The highly anticipated Genesis GV90, the flagship electric SUV set to sit above the GV80, has reportedly been delayed once again, according to sources familiar with the project. This marks another setback for Genesis’ most ambitious model to date, as the luxury brand reassesses both leadership direction and advanced technology readiness. Originally expected to debut as Genesis’ ultimate statement in electric luxury in April 2026, the GV90’s timeline now appears increasingly fluid, with internal changes and unresolved technical challenges cited as key factors behind the latest postponement to the second half of 2026.
New Genesis Executives May Be Resetting Priorities
One of the primary reasons behind the renewed delay appears to be the recent appointment of new executives within Hyundai Motor Group and Genesis. Industry insiders suggest that the new leadership is conducting a deep strategic review of upcoming flagship products, including the GV90.
Flagship vehicles often serve as brand-defining statements, and any shift in executive vision can result in changes to:
- Product positioning
- Technology rollout timing
- Feature prioritization
- Market readiness strategy
The Genesis GV90, as the brand’s first ultra-luxury, full-size electric SUV, is likely under intense scrutiny to ensure it aligns perfectly with the new leadership’s long-term roadmap.
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Lack of Level 3 Autonomous Driving Could Be a Key Obstacle
Another major factor believed to be contributing to the delay is the absence of confirmed Level 3 autonomous driving capability at launch.
Genesis has positioned itself as a technology-forward luxury brand, and competitors in the flagship EV segment are increasingly introducing:
- Conditional Level 3 autonomy
- Advanced hands-free highway driving systems
- Regulatory-approved autonomous features in select markets
Launching the GV90 without Level 3 autonomy could risk undermining its status as a true technological flagship. Sources indicate that Genesis may be unwilling to release the GV90 until its autonomous driving suite meets internal benchmarks, even if this means pushing the launch further.
New GV90 Prototype Spotted With Mysterious Trapdoors
Despite the delay, new Genesis GV90 prototypes have recently appeared, revealing intriguing design updates. Most notably, observers have identified new trapdoor-like panels integrated into the bodywork, sparking speculation across the automotive community.
These trapdoors are widely believed to be concealing:
- Next-generation radar units
- Additional autonomous driving sensors
- Potential LiDAR or enhanced ADAS hardware
If confirmed, this could signal that Genesis is actively reworking the GV90’s sensor architecture, possibly in preparation for higher-level autonomous functionality in the future.
GV90 Coach Door Version Appears to Be Cancelled
In a significant development, the Genesis GV90 Coach Door model has reportedly disappeared from testing. Previously spotted prototypes featured rear-hinged coach doors, positioning the GV90 as a potential rival to ultra-luxury SUVs from Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.
The absence of recent sightings suggests that:
- The coach door variant may have been cancelled entirely
- Or it has been postponed indefinitely for a later lifecycle update
This move could reflect a strategic decision to simplify the launch lineup and focus resources on core technology and production readiness rather than niche ultra-luxury configurations.
What This Means for the Genesis GV90 Launch
Taken together, the renewed delay, executive reshuffle, autonomy concerns, prototype changes, and disappearance of the coach door model point to a major internal reset for the Genesis GV90 project.
Rather than rushing the SUV to market, Genesis appears committed to ensuring that its flagship electric SUV delivers:
- Best-in-class technology
- Competitive autonomous driving capability
- A clear luxury identity aligned with new leadership
While disappointing for enthusiasts awaiting the GV90, this cautious approach may ultimately result in a more competitive and future-proof flagship when it finally arrives.
Conclusion: A Flagship Worth Waiting For?
The Genesis GV90 remains one of the most important vehicles in the brand’s history. Its repeated delays underscore just how critical Genesis believes this model will be for its global luxury ambitions.
With new executives reshaping strategy, unresolved Level 3 autonomy challenges, evolving prototype hardware, and the apparent cancellation of the coach door variant, the GV90 is clearly undergoing significant transformation behind the scenes.
As testing continues and more prototypes emerge, the coming months should reveal whether Genesis is preparing a technological leap—or simply buying time to get its most important EV absolutely right.
