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

      Genesis

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      Two years ago, Genesis unveiled a large SUV concept called the Neolun. Featuring coach doors and a striking presence, it foreshadowed the brand's future flagship. We were curious how closely the final GV90 would resemble that concept, and now we have an answer. The 2027 Genesis GV90 has arrived, and it lives up to the expectations of an ultra-luxurious SUV.

      To begin with, the GV90 is fully electric, built on Genesis's unique eMP architecture, designed specifically for flagship models. It boasts a battery capacity of 123.5 kilowatt-hours, delivering a total of 657 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from its front and rear motors, which each have electronic limited-slip differentials. The SUV features multi-chamber air suspension and rear-wheel steering for a smooth and stable driving experience, with Genesis estimating a range of 310 miles for the seven-passenger version.

      However, performance is not the primary highlight; the GV90 showcases a number of distinctive features that set it apart in the Genesis lineup. One standout aspect is its doors. Like the concept version, the SUV will have a Neolun variant featuring rear-hinged doors. Genesis has chosen a futuristic name for this system: the Neolun Arch Gate.

      What makes this door system unique, compared to other manufacturers' implementations over the years, is its ability to open simultaneously and independently. There’s no need to latch the rear doors before opening the front ones, as the rear doors slide outwards before rotating open. This design explains why a prototype viewed last year had its rear-fender body panel removed—there’s a substantial amount of equipment needed for this functionality.

      Despite the absence of a traditional B-pillar, Genesis assures that the GV90 is robust. The cabin is designed with a frame 50% thicker than those in "traditional vehicles,” and the automaker claims that collision performance is comparable to B-pillared vehicles. Extensive aluminum use in the underbody is expected to mitigate some of the weight concerns from this added strength, though given that this is a large SUV with a significant battery, we don’t expect a lightweight figure when Genesis eventually reveals its curb weight.

      So what else sets the GV90 apart? It features front seats that swivel, alongside the unconventional door setup. Additionally, it has a spacious glass ceiling, which isn't entirely unique in the high-end luxury SUV market. What makes this aspect special is the inclusion of an airbag in the roof to protect passengers from debris in case of a rollover. Buyers opting for the premium GV90—the Neolun Executive Suite—will enjoy not just tinted glass, but electrochromic glass with adjustable opacity.

      The blue “First Edition” GV90 Neolun’s 24-inch wheels are particularly striking.

      There's a lot to discuss regarding the GV90 even before delving into its design, which I find quite impressive. The seamless integration of body panels creates a solid, monolithic stance without veering into overly angular territory; it resembles a massive stone polished by water. Compared to the Neolun concept, the only notable distinction signaling its production nature is the size and shape of the side mirrors.

      A particular feature of the exterior design is the double lightbar at the front. Typically, accent lights are accompanied by separate projectors for nighttime driving. However, the GV90 relies solely on its LED strips—referred to as the “Wing Face Micro Lens Array”—which serve as the headlights. Interesting! (And likely quite costly.)

      Inside, the GV90 presents a spacious, unique, and elegant feel with color options including green, indigo, purple, and a more conventional caramel for those less adventurous. There's no standard instrument cluster or even a digital one; all necessary information is displayed through a heads-up display. The central infotainment screen measures 23.6 inches diagonally while driving but can extend by 3.5 inches when parked, transforming it into a larger OLED display for films and other media. It operates on Hyundai Group’s latest Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect software.

      Another curious feature is the pylon-like gear indicator located behind the steering wheel seen in some images. While clearly a gear indicator, it remains at the 12-o'clock position when the GV90 is parked, off, and unoccupied. Once the driver enters and closes the door, it shifts down to the 2-o'clock position, functioning as a gear-selection lever. At this point, it may not be surprising that the GV90 does not feature a traditional power button.

      Considering all these elements, the GV90 is distinctly different from vehicles like the Escalade or Bentayga. It stands boldly on its own—forward-thinking, with the Art Deco detailing that Genesis is becoming known for, and user interface elements that, while