"Genesis is finally ready to turn its dream into reality." — Forbes.
Genesis unveiled the GV90, its first large flagship electric sport utility vehicle, at its world premiere at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on the 19th local time, drawing a wave of praise from major overseas media.
Forbes said Genesis has established itself in the premium car market over the past decade by redefining luxury with a Korean sensibility. "The fresh, modern feel of the GV90 is apparent from the moment you get in the car," the magazine wrote.
U.S. automotive publication MotorTrend said the emerging luxury brand has set its sights on Cadillac, Range Rover and even Rolls-Royce. "The GV90, Genesis's new flagship, aims to be a disruptive force among established premium brands," it wrote.
U.S. automotive information outlet Edmunds noted that Genesis is only a decade old and that competing with brands with a century of history is no easy task. Even so, it said, after seeing the GV90 in person, Genesis is not only fully prepared but rivals should watch it closely as well.
The feature that drew the most attention at the GV90 unveiling was the Neolun Arch Gate, a set of coach doors that open toward each other front and rear without a B-pillar.
U.S. automotive publication Carscoops said coach doors are easy to find on concept cars but mostly disappear during mass production, adding that the GV90 Neolun is an exception. "The experience of getting into the second row is very luxurious and smooth. The GV90 is very special because of the coach doors alone," it said.
MotorTrend said the GV90 Neolun completes coach doors that can be opened and closed independently by adding innovative dual-motion hinges, a hidden B-pillar and a hidden roll cage. The harmony of all these elements, it said, delivers the elegance of a luxury sedan and the safety befitting a 21st-century vehicle.
The exterior design also drew frequent mention. U.S. automotive publication The Drive said the GV90's design leaves a deep impression, adding that a sense of unity comes through in the seamlessly connected body panels and that its solid presence stands out.
British automotive publication Auto Express said the clean, rounded form is reminiscent of a Korean moon jar, with elegant and ornate details set within it.
Another British automotive publication, Car Magazine, said it is generally rare for a concept car's design to carry over directly to a production model, but the GV90 was different. Various design elements, including the front wing-face MLA headlamps, have been implemented on the GV90 exactly as shown, it explained.
On the interior design, U.S. automotive publication Jalopnik said it is hard to think of an interior in today's car market that surpasses that of the GV90 Neolun, adding that it perfectly combines a traditional luxury mood with innovative technology elements.
Auto Express noted that the interior features natural wood veneer and a radiant floor heating system. Contrasted with the thick wool carpet of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, it said, this gives a distinctive feel evocative of Korea's traditional ondol underfloor heating.
Edmunds said the interior was spacious and the seats were surprisingly comfortable. It was especially impressed, it said, that the leather was soft and smooth, that soft materials extended down to the floor, and that hard plastic was barely to be found.
