2023 Genesis G90 Dramatic Luxury - Review by Larry Nutson

LEARN MORE Genesis Reviews 2017-2023

Dramatic luxury

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The Genesis brand, launched in August 2016, is part of the Hyundai Motor Group which recently emerged as one of the top-performing new vehicle manufacturers in the US based on vehicle sales.

Hyundai Motor, with its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, now ranks as the No. 3 OEM in the US, based on retail corporate market share, surpassing legacy automakers Ford Motor Company, Stellantis Corp., and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Genesis itself is on a roll having received top rankings in J.D. Power surveys. Newsweek named Genesis its “Most Innovative Vehicle Brand.” The Genesis model palette includes four sedans and three utility vehicles. Two of them are all-electric battery powered, a sedan and a utility vehicle.

I recently drove the top-level G90 4-door sedan that has been fully redesigned for 2023. The G90 is beautiful both inside and out with a very refined and roomy cabin that provides seating for five. The G90 is feature-laden, making both driving or riding pure pleasure.

Of course, this comes at a cost. Prices starting at $88,400. But, if it’s a luxury sedan you want and are thinking Audi A8, BMW 7-series, Lexus LS or Mercedes-Benz S-class, then the Genesis G90 is something to also consider.

On the outside the G90’s characteristic double-stripe headlights lead from the long hood along the sleek side to the sloped rear facia accentuating the vehicle's length. The interior is luxurious, soft and comfortable. In a word: plush.

The standard G90 3.5T AWD has a 375-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 391 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic delivers the power to an all-wheel drive system and 20-inch wheels connect with the road.

The G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD adds a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the 3.5T that employees an electric supercharger. Engine output is 409-horsepower developing 405 lb-ft of torque. The same eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are equipped. Four-corner air suspension, rear-wheel steering and 21-inch wheels provide enhanced driving dynamics.

This top-trim G90 has a base price of $98,700. Features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 12.3-inch center touchscreen, heated, ventilated and massaging front and rear seats, a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, push-button soft-opening and power-closing doors, and power rear and rear-side window sun shades.

The G90 is equipped with a complete contingent of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features. Also equipped is key-fob controlled Remote Smart Parking Assist.

My driving experience was in this top-trim G90 which proved delightful. Finished in Hallasan Green paint for $575 more and with Glacial White interior trim, adding the $1,095 freight and handling charge the bottom line totaled $100,370.

There’s nothing to not like about the G90. It’s quiet. The engine has plenty of go. Good engine torque gets you from zero to 60 mph in the low 5-second range, which plenty as well as impressive for a large sedan. The long 125.2 inch wheelbase combined with the air suspension provides a comfy ride damping on degraded road surface conditions. Handling is refined with a nicely compliant suspension.

The rear wheel steering system really helps in tight around-town and parking maneuvers reducing the turning diameter by 3 feet vs. the standard G90 without this feature. At highway speeds the rear wheel steering improves stability, for example in a lane change, by turning in the same direction as the front wheels.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 405-hp G90 e-Supercharger are 20 mpg combined with 17 city mpg and 24 highway. The standard G90 with the 375-hp engine is rated 1 mpg higher in city rating and 2 mpg higher in highway rating.

I prefer to be the driver. However, in the G90 I would surely like being a passenger enjoying the privileged right rear seat. Push button power-closing doors, power sun shades in all the rear windows, rear seat climate and audio controls, and reclining and massaging rear seat with an extending leg rest cushion all make for being chauffer driven.

A Mood Curator, with four different mood modes, enables control of ambient cabin lighting, the 23-speaker Bang & Olufson sound system, the air fragrance system, massage seats, and electric curtains, to create an environment to enhance your ride.

More details on the Genesis G90 can be found at www.genesis.com. Genesis’ Priority One program allows customers to express interest in G90 Priority One by visiting www.genesis.com and providing their contact information. Priority One members will be contacted and may submit a $1,000 refundable deposit to secure their place among the first to purchase the new 2023 G90. The program delivers a personalized shopping experience curated by a dedicated concierge agent.

Of note, MotorTrend announced the Genesis G90 (with traditional power no less) as the winner of its Golden Calipers for 2023 Car of the Year. Now that is noteworthy.

Happy motoring!