- Genesis is preparing a flagship electric SUV, and the 2026 GV90 SUV has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring race track in Germany.
- The GV90 was previewed by the Neolun concept last year and retains the same colossal footprint, twin-line LED headlights, and chunky front end.
- The GV90 appears to ride on air suspension with rear-wheel steering and, at least on this example, features a two-seat second row instead of a rear bench.
Genesis solidified rumors that it is planning a large flagship SUV when it unveiled the decadent Neolun concept ahead of last year’s New York auto show. Expected to be called the GV90 when it reaches production, we now have proof that the gigantic electric SUV is nearing its debut. Our spy photographer snapped the GV90 testing on the Nürburgring, revealing key design elements from the minivan-like silhouette to flashy chrome wheels.KGP Photography|Car and DriverSometimes it can be hard to get a sense of a vehicle’s true size from spy photos, especially when no other cars are nearby for reference. But the GV90 looks truly massive in these new photos, and the way it sits on its chrome 22-inch wheels makes it appear heavy and solid. Like the Neolun concept, the production model has an upright front end and a long, mostly flat roofline. While the Neolun concept removed the B-pillars and featured flashy coach-style doors for easy entry to the purple-leather-equipped cabin, the production GV90 takes a more practical approach with B-pillars and traditional doors. The GV90 will, of course, wear the Genesis brand’s twin-line LED lighting motif up front, although the look isn’t as simplified as the concept’s front lights, and it’s unclear if the lights will stretch across the front end to form a triangular grille shape like on the Neolun. The lower bumper appears to remain faithful to the concept with an upside-down U-shaped ridge and venting with an intricate latticework. Full-width taillights also appear to carry over from the concept, sporting the same twin-line LED look.KGP Photography|Car and DriverThe GV90 is expected to be sold exclusively with an electric powertrain, and rumors suggest that it will ride on a new platform called “eM” that features an 800-volt electrical architecture. In 2022, parent company Hyundai said the eM platform would bring a 50 percent improvement in driving range versus its current EVs and also said the platform would support Level 3 and higher autonomous driving technology.While earlier spy photos of the GV90 testing in a wintry region showed it wearing 285/45R-22 Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV tires, the GV90 is fitted here with Pirelli P Zero E tires of the same size. Close-up photos also reveal that the GV90 is riding on air suspension and features rear-wheel steering, neither of which is a surprise for a vehicle in this class.KGP Photography|Car and DriverOur spy photographer also peeked inside, revealing a two-seat layout in the second row with the rear passengers separated by a center console with cupholders, a wireless phone charger, and a sizable screen. We wouldn’t be surprised if this represents a sort of “executive” package, and we think a full rear bench could be available in the United States. Buttons on the pillar behind the second-row seats imply the presence of a third row. Unfortunately, it seems like the snazzy quilted purple leather of the Neolun concept hasn’t made it to production.The GV90 will likely compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Cadillac Escalade iQ as well as pricier versions of the Lucid Gravity. We expect the GV90 to start at around $100,000, with production likely to take place in South Korea. A full reveal should come later this year.More on Genesis SUVsCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: caranddriver.com
