Indeed, the Backwards Doors Exist: Genesis GV90 Is an Ultra-Luxurious SUV from Another Galaxy.

      **Genesis**

      The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to you, every weekday.

      Two years back, Genesis unveiled a large SUV concept known as the Neolun. Featuring coach doors and a commanding presence, it showcased the brand's aspirations for a future flagship model. We speculated on how closely the eventual GV90 would resemble that concept, and now we have the answer. The 2027 Genesis GV90 has arrived, and it’s as extraordinary as the ultra-luxurious SUV we anticipated.

      To begin with, the GV90 is fully electric, built on the company’s exclusive eMP platform designed specifically for flagship Genesis models. It boasts a battery with a substantial capacity of 123.5 kilowatt-hours, producing a combined 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from its front and rear motors, both equipped with their own electronic limited-slip differentials. The multi-chamber air suspension and rear-wheel steering provide a smooth and solid driving experience, with Genesis estimating a range of 310 miles for the seven-seat variant.

      However, performance isn’t the sole emphasis here; the GV90 features several unique aspects not commonly found in other vehicles, solidifying its prestigious status within the Genesis lineup. For instance, it offers rear-hinged doors in a special Neolun version of the SUV, featuring a futuristic name for the system: the Neolun Arch Gate.

      What sets this feature apart, even from how other manufacturers have historically incorporated coach doors, is the ability for them to open simultaneously and independently; there’s no need to latch the rear doors before opening the front ones. This innovation is achieved as the rear doors slide outward before smoothly rotating open, which clarifies why a prototype we observed last year had its rear-fender body panel removed—there's a lot of equipment involved in this mechanism.

      Despite the absence of a traditional B-pillar, Genesis asserts that the GV90 is highly robust. The cabin is supported by a frame that is 50% thicker than that of "conventional vehicles," and the automaker is confident that the GV90 performs comparably to B-pillared vehicles in crash tests. Extensive use of aluminum in the underbody aims to mitigate the weight implications of such durability, though, considering we're discussing a large SUV with a significant battery, we don't expect a lightweight figure when Genesis eventually releases the curb weight.

      What other features make the GV90 exceptional? It comes equipped with front seats that swivel, complementing its unique door arrangement. Additionally, it features a generous glass ceiling, which isn’t uncommon among high-end luxury SUVs. What distinguishes this model, however, is the inclusion of a built-in airbag in the roof to protect occupants from debris in the case of a rollover. For those selecting the most luxurious version of the GV90—the Neolun Executive Suite—they will enjoy electrochromic glass with adjustable opacity instead of standard tinted glass.

      I am particularly enamored with the 24-inch wheels on this blue "First Edition" GV90 Neolun.

      There’s clearly much to discuss about the GV90 even before reaching its design, which, I find, is quite striking. The way the body panels seamlessly integrate with one another creates a solid and monolithic stance without crossing into the realm of harsh angularity. It resembles a large stone shaped by water. Compared to the Neolun concept, the only clear indication that this is a production vehicle is the size and shape of the side mirrors.

      One more detail about the exterior design: The front features a double lightbar signature. Typically, these accent lights would be used with separate projectors for nighttime illumination, but the GV90 relies solely on those LED strips—referred to as the “Wing Face Micro Lens Array” by Genesis—as the headlights. Interesting! (And likely quite costly.)

      Inside, the GV90 presents a spacious, unique, and elegant atmosphere, with interior color choices including green, indigo, purple, and, of course, a classic caramel hue for the less adventurous. Noticeably absent is a traditional instrument panel, even a digital one; all necessary information is projected via a heads-up display. The central infotainment screen measures 23.6 inches diagonally while driving, but can extend an additional 3.5 inches once the vehicle is parked, transforming into an even larger OLED display for movies and other media. It operates on the Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect system, Hyundai Group’s latest software.

      One more eccentric feature: that peculiar pylon-like structure behind the steering wheel? It serves as a gear indicator, but when the GV90 is parked, turned off, and unoccupied, it remains in the 12-o’clock position. Once the driver enters and shuts the door, it rotates down to the 2-o’clock position, functioning as a gear-selection stalk. At this point, it may not surprise you that the GV90 lacks a