2020 Genesis G90 RWD 3.3T Premium: The Luxury Brand’s Flagship Sedan

 

Highlight: The vehicle shares a platform with Kia’s K900.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $73,195

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bag; ABS; traction control system; a lane following assist system; a rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist system; a forward collision avoidance assist system; a forward collision avoidance assist system; a safe exit assist system; a highway driving assist system; ha blind spot view monitor; front and rear parking sensors; a high beam assist system; rain sensing wipers; a tire pressure monitoring system; and first aid kits

Standard Equipment (Premium): 19-inch wheels; rear wheel drive; a 8-speed automatic transmission; a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a navigation system; complimentary service valet; a push button keyless starter; Nappa leather seats; a suede headliner; power front seats; heated front and rear seats; ventilated front seats; a power sunroof; a 3-zone automatic temperature system; a heads up display system; an automatic radar activated cruise control system; a front seat wireless charging system; a power tilt/telescopic system; a power rear side and rear sunshade; power door closure; a hands free power operated trunk; and carpeted floormats

Other Trim Levels:

5.0-litre Ultimate

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 17-speaker Lexicon system AM/FM/HD audio system with SiriusXM

Apple CarPlay/Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.3-liter, 6-cylinder/365-hp (horsepower)

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/25-hwy

What’s New: The first generation G90 has undergone a mid-cycle refresh.

Why: Genesis refreshed flagship car, wears a more prominent V-shaped grille. The conservatively styled G90 is available in either a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The stately sedan is powered by a 6-cylinder or an 8-cylinder gasoline engine.

Our rear-wheel drive test model was outfitted with a 6-cylinder engine that pushed out 365-horsepower engine. Pricing for the well-equipped model started below $75,000. The vehicle was outfitted with literally ever feature one could think of ranging from sumptuous double padded Nappa leather seats to ventilated front seats to heated front seats to heated rear seats, which offer an abundance of room and space, turning the vehicle into a mobile living room.

The refreshed G90 also was outfitted with an easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system. While many of the G90 competitors infotainment systems require days to weeks of training to learn and become comfortable in using the system, the Genesis’ luxury model is straightforward. It’s simple and basic. This in additional to the build quality of the vehicle is one of the reasons why the brand scores high with J.D. Power.

Moreover, the G90 was outfitted with many of the latest driving aids too, ranging from a lane keep assist system to a radar activated cruise control system to a highway driving system. Unlike some of the competitors in the segment, there is no automatic parallel or perpendicular parking system here.

Furthermore, the luxurious limo-like sedan included such features as a power rear side sunshades and a power rear window sunshade. The rear seating area even offers controls to operate the front passenger seat, allowing additional legroom for the occupant in the right seat.

Lastly, the higher level Ultimate trim includes a throatier 8-cylinder engine. With the throatier engine buyers can expect rear illuminated sun visors,  reclining rear ventilated seats.

But: While the no fuss luxurious G90 features an easy to operate infotainment system, the roomy sedan does not offer the high-tech gadgetry available in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In fact, the backup camera seems somewhat grainy, as if it were taken right out of the lower priced Hyundai. While this might be one of the reasons why the G90 is priced $22,000 less than the S-Class, buyers in this segment want to make sure they’re not buying a Hyundai.

Also while our vehicle was outfitted with a variety of driving modes, the G90 has the float, in terms of its suspension system, that was once synonymous with America’s flagship luxury vehicles from Cadillac and Lincoln.

Furthermore, the rear end styling takes cues from Chrysler’s Imperial, with the horizontal tail lamps. And while we realize styling is subjective, we preferred the previous rear end with the horizontal tail lights.

Added to that, the competitors in the segment ink out more mpg than the Genesis. The engineering team should consider offering a nine- or ten-speed transmission, which in many cases aid in fuel efficiency. Also, the brand has yet to shift toward electrification, adding at least a plug-in hybrid model to its portfolio. The German competitors are making strides in this area.

Verdict: The G90 is a great value buy and worthy contender, when going up against the leaders in the segment. The G90 is more like old luxury, when compared to the competition. Presumably, the vehicle seems like a well-built, stylish four-door sedan that has been positioned to accommodate many of the accoutrements to take on the competition. For those who want to step into a limo-like flagship luxury sedan without breaking the bank, the G90 is worth considering.

Competition: Audi A8; BMW 7-Series; Lexus LS; and Mercedes-Benz S- Class