2026 Genesis GV90 SUV expected to be next all-new model for burgeoning luxury brand

Genesis Australia will grow its presence locally with an expanded line-up expected to include the upcoming GV90 full-size SUV previewed by this year’s Neolun concept.

Speaking to Drive at the launch of the updated GV80, head of Genesis Australia Justin Douglass said the current plan is to build out the current portfolio with at least one more model.

“We’ve stated that we’ll have six models by 2030, so there’s room there for one more model at this point in time,” he said.

While Genesis Australia takes most of the global product portfolio, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class-rivalling G90 sedan is not offered locally due to it being produced in left-hand-drive only.

However, the local line-up does field the G70 and G80 passenger cars, the GV70 and GV80 SUVs, and the GV60 electric car.

The next production model is expected to be the GV90 full-size seven-seat SUV, designed to steal sales away from other flagships such as the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Little information is currently available about the GV90, but the Neolun concept shown at this year’s New York motor show provides some clues.

For starters, the production GV90 is expected to be an electric vehicle, sized similarly to the Kia EV9.

However, standing the two apart might be their underpinnings, as the EV9 is built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s e-GMP architecture also found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 7, as well as the Kia EV6 and EV5.

The GV90 meanwhile, is rumoured to be built on the new eM electric platform as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s next wave of tailpipe emissions-free models under the Integrated Modular Architecture system.

However, production isn’t expected until the end of next year, which could push an Australian market introduction date out to 2026 or 2027.

Another potential new model for Genesis Australia could be a production sports car, as the brand has previously teased a handful of low-slung performance concepts.

In fact, the Genesis X Convertible concept from 2022 is currently in Australia, touring dealerships to drum up hype for the brand.

However, Mr Douglass would not be drawn on any specifics of Genesis’ upcoming plans, though they are likely include introducing more hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, based on recent overseas reports.

“There’s not a lot I can say when it comes to future product strategy, other than to say we are in a fortunate position to be part of an amazing group that has a range of powertrains and they are constantly looking at market customer demands,” he said.

“And from that perspective, if it is the right thing to do for the brand, and that’s what our customers want, then we never know what could happen down the track.”