Genesis GV90 could lock horns with the Volvo EX90 & Wagoneer S [Update]

Update: ‘Target customer’ section updated.

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 line-up that indicated that one of the future Genesis EVs could be a large SUV called Genesis GV90.

A KoreanCarBlog report dated February 11, 2022, states that the large electric SUV internally goes by ‘Genesis JG1.’ An internal codename is used within the company to refer to the upcoming car project well before the marketing team decides on a name. For instance, the GV60 was codenamed ‘JW’ throughout its development stage. Here’s what we know about Genesis’ future SUV flagship.

Target customer

The Genesis GV90 would target buyers looking for a full-size SUV, including a full-size electric SUV. Families who want seven seats with third-row seats designed for adults could be of particular interest to Genesis. Another target customer group will be corporate teams wishing to travel long distances in absolute comfort. Genesis has launched three electric models, the Genesis Electrified G80, Genesis GV60, and the Genesis Electrified GV70, which target different buyers.

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

Design

All future models shown in the official teaser from September 2021 have the signature “Two Lines” design element on the sides, a feature not present on the Genesis Electrified G80 and Genesis GV60, which only have it on the fascia. “The Two Lines are us,” Genesis said in the GV60 announcement, emphasizing how this design element makes models instantly recognizable and its growing importance in future launches. The model on the extreme right is a large SUV, probably related to the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9, which could represent the Genesis GV90.

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. The next step will be to produce working prototypes, and we’ll likely see them undergoing tests on public roads from that stage. Until then, unofficial illustrations are all we’ve got to share about the design.

Below is a speculative render of a Genesis GV90 from South Korean artist HITEKRO. The flagship SUV could offer interior space comparable to conventional full-size luxury SUVs like the Mercedes GLS and the BMW X7 in a smaller size, thanks to the dedicated EV platform E-GMP.

The rendered Genesis GV90 has a typical crossover styling with plenty of curves and a low height that makes it softer than the Jeep Grand Wagoneer or the Cadillac Escalade. It features thin Two Lines design quad headlamps flanking a closed-off Crest grille. The lower front-end looks ordinary, which customers preferring a traditional design would surely appreciate.

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.

A Korean Car Blog report from January 2022 suggests that Genesis has built early prototypes of the GV90 using body panels of Hyundai’s Palisade. Spy pictures of this purported test mule have surfaced online, but they haven’t revealed design details of the series production GV90. It also appears that testing of the powertrain and chassis elements has begun, but production-body prototypes could take some time to appear on roads.

Genesis GV90 Features (expected)

The GV90 would benefit from the advancements of the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. Below are some of the features we expect from the group’s flagship SUV.

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 has been confirmed for 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

According to The Korean Car Blog’s sources, the GV90 will feature a ‘Magic Roof’ that allows controlling the light, heat, and transparency. We think 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. Another catchy feature The Korean Car Blog mentions for the GV90 is a new type of heating system derived from Ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system.

Multi-charging system

Like every other E-GMP EV model, 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 about 20 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.

Qualtrics (via WiTricity) has conducted a research study that has shown that 96% of EV buyers want wireless charging. It surveyed 1,053 American adults, nearly half of whom already own at least one EV. 40% of current EV owners found public charging with the cord frustrating. Plus, wireless charging makes public charging for customers with mobility issues very easy. The survey showed many customers prefer wireless charging over other attractions like full self-driving capabilities, premium audio systems, park assist, and more.

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 in the first half of 2023, 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

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 Hyundai Motor Group’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.

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.

VIP seats

The GV90 should come with first-class VIP seats as an option. Individual seats in the rear would allow all the occupants to travel in utmost comfort and luxury. Wide reclining, massage, and entertainment functions would keep the rear-seat occupants pampered and relaxed on the go.

Specifications (expected)

The Genesis GV90 could use the same motors and battery pack as Hyundai’s Ioniq 7 and Kia’s EV9. The Hyundai SUV will reportedly come in RWD and AWD variants, with the latter packing two motors generating 308 horsepower. However, the output figures in the Genesis model could be higher to match the expectations of premium SUV customers.

A 100 kWh battery pack providing a range of more than 300 miles is likely to be the source of energy in the top-end GV90. Kia targets a range of 540 km (336 miles) for the EV9, and the GV90’s range could also be around 340 miles. The EPA-est. range figures could be slightly lower, around 300 miles.

Either at the launch or during the lifecycle, the GV90’s battery pack may consist of new lithium-ion battery cells with more energy density than the currently used technology. In its mid-to-long-term EV strategy document (link), Hyundai has said that it plans to raise the energy density of lithium-ion cells from 600 Wh/L to 700 Wh/l by 2025 before moving to solid-state technology (mass-production).

Aspect	Genesis GV90 Specification (Expected)
Length	194 in.
Width	81 in.
Height	70 in.
Wheelbase	122 in.
Battery Pack Capacity	100 kWh
Range (EPA)	300 miles
Peak DC Charging Power	350 kW
10-80% DC Fast-Charging Time	~20 minutes

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 soon find their way into several Hyundai Motor Group vehicles using the E-GMP platform. 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. By leveraging these improvements, a maximum range of over 300 miles is technically achievable in the GV90.

Release Date

The Genesis GV90 electric SUV will enter series production after 2023, claims the first ET News report dated November 30, 2021, indicating a 2024 launch.

The U.S. has the potential to be the new model’s biggest market. Claudia Marquez, COO, Genesis Motor North America, has indicated that a full-size SUV for the U.S. is in the pipeline, as per a MotorTrend report. Marquez rhetorically asked that while Genesis does offer a three-row option in the GV80, “what about bigger SUVs?.” She said she’d have to wait “until a certain date,” before talking about it.

Manufacturing

HMG will soon begin manufacturing the Electrified GV70 at its American Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama. While the company is tight-lipped about future localization plans, the subsequent Genesis EV entering production in the U.S. could be the GV90. However, it could be made at the upcoming 2,923-acre production site in Bryan County, Georgia, in 2025. Like the current Genesis electric SUVs, the company could begin sales of the GV90 with units imported from S.Korea.

Bespoke Genesis GV90 expected

According to a report The Korea Economic Daily published on May 31, 2022, Genesis will unveil a new One of One bespoke model division. Like Bentley Mulliner, the new division will likely allow Genesis customers to specify custom details that literally make their configuration unique or ‘One of One.’ The report suggests that the customization options will extend beyond the exterior and interior colors, trim, and upholstery. It’s safe to assume that this customization program will be available for GV90 customers as well.

Sales

At the all-new G90 launch in January 2022, Chang told the S.Korean media that Genesis expects to sell 215,000-220,000 vehicles in 2022, The Investor reported. He added that while there’s no plan to electrify the G90, the company will formulate a plan to electrify a high-end model belonging to a different segment. It’s possible that Chang was referring to the Genesis GV90 as the high-end model. At the 2022 CEO Investor Day, Chang said that Genesis EV sales target for 2030 is 350,000 units. Genesis would have achieved a 12% market share in the global luxury EV market if all goes as per the plan.

Genesis will pursue brand differentiation into high-quality EV by combining various new technologies with the luxury attributes of Genesis.

Jaehoon Chang, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor Company (2022 CEO Investor Day on March 2, 2022)

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. Plus, with attractive prices, expected to start around USD 80,000, it could provide a better value for money than European SUVs.

Genesis GV90 FAQs

Featured Image Source: YouTube/Genesis_worldwide