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Crafting a large SUV that truly distinguishes itself proves difficult amid similar competitors. Even standout models often perform comparable roles. Yet the 2028 GV90 Neolun from Genesis has achieved the remarkable feat of drawing worldwide notice. Its coach doors rank among the most striking elements, unlike any prior designs, which prompted a fresh label. Referring to them merely as doors would fall short. These sizable features bear the name Neolun Arch Gate, and that designation applies.

Coach doors appear in various vehicles already, yet achieving separate operation without a visible B-pillar represents a genuine engineering accomplishment possible only from a brand willing to pursue bold ideas. Comparisons to older trucks or the Honda Element miss the mark, as the Neolun Arch Gate functions differently. Those earlier designs needed the front door opened first for rear access, but the GV90 Neolun allows its large rear doors to function on their own, and the mechanism seems almost magical at first glance.

Full Disclosure: Genesis arranged travel to San Francisco, California, provided lodging at a quality hotel and meals to allow review of the 2028 GV90 and GV90 Neolun.

The Door

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The operation of the Neolun Arch Gate becomes clear upon closer inspection and proves quite interesting. Front doors function in a standard manner for the most part, though they open nearly 90 degrees wide, with seatbelts attached to the seats instead of a B-pillar. A button enables the front seats to rotate 180 degrees for easier interaction with rear passengers.

The substantial rear doors, each weighing around 154 pounds, deliver the main innovation. All doors use motors for movement. Each rear door first shifts outward from the back and slides a few inches to clear the front door edge. It briefly resembles a minivan sliding door before swinging outward like a coach door on a luxury sedan, again reaching nearly 90 degrees. The full sequence lasts just seconds and creates a striking visual. Closing reverses the steps, with the front edge of the rear door settling first before the rear edge aligns flush.

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Independent door operation works as intended, but simultaneous opening of both sides produces the most impressive view with a wide gap along the GV90 Neolun body. Few vehicles offer such an expansive side opening except convertibles. Maintaining an airtight seal on doors of this type requires effort, which led Genesis to install three sealing layers for weather protection and reduced road or wind noise. As a large luxury electric vehicle, quiet cabin performance remains essential.

The Engineering

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The doors impress on their own, yet the underlying engineering may stand out even more. When the concept first took shape, Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group President and Chief Creative Officer, presented it to the chairman. In discussions with journalists, he recalled a period of uncertainty because the chairman required the design to exceed the safety of a standard B-pillar vehicle. That condition seems reasonable yet demanding.

"We then confronted the challenge of removing a structural element while improving safety overall. Numerous obstacles arose in making it function," Donckerwolke noted.

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Such difficulties account for the heavy reinforcement visible in the door sills. Prominent among these are the large rear Dual-Motion Hinges, described by a company representative as both strong and visually appealing. They do draw attention effectively. Those who value mechanical details will find them striking, which explains why the hinges were made visible when rear doors open. Dozens of ball bearings inside each hinge support smooth motion. Similar design appears in the motorized charge door hinge, which also features clean lines.

Additional evidence of safety focus appears throughout. Rear doors incorporate a substantial hidden B-pillar section, while latch and pin systems sit along the upper center of the door frame. These integrate reasonably well, though occasional head contact remains possible. Two latches on the sill plate represent the least refined visual aspect, likely the result of extensive internal debate over placement options. They detract slightly from appearance but form a minor trade-off for the overall design quality. The extended door sill length stands out clearly as well.

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Further hidden reinforcements boost overall rigidity, such as high-strength dual steel beams inside the doors. Genesis explains that the door-to-body connection helps distribute collision forces. A concealed roll cage uses a frame 1.5 times thicker than standard models along with high-strength steel tubes and structural foam.

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Together these elements deliver class-leading body stiffness according to Genesis, fulfilling the chairman's requirement and benefiting the final product. The GV90 Neolun remains unique on the road largely due to the Neolun Arch Gate. Applying this system across the broader HMG lineup makes sense, and a Hyundai Kona Neolun would represent a welcome addition.