The 2023 Genesis G90, now in its second generation, is brand-new and as daring as the Korean company’s other recent releases, the G80, GV70, and GV60. Underneath the redesigned body’s sculpted curves, large diamond-shaped grille, recessed door handles, and elaborate 20- or 21-inch wheels are a new engine and unprecedented comforts. Like the high-end models it targets, the interior is quite spacious, with 37.8 inches of legroom in the back and a chauffeur option allowing the rear passengers to select all comfort settings (how luxurious!).
The G90 comes in two trim levels: regular (with a twin-turbo V6) and e-Supercharged, which combines a mild hybrid engine with high-end extras, including a Rolls-Royce-style power-closing door system, a 26-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and four-corner air suspension. The G90 is a premium flagship designed with purpose; even the basic model has heated back seats, a clear 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, and front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging capabilities.
Even though the previous version, G90, was very wealthy, its look and feel were more reminiscent of an old-fashioned American “brougham” sedan. Although it has undergone a thorough overhaul, the new automobile handles elegantly. It doesn’t play around; it takes on competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series head-on. Style and basic amenities are where the G90 shines, packing an extensive feature list without going overboard.
The powerful 5.0-litre V8 from the previous generation is swapped out for a 3.5-litre 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 lb.-ft of torque, while the conventional V6 makes 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. However, regarding fuel efficiency, the G90 is behind its rivals. It is almost even with the non-hybrid Lexus LS, providing an estimated 21 mpg overall, but it is much less than BMW’s lively 740i, which offers 25 mpg.
Like any vehicle in its class, the G90 is quite comfortable but has a few drawbacks. In terms of back legroom, for example, Genesis is not as roomy as the Germans; the G90 offers 37.8 inches, while the BMW offers an astounding 44.4 inches. Except for the costly hybrid, it is more expensive than any of the LS variants while being roomier than the Lexus. The base price of the G90 is $89,495; the e-Supercharged model, at $99,795, almost reaches the six-figure threshold. People who laugh at owning a $100,000 Genesis must consider what’s available.
The G90 has an abundance of technological technologies, like automated high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, frontal collision warning, lane departure warning, and more, in addition to its exquisite interior design and luxurious appointments. A five-year, 60,000-mile warranty (10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain) and free maintenance for three or 36,000 miles are additional incentives offered to Genesis owners. Genesis is vying for the luxury market share with everything at their disposal. The brand faces a significant threat to the elite status quo in 2023 with the release of the G90.
What’s New
With a complete makeover for 2023, the G90 is moving into its second generation V8, with a twin-turbo V6 and an available e-Supercharger. The base model now costs around $13,500 more than the 2022 model being phased out.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- bold, modern design
- Numerous first-rate conveniences come standard.
- Very cosy chairs and a smooth, peaceful trip
Cons
- mediocre fuel efficiency
- Mundane driving behaviour
- Lack of wireless smartphone compatibility
Performance: Genesis G90
Turbocharged V6: welcome and farewell to V8. With the 2023 model, Genesis dropped the outdated 5.0-litre eight-cylinder engine and swapped it out with a more economical 3.5-litre V6. The company also abandoned its rear-wheel drive, and 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 engine with 365 horsepower as standard. With all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, the 3.5-litre engine produces 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque at startup or 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft with a supercharger. An automatic gearbox with eight speeds is matched with both engines.
Although the 740i’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine only produces 335 horsepower, it is nonetheless more powerful than the G90 thanks to precise German handling that makes it feel quick through bends. Like Mercedes-Benz, BMW also upgrades a V8 in places where Genesis no longer does. Within the premium sedan segment, the Lexus LS has a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft of torque and light and effortless handling. Like the G90, the Mercedes-Benz S500 is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) but with 429 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. In terms of torque, its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six outperforms the G90 in total power.
With its four-corner air suspension and supercharger, the G90 provides a fantastic driving experience. In light of the intended audience, Genesis opted for a comfortable and welcoming boulevard ride rather than a fast and tight turn.
Fuel Efficiency: Genesis G90
The 2023 G90’s EPA-estimated combined fuel economy with the base 3.5-liter V6 engine is 21 mpg, which is two mpg better than the V8 model from the previous year. The 2023 G90 is predicted to get an average of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate. If you choose the e-Supercharged option, you will lose one mpg in city driving and two mpg on highway travel.
Remember that the G90 is a massive machine dressed in a stylish suit at about 5,000 pounds. Compared to lighter cars, it will use more gasoline due to its weight. Although some of its competitors are significantly heavier, the G90 has worse fuel efficiency when compared to the other giant luxury sedans in its class. The spacious BMW 740i sedan achieves an impressive 29 mpg on the highway and an estimated 25 mpg combined. The opulent Mercedes-Benz S500 gets an estimated 30 mpg on the freeway and 24 mpg overall. Finally, the Lexus LS completes the class with an estimated 21 mpg, the same as the G90.
Safety and Assisting Driver:
A full suite of driver-assistance features is available with Genesis vehicles, including automatic high beams, safe exit assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, parking obstruction warning, and more. Fascinatingly, some of this equipment is more expensive than the German competitors of the G90.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the previous generation G90 a Top Safety Pick+. However, the current G90’s rating is lower than ours since it has not yet received a rating from the IIHS or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If and when these organizations grade the new model, we anticipate that the car’s total rating will increase.
Coziness & Space:
The G90’s interior arrangement makes passengers feel as if they have much more room than they have. Just the length of this sedan, at 207.7 inches from tip to toe, makes it stand out. That makes it approximately an inch shorter than the Mercedes-Benz S 500 and about the same length as the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Furthermore, 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 well-contoured, heated, and luxurious Nappa leather seats equipped with a standard massaging feature. Along with tri-zone temperature control, power sunshades, a UV sanitation chamber for phones, a high-end 15-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, programmable ambient lighting, and scents, the basic model has a heated motorized tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Furthermore, Genesis has a “mood curator” feature that quickly modifies the music levels, seat controls, ambient lighting, and temperature setting to suit the desired mood.
Along with adjustable and reclining seats, an updated 26-speaker audio system, and power-closing doors that close with a touch, the upgraded e-Supercharged version adds massage to the second row.
Infotainment: Genesis G90
Two 12.3-inch digital panels function as the infotainment and gauge cluster in front of the cabin. Just below the infotainment screen is a simple row of tactile buttons that are simple to see and use. Next to the gear shifter dial, at the driver’s right hand, is a large, smooth-feeling knob that operates the infotainment system.
Rear passengers can access a tiny touchscreen interface for seat and temperature control adjustments. That option is still available if you don’t mind the youngsters in the rear changing the radio station and increasing the volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users will be happy with the connectivity speed. Still, they could become annoyed that it requires a rope since wireless smartphone connections aren’t currently supported on the G90.
On the other hand, drivers of the BMW 7 Series will notice a 10.2-inch touch screen that is augmented with gesture controls. Finally, Lexus is revamping its infotainment system, doing away with the strange touchpad and adding a sharp new screen. Mercedes-Benz incorporates an integrated screen arrangement while maintaining the same gauge cluster size as the G90.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Packing enough baggage and golf bags for a romantic weekend, enough sports equipment for many children, or enough supplies for a sales professional on the road in a well-sized trunk is simple. Behind the centre seat console, a pass-through cut into the rear seat makes space for long objects like hockey sticks or replacement curtain rods. The G90’s trunk has a total capacity of 11 to 12 cubic feet for personal belongings. The trunk space of the G90 is much less than that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, which has a capacity of 13.8 cubic feet. Additionally, the trunk space of the LS is more significant than that of the 740i, measuring 17.2 cubic feet.
Passengers will like the interior arrangement of the cabin, which has several little storage spaces throughout. Genesis went all out with this facelift since they used premium materials everywhere. My only criticism is that we would want more breathing room for our giant tumblers to fit between the cupholders if positioned further back from the dashboard.
Design: Genesis G90
The 2023 G90 has a long, wide silhouette that is painted in continuous strokes all around. The G90 has a commanding presence and elegant dual-lane headlight stripes. Its distinctive grille and flowing lines complement the brand’s most recent design language and make it visually attractive.
Buttery soft Nappa leather plays over the seats, and the velvety bolstering of the front seats keeps you comfortably in place as it follows your contours. It’s adorable with the blue and purple tones of the ambient lights. A notched cylindrical gear shifter that feels fantastic in your hands, textured stalks, recycled newspapers and sustainable wood are all cleverly incorporated into the design by Genesis. It can compete with them because it is cheaper than big cars like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW.
Is the 2023 Genesis G90 Worth it?
I chose the base variant of the G90 since it skillfully combines luxurious comfort and technology with plenty of refinements to appreciate. With two trims that span the spectrum of luxury features—many of which are standard—Genesis changed things up a little for 2023. The G90 is exquisite without additional gilding, even if the e-Supercharged version has more power and comforts for backseat passengers, such as one-touch power-closing doors.
The basic model is sufficient unless your backseat passengers want bigwig-level chauffeuring; the difference between the regular and e-Supercharged variants is around $15,000. The G90 has incredible luxury features that Genesis included without going overboard.
How Much Does Genesis G90 Insurance Cost?
Compared to its primary rivals, the insurance premiums for the G90 are much cheaper. The average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean record is $3,520, compared to $4,140 for the BMW 740i, $4,083 for the Lexus LS, and $5,285 for the Mercedes-Benz S500.
Genesis G90 Generations
Second Generation
2023 to present
In November 2021, the second-generation Genesis G90 premiered in South Korea, and for the 2023 model year, it made its way to the US. The Korean brand’s aggressive grille and two-line lighting treatment are prominent features of the completely redesigned G90. This striking, low, futuristic vehicle largely departs from the Oldsmobile-like first-generation model. The new G90 is powered only by a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, which drives all four wheels and has an electronic supercharger on the higher-spec vehicles. It also does away with the previous generation’s V8 and V6 engines and standard rear-wheel drive.
First Generation
2017 to 2022
In 2015, the first G90 made its debut in South Korea, taking the place of the long-running but slow-selling Hyundai Equus. In 2016, the G90 transitioned to the American market as a 2017 model, bringing a standard 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine producing 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. To upgrade to the G90 Ultimate, a 5.0-litre V8 making 420 horsepower and 383 lb.⋅ft of torque had to be replaced. Before a significant redesign in 2020 brought bolder, more American-looking styling, the G90 warned the European sedan market about the Korean brand’s aspirations. However, it was still less distinctive than many of its German competitors.
Verdict
Genesis’s revised, second-generation flagship makes a powerful statement about the worth of their product. An excellent ride that seems futuristic and ethereal, the 2023 Genesis G90 has features and a bold, distinctive style. It is powered by a new standard twin-turbo V6 and optional electronic supercharger, and it incorporates a range of familiar comforts and technologies. This new luxury liner dispels doubts about the brand’s ability to compete with the best of more established brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus.
