Genesis took many in the automotive industry by surprise when it launched as a standalone luxury brand out of the Hyundai camp. From the get-go, their sedans and SUVs had the goods to compete in many areas with long-established luxury brands with decades of experience.
Now a well-recognized competitor and not just the new kid on the block, Genesis is stepping up its game even further in 2023, leading the way in luxury vehicle technology and design on its flagship sedan — the Genesis G90.
Completely redesigned for 2023, the G90 now looks and feels like a vehicle from the future, and one you would be proud to use to chauffeur around not just your family, but also top VIPs. It’s easily on a level with other flagship luxury vehicles like the Audi A8, Mercedes S Class, and BMW 7 series, and arguably better in many areas.
I recently tested a 2023 G90, and it’s a vehicle that offers many positives — from looks to performance to futuristic tech and more — and very few issues of concern. The price can creep up to as much as $100K, but after driving it, you’ll understand why.
Read on to learn more about a vehicle that should put all of its competitors on notice, and will be enticing to all buyers in the market for a luxury sedan.
FYI
- Vehicle: 2023 Genesis G90
- Price as tested: $100,370
- Best feature: Groundbreaking technology, excellent power, beautiful design
- Rating: 5 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle?: Anyone seeking the epitome of what a large luxury sedan should be.
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
Courtesy of Genesis
LOOKS
The 2023 Genesis G90 features a long, lean and classy design that will turn more than a few heads.
My test vehicle had a sharp Savile Silver paint color, and its memorable front end includes a double-strip headlight design. The size of the front grille is somewhat large and bold, but it still maintains an elegant look and feel.
Another eye-catching element on the G90 are the sharp wheel designs — with size options of 20 inches or 21 inches.
Rear lighting is also a highlight, as you’ll get long, sweeping tail lights, as well as a lighting bar that goes all the way across the rear.
Back up front, the G90’s LED headlights keep the road ahead bright and clear.
The inclusion of soft-close doors and push-button controls for opening and closing doors also stands out.
A unique feature on the G90’s design are the door handles, which retract inside the door when the vehicle is locked, then reappear once you signal for the vehicle to be unlocked.
A panoramic sunroof is another feature you’ll want to use when possible. And interestingly, the rear seat passengers get their own little sunroof, with separate controls in the back that are independent from the front sunroof controls.
Moving to the inside of the G90, you’ll find a design so sharp, it’s hard to argue that any luxury vehicle in this price range can top it. In fact, it’s probably a more high-end, upscale interior than you’ll find on some vehicles that can cost many thousands more.
All seating is made of Nappa leather, which proves quite comfortable for all passengers. You also get a leatherette-wrapped upper instrument panel, plus elegant trim designs and microfiber suede headliners that feel great on the back of passengers’ heads. Elements of wood and carbon fiber help fill out the classy setup.
Massaging seats can be enjoyed by both front and rear passengers, and three-zone climate controls let each passenger enjoy their own preferred level of comfort.
Controls allow you to raise and lower the and side sunshades, and there’s even a feature called a Mood Curator to adjust the vibes in the car through ambient lighting, scents and more. And of course you’ll get heated and ventilated seats in both rows.
With the length of the G90, rear seat passengers have a boatload of space to relax and enjoy the ride. Rear seat passengers get close to 40 inches of legroom, and the driver and front passenger have north of 40 inches. Rear seat dwellers even get their own controls that can basically run everything including audio, climate and more for the whole vehicle.
HOW’S THE RIDE?
A high-quality driving experience is essential in a high-class vehicle like the G90. And it delivers.
My test vehicle featured a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger, and impressive numbers at 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
The base engine is also a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo, but without the supercharger. It delivers 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet, still solid numbers.
Both options are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard on both trims.
In the G90, you’ll experience superb ride quality and handling. The vehicle is smooth as butter at all times, and very quiet with little noise intrusion. Braking is also highly responsive.
The 0-to-60 time in the supercharged engine is respectable at roughly 5 seconds, and you can operate in Sport, Eco or Comfort modes. The G90’s handling capabilities are tremendous regardless of mode.
An air suspension helps improve overall ride quality on the upgraded supercharged engine. Handling bumpy roadways is a breeze with the G90, and it uses its cameras and technology to best cushion the ride against these disruptions.
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
Detailing all the high-end technology in the G90 would be worthy of a “War and Peace” length novel, but suffice it to say that there’s a ton of awesome tech that places the G90 at the cutting-edge of what’s possible in today’s vehicles.
The infotainment and navigation functions are handled through a massive 12.3-inch high-definition screen, and there is also a 12.3-inch digital information cluster in front of the driver. Both are extremely sharp and modern-looking, and voice commands are understood without any glitches.
Music lovers can enjoy AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio, as well as music streamed via Bluetooth, through a tremendous-sounding Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio system that includes more than 20 speakers.
You can also mirror your smartphone in the G90 via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but a wired connection is required.
A fingerprint authentication system is included on the G90, allowing registered drivers to start the vehicle even without a key fob present in the vehicle.
Wireless phone chargers are offered in both front and rear seats of the G90, a rare treat indeed. And the back seat riders in the G90 get their own control board that can adjust radio and many other features throughout the vehicle.
The excellent massaging seats are easily accessible in both front seats (as well as the two rear outboard seats) with the touch of a button. You can control the speed of massage and what areas you want massaged. This is a true touch of luxury to make your rides a bit more enjoyable.
Cool features like soft-closing doors also help the G90 stand out. You literally can’t slam the door; it will slow down and gently close by itself.
Another door-related function is that you also can close all four doors with the touch of a button, instead of reaching over to do it manually. This is a very cool feature you rarely will find on very few vehicles.
Another unique touch is a sterilizing UV light in the rear center console. This feature claims to kill 99.9 percent of germs on your phone or other items placed in the console.
Moving on to safety, the G90 features just about every safety option available today, and all systems work as well as you’d expect.
These systems include:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (applies brakes to prevent accidents)
- Lane Keeping Assist (steers you back into proper lane if camera sees a driver exiting)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (image from blind spot shows up in digital display)
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance
- Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go
- Surround View Monitor, and Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines (both very helpful in parking situations)
- Safe Exit Assist (warns of oncoming traffic before you exit)
- Remote Smart Parking Assist (driver can park can from outside the vehicle, using key fob as a remote)
- Head-Up Display (helps keep the driver’s eyes focused on the road ahead)
A standout safety feature is the G90’s latest version of Highway Driving Assist, a basic self-driving setup which combines several of the above features to allow the vehicle to take control with limited driver input. You still have to keep your attention on the road ahead and your hands on the wheel, but the vehicle will take care of any acceleration and stopping, and will also navigate twisty roads quite well on its own. It’s a great feature, especially for use on longer road trips.
MPG
Official fuel mileage on the 2023 Genesis G90 with the supercharger is listed at 17 city/24 highway/20 combined miles per gallon.
If you opt for the base engine, official numbers improve slightly to 18 city/26 highway/21 combined.
During my time testing the G90, I averaged 17 mpg. And even if drivers can reach the listed numbers, they still lag a bit behind luxury sedan competitors.
However, I don’t see this shortfall as a major deal-breaker for anyone who’s fallen in love with everything else the G90 has to offer. Sure it would be great to get a big more mileage out of it, but it’s not enough of a difference in fuel economy to push someone to choose a rival vehicle.
PRICE
The 2023 Genesis G90 with the supercharger that I tested was priced a hair over $100K. The base version will run you around $90K.
These are prices that are definitely aimed at the upper crust, but Genesis is wisely keeping the price well below the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (which starts around $115K, about $25K more than the G90); and it’s also less than the BMW 7-series (which starts around $97K). The Audi A8 starts around the same price as the G90.
In the grand scheme of full-size luxury rides, while it’s far from affordable for most people, you can spend a lot more than you would on the G90 on some rivals.
Warranties on the G90 are best in class, including:
- 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance
BOTTOM LINE
Genesis has come out guns blazing with the fully redesigned 2023 G90 sedan, as they continue to deliver top-notch offerings that chip away at the traditional leaders in the luxury sedan category.
And they’ve come with as strong a package as you’ll find anywhere in the G90, from a stout interior with tons of niceties that’s worthy of carrying VIP clients, to a sharp exterior design, awesome tech features and tremendous safety offerings.
Not everyone will abandon their current luxury favorites for the Genesis G90, but I wouldn’t question the judgment of anyone who did, as it’s just as impressive as any S Class, 7 Series or other top competitor you might want to pit against it.
As they prepare to push out their latest updates, the legacy luxury brands should all be prepared to answer what Genesis has delivered in the latest G90.
Matt Myftiu’s past reviews can all be seen online at autotechreviews.com. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews.
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