► First Genesis sub-brand model
► Replaces Hyundai Equus saloon
► Aimed at USA, China and Middle East
Hyundai has revealed the first model to be launched under its newly created Genesis luxury car sub-brand: this is the Genesis G90. Or some sketches of it, anyway.
The big-of-grille, big-of-wheelbase luxobarge launches in Korea in December 2015 as the flagship model in the new Genesis range.
Hyundai’s new Genesis sub-brand: a recap
Up until now, the Genesis name has been attached to a specific Hyundai luxury saloon model. Now it’s being turned into an overall name for a separate family of cars with bespoke badging and styling, to be sold in the USA, China and the Middle East. As many as six new models are planned by 2020; the G90 is the first.
Read the original news of Hyundai’s new Genesis brand here.
Genesis G90: the details
Called the EQ900 in Korea, the Genesis G90 replaces the Hyundai Equus saloon. Powertrain, pricing and specification details will be announced at the car’s launch in December, although it’s likely to share the same 3.8-litre petrol V6 as the current Hyundai Genesis. (As in the existing Hyundai model called Genesis – confused yet? – which is soon to be renamed).
It will be joined by smaller G80 and G70 siblings, with styling headed up by former Bentley and Lamborghini design chief Luc Donckerwolke. A recent star signing for Hyundai’s design department, the G90’s lines are likely to have been finalised before Donckerwolke’s appointment.
While a UK market introduction for Genesis models hasn’t been ruled out, it’s unlikely to be a priority for Hyundai. The existing Hyundai Genesis saloon, introduced to the UK earlier this year, was cautiously forecast to sell only around 60 units. Read CAR’s review of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis here.