Genesis’ “Great Expectations” Moment
A little over two years after the Neolun concept debuted in New York (and perhaps a bit later than we expected to see it) the production model, dubbed GV90, was officially unveiled by Genesis last week. Much of what we saw was both surprising and not surprising. The concept's coach doors, heated wooden floors, swiveling front seats, pop-up center touchscreen, cashmere trim, and indigo upholstery were appropriate for a visionary vehicle, and few expected most, if not all, of those would disappear on the production vehicle. But Genesis threw them all in--and more. After all, as the first six-figure Korean vehicle sold in America, Genesis better not be perceived as shortchanging the customer.
Underneath the Escalade-sized GV90 is Hyundai's new Genesis-exclusive eMP platform, with a 123.5kWh battery enabling an estimated 310-mile range. That's competitive with the Mercedes EQS SUV and likely the new Range Rover Electric, but far below the Escalade IQ's 460 miles. The 800V system (also standard on the Range Rover and Escalade IQ) enables a brisk 22-minute recharge to 80%. The 656hp twin-motor powertrain is just shy of the Escalade IQ's 680 but well ahead of the Mercedes and Range Rover.
There are plenty of other bells and whistles to be found...
The Neolun flagship variant features the aforementioned rear coach doors (the "Arch Gate"), and an integrated B-pillar means unimpeded entry and exist
Dual electronic limited slip differentials to manage power output to all four wheels
Multichamber air suspension and rear wheel steering
Onboard animation: once the driver is in position and the door closed, the gearshift and crystal central controller slide into place
25-inch head-up display and Ambient Glow animated mood lighting
Heated windshield and available six-zone Smart Vision Roof using polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology
Radiant heaters in the 1st and 2nd row armrests, side panels, and door trims
Curiously, Hyundai cites two very disparate influences for the GV90: the Korean moon jar (for aesthetics) and Marilyn Monroe (for her "passionate ambition and visionary boldness"). Genesis got off to a rocky start in the US but have been steadily turning things around, and there's no doubt that Genesis did their homework creating the GV90. It's likely the rest of the players in this segment--BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Lincoln--are all going to be taking closer look at this flagship.
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