It's only been six years since the Genesis brand
officially launched in the United States in 2016. As the
luxury brand of Hyundai, the brand came in with a lot to prove to
compete with luxury automakers such as BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes-Benz. Now
with multiple awards on the shelves, Genesis has done exactly that. The
brand launched with the G80 and G90 sedans, the G90 was a rebranded
version of the former Hyundai Equus. The G90 is the flagship full size
sedan that seats five. It has evolved quickly as it received its first
facelift in 2018 after only two years on the market and then the second
generation debuted in late 2021 as a 2022 model. This new model further
solidifies Genesis' place in the luxury segment with pure elegance
inside and out.
The G90 is
available with two powertrains that come standard with all-wheel drive.
3.5T twin turbo V6 models generate 365 horsepower and 376-pound feet of
torque with prices starting at $88,400. Also available is a 3.5T
E-supercharged V6 that boosts horsepower to 409 with 405-pound feet of
torque. Supercharged models start at $98,700. Both come with an 8-speed
electronic transmission with paddle shifters. Refined from the outside
in, the G90 is loaded with modern technology, premium materials,
comfort, and safety all around. Competition includes the Audi A8, BMW
7-Series, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. I spent a week in the
supercharged model and here's what stood
out...
Exterior Style
(+)
Genesis has quickly come into their own
stylistically with its massive crest grille and use of a sleek two-line
LED lighting signature. Up front the crest grille is revised with two
separate matrix patterns to create a 3D look. It's flanked by thin
two-line LED headlights that wrap around to the fenders with a
continuation of lighting on the other side of the wheel. These daytime
running lights light up amber when using the turn signals and shine
brightly white otherwise. The G90 boasts a clamshell hood that wraps to
the fenders and top of the lights for a seamless design and minimal
gaps. Its side profile is powerful with large wheels, a simple character
line, wide C-pillar, and balanced proportions. Around back the two-line
lighting continues with parallel lights that continue from the front of
the car and wrap around the trunk. Genesis is spelled out across the
center of the trunk while the license plate, various sensors, and
reverse lights have all been lowered to complete the clean design
aesthetic. Overall, the G90 has a presence that says, "look at me" and
on many occasions I witnessed people do just that with this sedan.
Wheels (+)
Either 20 or
21-inch alloys come standard on the G90. Both designs are intricate and
dimensional with different finishes. The 20-inch wheels have a sporty
flare and look like they are in motion. The 21-alloys on my test car had
a detailed starburst style with mixed finishes that complimented the
car nicely.
Powertrain
(+)
Regardless of the model you choose, the G90 has a
balanced power distribution to deliver a comfortable and composed ride.
This is not a performance sedan, nor does it try to be. The difference
in horsepower between the two models is minimal from 365 - 405. Having
been behind the wheel of the supercharged version, it offered a
respectable 0-60 time of around 5 seconds. The feeling though, is
subtle, and more like the takeoff of an airplane rather than the throw
you back in your seat type of feeling. Regardless of the speed you're
driving at, the throttle is responsive making this a nice cruiser on the
highway. It glides through traffic with ease and never shakes up the
passengers inside. An active noise control system helps counter the
outside noises to ensure a serene cabin. All around, the G90 drives with
an impressively quiet cabin that seems to block out all outside noise.
Handling (+)
As a heavy
5,000-pound sedan, the G90 features impressive handling with direct,
balanced steering. Available rear wheel steering on the supercharged
model aids in the G90's agility. While not overly noticeable visually,
it's felt in the way that the car hugs corners tightly. There is some
slight body lean in quick turns, but nothing that harms overall comfort
levels. Also standard on the supercharged model is an adaptive
suspension that smooths out the ride regardless of the road
imperfections. The system uses cameras that read the road ahead to
predict changing terrain and adjusts accordingly. Switch between modes
that include comfort, chauffeur, and sport to adjust the overall ride at
the touch of a button. Sport will lower the car for a more engaging
ride and stiffer suspension. And if you're curious about the chauffeur
setting, it will focus on comfort with a softer suspension to appease
those rear seat passengers that might be relaxing in the reclining rear
seats while the massagers are active.
Fuel
Economy (-)
One area where the G90 is lacking is in
its overall fuel economy as it falls below average among its
competition. When it arrived with a full 19.3-gallon tank, it offered
just under 400 miles of driving range. EPA estimates are 18/26/21 MPG
city/highway/combined for the standard version and 17/24/20 MPG
city/highway/combined for the supercharged version. It runs on premium
fuel which will also add to the fuel expenses which on average will run
around $3,000 annually. The competition fares better with fuel economy
as the BMW gets an average of 25 MPG combined and the Mercedes at 24
MPG.
Interior Vibe
(+)
From the moment you hop inside, the G90 is
calming with its mix of high-quality materials and simple, yet elegant
layout. Lined with materials like forged carbon fiber trim, Nappa
leather, and microfiber suede it caters to all the senses. It even takes
it one step further with a Mood Curator that will adjust the lighting,
massaging seats, power sunshades, screen displays, audio content, and
scent diffusers that will pump out in the car. Choose from vitality,
delight, care, and comfort to address your current mood and let the car
treat you as if you're in a spa. Perhaps the best seat in the car to
utilize this is in the back where at the touch of a button the seat
behind the passenger will recline with a built-in footrest while
providing various settings of massage functions.
LED
lighting also plays a part in the interior vibe of the G90. An array of
ambient lighting choices fills the cabin with different hues and accent
lights you'd find in a nice home. Build quality throughout is
impressive as Genesis paid close attention to the details everywhere and
didn't cut corners.
Technology
(+/-)
Drivers will face a 12.3-inch digital gauge
cluster with a screen that can be customized to your personal
preference. A second 12.3-inch touchscreen is at the center of
the dash for all other controls. Both are part of one continuous dash
piece as they are side by side. The images and graphics used
on the screen are elegant and classy. The system is intuitive and can be
controlled via the touchscreen, some buttons, and a jog dial located in
the center console. While the system does integrate with both Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay, a cord is required. This seems like a miss for a
nearly $100,000 luxury car to offer scent diffusers, massaging seats,
and mood curator... but not a wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay
found in most cars half the price.
Climate controls
can be adjusted via the touchscreen or standalone controls located below
the touchscreen which also include a volume dial for audio.
It comes with a 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that
fills the cabin with crisp, clean sounds. A virtual venues menu offers a
3D sound experience that replicates the acoustic quality of real-world
venues such as the Boston Symphony Hall. A dedicated speaker in the
driver's headrest will play sounds from the parking sensors, blind-spot
monitors, and turn signals to maximize the serenity in the rest of the
cabin. Other technology highlights include the easy close door system
with flush door handles that automatically emerge as you approach the
car. Once inside, the push of a button or tap of the brakes will close
the door automatically.
Comfort
(+)
Every seat in this five-passenger sedan is a good
one, but the best may be in the back. Outfitted with quilted Nappa
leather, the seats offer good support and positioning. All seats are
available with heaters and ventilation functions. Also standard on the
supercharged model are massaging seats with a mix of settings that
include a full cascading massage or just focusing on specific portions
of the back. Rear seat passengers can control their own comfort via a
fold down armrest that includes an 8-inch touchscreen where passengers
can adjust the ambient lighting, window shades, reclining features,
massage functions, and audio controls. There is sufficient head, leg,
and shoulder room throughout the car.
Cargo
Capacity (-)
The focus is on passenger comfort more
than it is on cargo in the G90. The trunk can accommodate 12
cubic feet in the standard G90 and only 10.5 cubic feet in the
supercharged version. Comparatively, the Lexus LS offers 17 cubic feet,
and the Mercedes S-Class offers 13.8 cubic feet. There is a small pass
through between the back seats for longer items, but it's not very
large. Throughout the interior, there are small storage
options tucked in the doors and center console, but it is minimal.
Remote Smart Parking Assist
(+)
This is a fun, but also useful, feature to show
off to friends. The remote smart park assist enables your G90 to park
itself without you being in the driver seat. At the touch of a button on
the remote, you can back up or pull the vehicle forward into position.
It's nice for tight spaces or if you just need to adjust its position in
the driveway.
Driver Assist / Safety
Features (+)
Genesis includes a comprehensive
driver-assistance suite including forward collision warning, blind spot
warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping
assistance, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, parking
obstruction warning, driver monitoring, automatic high beams, rear
cross-traffic warning, safe exit assist and more. Many of these features
cost extra on German rivals.
One of the features is a
semi-autonomous driving technology that is an advanced cruise control
that will center the G90 and maintain a set distance from the vehicle
it's behind. The system will also automatically change lanes with
minimal driver input when it's safe to do so. It pairs nicely with the
3D head-up display that recognizes surrounding vehicles and shows them
as 3D blocks on the road. Hands on the steering wheel are required, but
the car will do most of the work.
Final
Statement:
The Genesis G90 has launched itself to the
list of top favorites in my household... my kids really enjoyed the
rear massaging seats and mood curators. Seriously though, this
car is built well and offers everything you'd come to expect in a
flagship sedan. It has tough competition with some staples in this
segment, but the Genesis comes in at a price point that is on par or
less than them ($40k less than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class). With striking
good looks, a long list of technology, and refined road manners, the
G90 is impressive all around. It's exciting to see a new brand join the
industry with such stellar products, now they need to get them in front
of consumers.
First Impression
Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023
Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger
Exterior
Color: Hallasan Green
Interior Color:
Glacier White Nappa Leather
Notable
Options: Hallasan Green Paint ($575)
MSRP as
tested: $100,370 (with
destination)
Pros: Striking style,
refined ride, serene interior, premium
amenities
Cons: Fuel economy, limited cargo,
no wireless phone integration