In most cars, a door is usually just a door; they're meant to open and close in the same way that you open and close your front door, your bedroom door, or any other conventional type of door you encounter every day. But for some automakers, certain types of car doors have become a statement piece that defines their image and aura.

For instance, car enthusiasts know what the term Lamborghini doors refers to, as the Italian sports car brand has made scissor doors popular since their inclusion in the Countach in the 1970s. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and the DeLorean DMC-12 popularized gullwing doors before Tesla brought them to the EV era with the Model X's Falcon-wing doors.

Rolls-Royce

However, recent patent filings indicate that one special kind of door exclusive to ultra-luxury manufacturers like Rolls-Royce is coming to an offering from a more mainstream manufacturer. According to recent reports from Electrek and the Korean Car Blog, two recent patent filings registered to Hyundai and Kia with the United States Patent and Trademark Office indicate that the brands are working on their own versions of rear-hinged coach doors, which are distinctly different from those of the BMW-owned British ultra-luxury marque.

The two patents, which are titled “Cinching Device for Door Latches in Vehicles” and “Door Latch Device for Vehicles,” explain how the upcoming Genesis GV90’s coach doors will work in great detail.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

The new patents highlight the advanced engineering required to achieve this pillarless, rear-hinged door system, which integrates structural support directly into the doors, rather than relying on a traditional B-pillar. As a result, the GV90 will offer a large, unobstructed opening for entry and exit, providing an experience akin to more expensive ultra-luxury vehicles.

The "Cinching Device" is a highly advanced latching system that uses a “cinching actuator” and “lead screw” to ensure the multiple latches on the doors close securely. At the same time, the "Door Latch Device" helps guide the door into its final position and lock it securely. Together, these newly patented devices guarantee a perfect fit and a tight seal for a safe and quiet cabin.

Rolls-Royce

Fans and eager customers got their first look at the upcoming GV90's pillarless coach doors at the NY Auto Show last March through the Genesis Neolun concept car, which showcased the pillarless coach doors. According to Electrek, the coach doors may be offered as an option for the upcoming Genesis GV90, as test mules with conventional doors have been spotted testing in the U.S. and South Korea.

Genesis is expected to release the GV90 sometime in mid-2026 and will be built at the flagship Ulsan plant in South Korea. Details are still sparse about the vehicle, but the heavy EV is expected to be positioned above the brand's current largest GUV offering, the GV80, to compete with the likes of the Cadillac Escalade iQ and the Lucid Gravity.

Coach doors are incredibly rare outside of Rolls-Royce. If Genesis gets the option for both conventional and coach doors, it would be the first since Lincoln offered the limited edition, retro-inspired Coach Door edition of the Continental.

Although it may seem like a lot to make a big deal out of a seemingly innocuous feature, Genesis has the opportunity to gain significant momentum with both enthusiasts and the buying public if it were to offer coach doors on the GV80 or any other of its vehicles. Besides screen size, a feature like this could lure some luxury buyers over to the young South Korean brand.