbol of traditional Korean aesthetics. The interior has been reinterpreted as a bespoke living space tailored to passenger preferences and featuring a flat floor and slim cockpit design.

Luxury-focused technologies include a pop-up centre OLED Cinematic Display with a wide 23.6-inch screen that integrates the instrument cluster, navigation and media. The screen rises 90mm when the car is parked, transforming it into a 24.6-inch display for multimedia content. In place of a separate instrument cluster, the GV90 offers a 25-inch head-up display.

The GV90 also comes with Pleos Connect, Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment platform. This is based on the Android Automotive Operating System and can download third-party vehicle apps via the Pleos App Market.

Other features include Remote Smart Parking Assist 3, Bang & Olufsen’s Premier 3D sound system with 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos, plus ambient glow mood lighting, smart vision roof and a heated windscreen.

The GV90 is the first Hyundai Motor Group vehicle to feature the New Power Control System, which removes the traditional start button. The car turns on and the door closes automatically as soon as the outer handle is pulled. Inside, the shifter moves into place, the control sphere rotates to open and the speakers slide aside to signal that the car is ready to drive. The car is started by pressing the brake pedal, eliminating the need for a separate ignition button.

In another Hyundai Motor Group first, the GV90 Neolun introduces motorised swivelling front seats. When parked, pressing a button on the door trim spins the front seats around 180 degrees. This creates a face-to-face lounge area for talking or working together.

The line-up will also include the GV90 Neolun First Edition, with exclusive features “for the ultimate VIP experience”.

José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, added: “GV90 opens a new chapter for Genesis, building on our track record of bold innovation, elevated customer experiences, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“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.”