At first, there was the Hyundai Genesis, a midsize sedan meant to push the South Korean carmaker into a brand new stage of luxurious. The success of that mannequin — which was named North American Automotive of the Yr again in 2008 — satisfied Hyundai to spin off the unbiased Genesis model. In flip, the even greater Hyundai Equus was rebadged the Genesis G90.
And now, for the approaching mannequin 12 months, this flagship sedan is again in second-generation trim, with a brand new look, an upgraded inside, a brand new pair of drivetrain choices and an assortment of high-tech options that even allow you to skip carrying round a key fob.
To get a really feel for the 2023 Genesis G90, I headed out for a pair days of driving between Miami and the Keys — although it was arduous to think about Florida because the “Sunshine State,” contemplating the thunderstorms that rolled in throughout my go to.
Overview
The unique G90 helped place Genesis as a critical contender within the unique marketplace for premium luxurious sedans. However as good-looking and well-equipped because the first-generation mannequin might need been, it didn’t fairly match as much as its most unique opponents, notably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Collection and Lexus LS.
And that was one thing the South Korean luxurious model was decided to handle with this second-generation mannequin. The 2023 Genesis G90 will get an entire, ground-up makeover and succeeds just about throughout the board.
The brand new design is distinctive and interesting, each inside and outside. The brand new powertrain choices are strong — if not essentially fairly as highly effective as what among the competitors gives. And the sedan will get a variety of intriguing expertise upgrades, as effectively.
Exterior
Whereas the unique model of the G90 was a considerably generic design, not so the 2023 makeover. And that was underscored throughout my day’s drive, as I repeatedly obtained a thumbs-up whereas parked and on the highway.
The 2023 Genesis G90 is a bit decrease and wider than the mannequin it replaces, designers got down to give the sedan the look of an athlete in a well-tailored go well with. It boasts a chic refinement to its sculpted physique panels, however provides a bit extra of an in-your-face look to the G90’s entrance finish, with its large “crest” grille, and twin mild strips, every made up of an array of small LED bulbs. That’s carried over within the double character traces flowing throughout the physique into the matching twin lighting within the rear.
Grilles and lighting are in the present day’s model signatures, and right here, Genesis has achieved a placing job of distinguishing the brand new G90 from its conventional competitors.
One other notable characteristic: the recessed door handles. As a driver approaches, they “current” themselves for simple entry.
Inside
Now, slip inside and also you merely must faucet the button on the doorways or middle console to have them robotically shut. There’s no conventional inside door deal with on the 2023 Genesis G90.
As soon as inside, you’ll be greeted with a lavishly executed and appointed cabin that greater than stands as much as what European and Japanese opponents are providing. One of many extra intriguing particulars is using skinny, inlayed strips of steel within the higher door panels, a distinctly Korean contact.
Genesis designers blended a mixture of supplies, together with tailor-made wooden, upgraded leather-based and an artificial, wood-like materials comprised of recycled newspapers.
The cabin is completely large and people within the rear will really feel like they’re in enterprise jet seating. The again buckets not solely recline but in addition characteristic a wide range of therapeutic massage settings.
The basic magnificence of the G90’s cabin is balanced by some decidedly high-tech components, together with the massive twin video shows that dominate the instrument panel. A smaller display screen, halfway down the middle console, handles the sedan’s local weather management system. An extra display screen within the rear middle armrest permits the again passengers to regulate their very own seat and local weather settings.
Powertrain
Like a rising variety of luxurious manufacturers, Genesis is downsizing its engine line-up. Whereas it could now not provide a V-8 for the 2023 G90, that doesn’t imply settling for much less energy. Fairly the opposite. The G90 3.5T E-SC AWD mannequin introduces a brand new V-6 engine that options twin turbos and an electrical supercharger drawing energy from a 48-volt delicate hybrid system. It makes a strong 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
So as to add some perspective, the previous V-8 made a couple of extra ponies, at 420 hp, however fell quick on tire-spinning torque, at 380 lb-ft. In the meantime, the Mercedes-Benz S 500 makes 429 hp and 383 lb-ft.
The “base” G90 3.5 ST AWD mainly gives the identical engine sans e-supercharger, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque.
Each engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed computerized, and all-wheel drive is normal for each packages. Word that premium gasoline is required.
When it comes to gasoline financial system, the EPA charges the G90 3.5 ST at 18 mpg metropolis, 26 freeway and 21 mixed. For the G90 3.5T E-SC AWD, it’s 17/24/20.
Because it’s achieved with the “Electrified” G80 sedan, count on to see a full battery-electric model of the G90 comply with in a pair years, although the exact timing has but to be revealed.
Security and Know-how
One of many extra intriguing options of the 2023 G90 is its Digital Key system. It permits you to pair up with an iPhone, Apple Watch or Samsung smartphone to depart your key fob at house. Utilizing a trio of communications protocols — Bluetooth, Extremely-Large Band and NFC — it will possibly sense your presence and robotically unlock the G90 as you method. Stand behind the trunk for a couple of seconds and it’ll pop open.
The Digital Key may be shared with as much as 4 individuals and even e-mailed. You can also remotely cancel a key. Must you favor, you possibly can set the system as much as require it acknowledge your face utilizing a digicam constructed into the B-pillar on the driving force’s facet. In the meantime, you may give a valet a credit score card-sized “key” giving them restricted entry to the car.
The system is aware of who you’re and robotically units up your seats, adjustments the radio settings, and even can plug in a most well-liked vacation spot within the navigation system. It’ll then modify routing to replicate site visitors circumstances.
The cabin is loaded with expertise, from the Qi wi-fi charging system to the B&O audio bundle that options 26 audio system and 23 separate channels.
The G90 is linked to the cloud by way of Genesis Related Providers which gives a wide range of security, safety and comfort options. The 4G LTE hyperlink used right here additionally permits for over-the-air updates of just about each line of onboard software program.
The upgraded trim bundle comes normal with a head-up show and the G90 navigation system provides restricted Augmented Actuality performance that can assist you spot when to make a flip.
Each G90 trim packages use lively suspension expertise, although the three.5T E-SC AWD mannequin is upgraded to an air damping system that makes use of the sedan’s forward-facing digicam to predictively modify the shocks, relying upon highway circumstances.
Energetic cruise, ahead collision warning with collision avoidance help and computerized emergency braking, blind-spot detection and lane-keeping help are a part of an in depth bundle of superior driver help programs.
Driving Impressions
South Florida isn’t the place to go if you wish to push a brand new car to its limits. My journey allowed me to give attention to the luxurious facet of the G90. And there, it really delivered. Amongst different issues, I frolicked in the suitable rear seat, a lot as somebody would whereas being chauffeured. The expertise was the whole lot I might count on, the bucket providing close to womb-like consolation. It took issues up a notch additional activating one of many a number of therapeutic massage settings. I recommend anybody who may plan to experience at the back of the G90 order the accent pillows Genesis gives.
Whereas I didn’t have the chance to really flog the three.5T E-SC AWD — I spent my time in on Florida’s flat, straight roads — I did clock the higher a part of my second day behind the wheel. Whereas that bundle doesn’t fairly match the numbers of the Mercedes S 500, it’s nonetheless fairly fast and pleasantly responsive. Credit score the electrical supercharger which throws out loads of prompt torque even because the turbochargers are simply beginning to spin up.
The engine continued to ship loads of energy at larger speeds, making it straightforward to blast onto the Sunshine Turnpike and execute high-speed passes.
The automotive’s air suspension proved notably pleasant, the predictive system in a position to {smooth} out all however probably the most jarring potholes and bumps.
Total, whether or not you’re driving or using within the massive sedan, the G90 greater than lives as much as its position because the Genesis flagship.
Wrap Up
That raises the query: why dedicate a lot time and power to develop a flagship sedan at a time when increasingly patrons are migrating to SUVs and CUVs? A part of the reply is aggressive positioning. Genesis planners rightly surmise they should have a mannequin just like the G90 to go head-to-head with competing flagships such because the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Collection and Lexus LS.
And, with the 2023 Genesis G90, the model has handsomely succeeded. It has give you a car providing really distinctive design — inside and outside — an array of interesting options and strong efficiency.
Higher but, it delivers all that at a surprisingly inexpensive worth. You will get into the G90 3.5 ST AWD for $88,400, whereas the G90 3.5T E-SC AWD begins at $98,700 — these figures excluding $1,095 in supply charges.
And the place you’d usually add hundreds of {dollars} to the bottom worth of a German or Japanese premium luxurious sedan for all of the options you need, the 2 Genesis packages come absolutely outfitted. Sure, you possibly can order these rear seat pillows. However the one true possibility is the paint colour, matte including $1,500.
By the point the 2023 Genesis G90 rolls into U.S. showrooms Aug. 10, you can also benefit from the automaker’s new Precedence One program. Plunk down a $1,000 refundable deposit and also you’ll leap to the entrance of the road when taking supply and, within the meantime, can have entry to a take a look at car and a “devoted concierge agent” to stroll you thru all of the sedan’s options and capabilities.
As the brand new child on the block, I don’t count on Genesis will knock out key opponents like Mercedes. For a lot of luxurious patrons, there’s an excessive amount of heritage and worth to having the tri-star brand on the grille. However the South Korean carmaker has seen a surge in demand this previous 12 months that implies it’s give you the suitable method to crack into this unique membership.
2023 Genesis G90 — Regularly Requested Questions
How a lot will the 2023 Genesis G90 price?
There are two variations of the second-generation Genesis G90. The G90 3.5 ST AWD begins at $88,400, whereas the G90 3.5T E-SC AWD begins at $98,700. The one choices are paint upgrades, the matte end going for one more $1,500. Add $1,095 in supply charges.
What powertrain choices are provided for the 2023 Genesis G90?
The G90 3.5 ST AWD incorporates a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The G90 3.5T E-SC AWD mannequin provides an electrical supercharger powered by a 48-volt delicate hybrid system, and makes 409 hp and 405 lb-ft. Each engines use an 8-speed computerized transmission, whereas all fashions include all-wheel drive.
What new options are provided on the 2023 Genesis G90?
Together with the brand new twin-turbo 3.5-liter E-SC engine, with its electrical supercharger, the 2023 G90 provides an assortment of luxurious options, such because the reclining and massaging rear seats, in addition to some spectacular new expertise. Its Digital Key permits you to use a smartphone as an alternative of a traditional key fob, for one factor. There’s additionally a 26-speaker, 23-channel B&O audio system.
