Genesis Neolun production car would keep suicide doors

The incoming production version of the all-electric Genesis Neolun concept would likely keep the show car’s wild rear-hinged doors and B-pillarless look when it reaches production in 2025.

And according to Genesis chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s future flagship SUV should still offer side-impact protection well beyond more conventional rivals, despite lacking a B-pillar.

“If we do a B-pillarless car it has to be not only as safe as a car with the B-pillar, but it has to be safer to compensate for the perception of maybe more fragility of the body,” he said.

Donckerwolke said the lack of B-pillars and the resultant wide-opening rear door space would help the luxury four-seater SUV differentiate itself from rivals – and other Hyundai Motor Group models.

Originally, it was thought that the Neolun would transition to a more practical family-friendly three-row model that would possibly be badged the Genesis GV90.

But Donckerwolke cast doubt on that theory when he revealed that any seven-seat large SUV would have conventional doors to allow easier access to the final row of seating.

That suggests the new flagship SUV will sit above the GV90 and possibly carry another name that will reflect its aspiration of rivalling much more expensive luxury cars, such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Taking its name from the Greek for ‘neo’ and the Latin for ‘luna’ (moon), the new Genesis Neolun concept is said to have been styled under a reductive design mantra, which explains its simple, clean lines and lack of fussy detailing.

Aiding access further are electric side steps that automatically deploy as the doors open. Once closed they integrate back into the vehicle to provide a smooth, seamless look.

Featuring a spacious and luxurious cabin, the show car features a striking Purple Silk leather and Royal Indigo cashmere, with Genesis claiming all cabin materials have been dyed using natural organic pigments.

Beneath the skin the Neolun is set to be the first beneficiary of the Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation eM architecture, launching with Level 3 autonomous driving aids.

Expect dual motors and a huge battery to be standard, with the large luxurious SUV expected to produce more than 450kW and cover around 600km on a single charge.

Following its unveiling, Donckerwolke described the Neolun as the “epitome of timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship”.

Genesis’ chief creative boss didn’t disclose any dates for its introduction, but it’s been tipped the full-size luxury SUV will be unwrapped next year ahead of a late 2025 arrival.

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