The 2027 Genesis GV90 is a pretty compelling luxury SUV, with graceful styling and available coach doors that give the Maybachs and the Cullinans of the world a run for their money. But as a fully electric vehicle with an estimated 310 miles of range or so, it may not exactly be to everyone’s tastes. That could be why Genesis is looking into the feasibility of an extended-range powertrain, which could use a gasoline engine to generate electricity (rather than power the wheels).
The Range Extender Makes Another Appearance
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During a round-table discussion at the debut of the GV90, Hyundai Motor Company CEO Jose Muñoz said that the luxury SUV was always developed to be an electric vehicle first and foremost. “There was no consideration whatsoever on [internal combustion], that’s for sure,” Muñoz told CarBuzz and other journalists. “But we are open to other powertrains. With this product, we wanted to make a statement. We believe that [battery electric vehicles] are here to stay.”
Despite underscoring that the GV90 was never considered for combustion power, Muñoz seemed to contradict himself somewhat when pressed for more details on what “other powertrains” for the luxury SUV would look like. Apparently, Genesis is considering putting some kind of range-extending powerplant into its flagship, likely a gasoline-powered engine that would provide the battery with electricity.
An extended-range electric vehicle, what we call an EREV, is the obvious next step if we decide to go with that solution.
–Jose Muñoz, Hyundai Motor Company CEO
If the GV90 gets an EREV powertrain, Genesis wouldn’t be alone in offering that type of propulsion in a luxury SUV. Work on the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s so-called REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) system is still under way, comprising a gas-powered 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 providing juice for a medium-sized battery that can also be charged at home or out in public. If Genesis follows suit, the GV90 would likely offer about 150 miles of pure electric power before the gasoline generator kicks on, which would then provide enough juice for another 250 miles or so before its fuel tank needs to be refilled.
Platform Flexibility Is Key
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Although conceived as an EV (and likely initially planned for pure battery power and nothing else), the GV90’s new Electric Mobility Prime (eMP) platform can reportedly accommodate such alterations as a gasoline generator. The thin, skateboard-like base comprises the 124-kilowatt-hour battery pack and powerful front and rear electric motors, but there’s enough space for a small frunk under the SUV’s hood.
That area could potentially be hollowed out a little bit more to make room for Genesis’ existing turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a downsized engine like the 1.6-liter turbo found in some Hyundai and Kia hybrids. Alternatively, it’s possible that the GV90 could go the same route as the Scout Harvester, which will place a very compact 1.4-liter four-banger near the rear axle. Genesis’ parent company has any number of small engines that could fit the bill.
The eMP platform was designed from the outset for lots of flexibility – ostensibly to provide more room in the cabin thanks to the thin, floor-mounted battery and space-efficient electric motors. But it also seems as though Genesis is aware that luxury EVs may not sell in the numbers that the industry once projected, and some customers may prefer an alternative to pure battery power.
Base Trim Engine
Two-motor Electric
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
657 hp
Base Trim Torque
590 lb-ft
Model
GV90
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Muñoz said that it was very important for the GV90 to launch as an EV, giving Genesis a sort of technological compass toward which it seems to be moving – just look at the GV80 hybrid for proof. But the company’s ideals may not match current market conditions, and having some powertrain diversity would likely spell greater success for the distinctive luxury SUV – even if it doesn’t match the ideals set out by its Neolun concept predecessor.
