Hyundai Motor Group’s Genesis luxury division has been on a roll and its electrification plan is one of the most comprehensive. It has since revealed three battery-electric vehicles, the Electrified G80, Electrified GV70, and the GV60. These are just the tip of the iceberg because more are coming including all-electric versions of the GV80, G90, and the next G70. Perhaps the biggest news (literally) is coming in the calendar year 2023, in the form of the Genesis GV90. As its name suggests, this will be the largest, most luxurious crossover for the brand.
Our source tells us that the Genesis GV90 is part of a trifecta of electric three-row models from Hyundai Motor Group. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9, the GV90 is being billed as one of the most important products for the U.S. market because of its positioning and size. The GV90 will be the second E-GMP vehicle in the luxury brand’s lineup following the GV60. That means it was developed from the ground up as an EV just like its Hyundai and Kia cousins.
Our source noted that the GV90 will initiate the next product offensive from Genesis. Initially expected to have both internal combustion and electrified variants, the company decided to ditch the former. Why? Emissions. The biggest markets for this vehicle are North America and China, and the latter’s strict emissions regulations along with Europe’s are likely the reason why it’s become an EV. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group has essentially focused all of its research and development on electrified powertrains, focusing mainly on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles.
The GV90’s battery will be among the largest of any E-GMP-based vehicle and from what we’ve been told, they’ll charge at a faster rate than the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. Those three also have 400/800-volt charging capability but they might not be limited to a peak of 250 to 300 kW depending on the conditions. Three-row vehicles like the GV90 should have higher peak DC charging rates to make up for their larger battery. We’re suspecting that its pack will have over 100 kWh. This is likely so the crossover can hit that magic 300-mile mark in its EPA ratings.
We’ve yet to see prototypes wearing their production bodies. At the moment, the GV90 mules are essentially Frankenstein cars wearing the shell of a Hyundai Palisade that’s been modified significantly. Under the skin is likely a dual-motor battery-electric powertrain. Expect to see the crossover to shed this look soon since it’s scheduled to arrive before the end of 2023. We got a glimpse of what the GV90 may look like when Genesis announced its electrification offensive last year. Yes, it’ll still retain the two lines theme but it won’t be a boxy vehicle like its sibling, the Kia EV9.
The Genesis GV90 is coming sooner than expected because of its importance to two of the biggest global markets. This is merely the start because the shift to electrification has been accelerated for Genesis. More of its vehicles are moving to the E-GMP platform and are getting battery-electric variants. With Hyundai Motor Group focusing on EVs for its passenger cars, there’s no reason why it won’t put every vehicle it can on the E-GMP platform, especially ones with the Genesis badge. Being in the luxury segment also means it won’t need to sell as many units to make back what it spent in development since the vehicles are priced higher.
