Genesis G90 Explores LiDAR Integration for Level 3 Autonomous Progress

Just a little over a year since the introduction of the second-generation G90, Genesis is already gearing up for a major update.

However, contrary to expectations of a mere facelift, the prototype of the upcoming model is spotted with camouflage at the front. The reason behind this disguise is the integration of LiDAR sensors, a crucial component for a groundbreaking feature - a level 3 autonomous driving system.

The SAE has thus defined 6 different levels of autonomous driving:
Level 0: no driving automation
Level 1: driver assistance
Level 2: partial driving automation
Level 3: conditional driving automation
Level 4: high driving automation
Level 5: full driving automation

While other electric SUVs like the Lotus Eletre and Volvo EX90, produced by Geely, have their sensors positioned on the roof, Genesis, the luxury brand of Hyundai, is taking a different approach.

In one of the attached spy shots, we have highlighted these subtle bulges, which might be easily overlooked. The extent to which they will be noticeable once the camouflage is removed remains to be seen, possibly in the coming months.

The Genesis G90 won't be the pioneering production car to feature LiDAR integrated into the front fascia.

As the Lucid Air already adopts a similar configuration with the sensor positioned in the lower grille, we can anticipate a growing trend of vehicles embracing this technology for advanced self-driving capabilities.

Genesis is not the sole representative of the Hyundai Group venturing into the realm of level 3 autonomous driving. The highly anticipated Kia EV9, set to debut soon, has already been confirmed to come equipped with a Highway Driving Pilot (HDP).

This indicates that the advanced autonomous technology will gradually permeate into smaller and more cost-effective models in the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, it is reasonable to expect that the Hyundai Ioniq 7, scheduled for release in 2024, as well as the yet-to-be-announced Genesis GV90, are strong contenders to incorporate LiDAR technology in their offerings.