Genesis has been teasing its first full-size electric SUV for a while now, and the wait is almost over. The GV90 is expected to arrive in the second half of 2026 with a long list of luxury features and a mysterious new tech system called “Connect W.” As the largest and most prestigious Genesis to date, the GV90 is shaping up to be the brand’s boldest move yet in the world of electric luxury.
- The GV90 will arrive later this year as the first vehicle to feature “Connect W,” a new system expected to reshape how drivers interact with their vehicles.
- Genesis plans to launch eight models this year, including the GV90, its highly anticipated flagship electric SUV.
- The GV90 is rumored to be one of the first vehicles to ride on Hyundai’s eM platform, which the company said can provide up to a 50% improvement in driving range compared to current E-GMP EVs.
What Is Connect W?
Genesis hasn’t fully pulled the curtain back on Connect W yet, but early reports paint a clear picture. According to preliminary information, the Connect W system is based on the Pleos platform, a solution that brings together the car’s operating system, multimedia, cloud services, and user interaction interfaces. This approach ties all vehicle functions together so they work in sync and adapt to the driver over time.
Market analysts believe that Connect W may represent the Genesis-specific version of Hyundai Motor Group’s Pleos Connect software. Unveiled at the “Pleos 25” developer conference, Pleos is the group’s new end-to-end software platform built on Android Automotive OS (AAOS). Think of it like using a smartphone with easy-to-access apps, voice commands, and AI that learns your preferences over time.
The new system is expected to offer AI-powered intelligent assistants, advanced navigation that accounts for road conditions, and real-time data exchange. Manfred Harrer, Hyundai’s R&D boss, noted that the technology would give drivers detailed, real-world information to help them better understand their surroundings on the road.
A Flagship Built on a New Platform
The Genesis GV90 debut with secret high-tech system news has gotten people talking, but Connect W is only part of the story. The GV90 is an upcoming full-size electric SUV from Genesis, the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, and it’s expected to debut in 2026 as the brand’s flagship SUV, positioned above the Genesis GV80.
Some reports claim the Genesis GV90 will also be the first vehicle to ride on Hyundai’s new eM platform, which the company said will bring a 50% improvement in driving range compared to its current EVs. With most Hyundai EVs offering at least 300 miles, that suggests the new platform could bring an EPA-estimated figure of up to around 450 miles, and on the WLTP scale, that number could climb past 560 miles. For a big, heavy luxury SUV, those figures would be seriously impressive.
Production will take place at Hyundai’s new electric vehicle facility in Ulsan, South Korea, with manufacturing beginning in 2026. This facility is a landmark for the company, as it’s the first new domestic plant established by Hyundai in nearly 30 years.
Coach Doors, Air Suspension, and Ultra-Luxury Features
You don’t build a flagship without going all-in on the details. The GV90 is expected to feature a distinctive design with rear-hinged coach doors that eliminate the need for a central B-pillar, making it easier to get in and out while still keeping the body stiff and safe thanks to reinforced door construction. That’s a feature you’d typically associate with Rolls-Royce, not a Korean brand.
At least two versions have been spotted during testing: a premium model with coach doors and a standard model with a traditional door setup. So buyers may have the option to pick between a standard and ultra-premium configuration.
Inside, the GV90 may include features such as swivel seats for increased passenger interaction and integrated seat speakers. Other rumored amenities include adaptive air suspension, massaging seats, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The spacious cabin offers seating for up to seven passengers, so everyone gets a comfortable ride.
Pricing and Availability
Local reports suggest the premium model could cost up to $200,000 in Korea, and in the US, the Genesis GV90 is expected to start at around $100,000, with higher-end trims reaching $200,000. That puts it squarely in Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV territory.
With the GV90 set to launch in the second half of 2026, camouflaged prototypes have been increasingly spotted testing in the US, Europe, and South Korea. After delaying the start of production last year, it will likely launch as a 2027 model.
Can the GV90 Challenge the Big Names?
Genesis has a real opportunity here. The GV90 brings together a new EV platform with impressive range potential, a luxury interior packed with high-end features, and a connected tech system that could set it apart from anything else on the market. Competitors like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS SUV should be paying attention.
As Genesis shifts from a period of incremental updates to an aggressive “New Decade” growth strategy, the GV90 sits at the top of its 2026 lineup. Whether it lives up to the hype depends on final specs and pricing, but everything we’ve seen so far suggests Genesis isn’t holding back.
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