The 2023 Genesis G90, already in its second generation, is entirely new and just as daring as the Korean brand’s three most recent releases (the G80, GV70, and GV60). A new engine and more amenities than ever are hidden beneath the new body’s curved surfaces, jumbo-sized diamond-shaped grille, recessed door handles, and elaborate 20- or 21-inch wheels. It boasts a huge inside, with 37.8 inches of legroom in the back and a chauffeur mode that transfers all comfort settings to the back passengers (fancy!). This is similar to the luxury heavyweights it is marketed against.
The G90 is offered in two trim levels: standard (twin-turbo V6) and e-Supercharged, which combines a mild hybrid powertrain with exclusive extras like a 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, four-corner air suspension, and power-closing doors akin to those found in Rolls-Royce vehicles. The G90 is a purpose-built luxury flagship with heated back seats, front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features, and a clear 12.3-inch center infotainment screen, even in the cheapest model.
The previous-generation G90 was extremely wealthy, but its look and feel resembled an old-school American “brougham” sedan. The new vehicle has undergone a thorough makeover yet is still a refined driver. It doesn’t play the sidelines, taking on competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series head-on and seriously. The G90 gets points for its good looks and standard features while still packing a robust specification list.
The powerful 5.0-liter V8 from the previous generation has been replaced with a 3.5-liter V6 in both G90 grades. The e-Supercharged variant uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system to power an electric supercharger producing 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, up from the primary V6’s output of 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. The G90, however, is less fuel efficient than its rivals, coming in at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, roughly tied with the non-hybrid Lexus LS, but significantly less than BMW’s sporty 740i, which offers 25 mpg.
Although the G90 is comfortable, as expected in this class, there are some drawbacks. One area where Genesis falls short of German rivals is back legroom, where BMW offers an astounding 44.4 inches compared to the G90’s 37.8. It costs more than all LS variants, saves the expensive hybrid, and has more excellent space than the Lexus. Pricing for the G90 begins at $89,495 for the base model and rises to $99,795 for the e-Supercharged model. People who laugh at a $100,000 Genesis should consider what is offered carefully.
The G90 has many technological capabilities, including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, frontal collision warning, lane departure warning, and more, in addition to its exquisite interior design and design. Additionally, Genesis owners enjoy a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty (10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain) and three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Genesis is aiming for the luxury market and is giving it everything they’ve got. The brand now has a strong competitor to the top-tier status quo in the 2023 G90.
Performance: Genesis G90
The turbocharged V6 is here to replace the V8. For the 2023 model, Genesis ditched the outdated 5.0-liter eight-cylinder engine from the 2022 model in favor of the more effective 3.5-liter V6. Rear-wheel drive and the brand’s standard 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 with 365 horsepower were dropped. There is currently just the 3.5-liter engine, which comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque when cold. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, both engines are paired.
BMW’s 740i has a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower, less than the G90’s, but it has precise German handling that feels racy around bends. BMW provides a V8 to upgrade to, while Genesis no longer does, similar to Mercedes-Benz. The Lexus LS, another premium sedan, has light and straightforward handling in addition to its turbocharged V6 engine, which generates 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft of torque. Like the G90, the Mercedes-Benz S500 comes standard with AWD but with 429 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. Of torque, the S500’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six outperforms the G90 in total power.
With its four-corner air suspension and supercharger, the G90 provides an unparalleled driving experience. Given its intended audience, Genesis favored a calm, inviting boulevard ride over thrilling cornering.
Fuel efficiency: Genesis G90
The 2023 G90’s EPA-estimated combined mileage with the base 3.5-liter V6 is 21 mpg, an increase of 2 mpg over the V8 model from the previous year. The 2023 G90 is projected to get 18 mpg on average in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Those who opt for the e-Supercharged option must forgo two mpg on the road and will lose one mpg overall while driving on city streets.
Remember that the G90 is a giant in a sharp suit at around 5,000 pounds. It will use more gasoline than lighter cars because of its weight. Although some of its competitors are even heavier, the G90 has a low fuel economy rating compared to the other luxury gigantor sedans in its class. The large 740i sedan from BMW is estimated to get 25 mpg combined and an impressive 29 mpg on the highway. The opulent Mercedes-Benz S500 is estimated to get 24 combined and 30 mpg on the road. The Lexus LS completes the segment and offers the same estimated 21 mpg as the G90.
Safety and driver support technology:
The Genesis comes equipped with a full range of driver assistance features, such as safe exit assistance, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic warning, parking obstruction warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping aid, a rearview camera, and more. Notably, some of this equipment is more expensive than German competitors of the G90.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the previous-generation G90 a Top Safety Pick+. Still, neither IIHS nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to evaluate the new G90, which lowers its rating in our assessments. If and when these organizations rate the new model, we anticipate an increase in the car’s overall rating.
Comfort and Space
The G90’s interior design makes passengers feel like they have more room than they do. The length of this sedan—207.7 inches from tip to toe—stands out on its own. That is approximately an inch shorter than the Mercedes-Benz S 500 and about the same length as the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Additionally, the G90 is larger than the Lexus LS. On the other hand, the 2023 BMW 7 Series sedan packs a powerful size punch by adding five more inches to its total length.
Passengers in the front seats will value the comfortable, heated, well-contoured seats upholstered in Nappa leather, with a standard massaging feature. Along with tri-zone climate control, power sunshades, a UV sanitation chamber for phones, a premium 15-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, programmable ambient lighting, and fragrances, the base model includes a heated power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Genesis also features a “mood curator,” which instantly adjusts the interior lighting, climate control, seat settings, and sound levels to match the desired mood.
Second-row massaging seats, adjustable, reclining seats, an improved 26-speaker audio system, and power-closing doors that close with the push of a button are all included in the updated e-Supercharged model.
Infotainment: Genesis G90
The gauge cluster and infotainment displays are displayed on two 12.3-inch digital screens that take up most of the front of the interior. Just below the infotainment screen is a single, streamlined row of simple physical buttons to see and operate. A sizable knob that controls the infotainment system is located at the driver’s right hand, next to the gear shifter dial, and it feels smooth to the touch.
Rear passengers may use a remote touchscreen interface to change their seat and temperature settings. That choice is still available if you don’t mind the children in the back controlling the radio station and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users will be pleased with the connectivity speed. Still, they may be miffed that it can only be accessed through tether since the G90 doesn’t currently support wireless smartphone connections.
However, the BMW 7 Series drivers will notice a 10.2-inch touchscreen enhanced by gesture controls. Finally, Lexus is replacing the erratic touchpad with a sharp new screen for its infotainment system. Mercedes-Benz added an integrated screen setup while keeping the digital gauge cluster of the G90 the same size.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Tossing in enough luggage and golf bags for a couples getaway, sporting goods for several kids, or enough supplies for a traveling sales executive is simple with a spacious trunk. A pass-through has been carved into the back seat behind the middle seat console to accommodate long objects like hockey sticks or new curtain rods. The G90’s trunk can hold between 11 and 12 cubic feet of personal belongings. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan’s trunk has a capacity of 13.8 cubic feet, which is a little smaller than the G90’s trunk, dwarfed by the LS’s 17 cubic feet and the 740i’s 18.2 cubic feet.
Passengers will like the cabin arrangement, which has several modest storage possibilities. The use of premium materials throughout the redesign suggests that Genesis did not cut any corners. The only issue is that the cupholders could be removed from the dashboard to give us more room to store our larger tumblers.
Design: Genesis G90
The 2023 G90 has a long and broad silhouette painted with continuous strokes all the way around. The G90 has a stately stance, sleek dual-lane headlamp stripes, and flowing lines that are in keeping with the brand’s most modern design language. It also has a distinctively shaped grille.
Butter-soft nappa leather splays across the seats and the plush bolstering in the front seats help to keep you in place as you navigate the curves. The ambient lighting is charming, particularly in the blue and purple tones. Along with textured stalks and a notched cylindrical gear shifter that feels amazing in your hands, Genesis inventively used recycled newspapers and sustainable wood in the design. Despite being more affordable than the large sedans from BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, it can compete.
Is the 2023 Genesis G90 Worth it?
The G90 basic model is the one I recommend since it skillfully combines luxurious comfort and technology with more than enough perks to appreciate. With two trims covering the full range of luxury features, many of which are standard, Genesis changed things up for 2023. The G90 is magnificent without any additional gilding. Still, the e-Supercharged version is more potent and offers more amenities for backseat passengers with ultra-upscale touches like one-touch power-closing doors.
The base model is more than sufficient unless your backseat passengers require bigwig-level chauffeuring because the price difference between the standard and e-Supercharged models is only about $15,000. The G90 is equipped with a fantastic amount of comfort without going overboard, thanks to Genesis.
How Much Does the Genesis G90 Cost to Insure?
The insurance charges for the G90 are much less than those of its top rivals. The average annual premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $3,520, while it is $4,140 for the BMW 740i, $4,083 for the Lexus LS, and $5,285 for the Mercedes-Benz S500.
Verdict
With its redesigned, second-generation flagship, Genesis is making a strong statement about the value of their product. The 2023 Genesis G90 offers a delightful ride that feels futuristic and ethereal, powered by a new standard twin-turbo V6 and an optional electronic supercharger incorporating many everyday luxuries and technology. It is crammed with features and features bold, unmistakable styling. This new luxury liner dispels any skepticism about the brand’s ability to compete with the best from more well-known brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.
