GENESIS G90 2017 VIDEO REVIEW

GENESIS G90 2017 VIDEO REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

When Hyundai introduced cars such as the Genesis and Equus, scuttlebutt spread about the Korean automaker starting their own luxury division. Well that day has finally come. With a change in name the artist formerly known as the Equus becomes the all-new G90 as the Genesis brand’s inaugural flagship.

Not every Hyundai dealership sells Genesis and they don’t have their own standalone stores just yet, but Genesis showrooms do have their own dedicated floor space and an ownership experience that is quite different from that of the person, say, buying an Accent. For instance, rather than driving to a dealership for service, owners can choose to have their vehicle picked up and a complimentary Genesis loaner car will be dropped off. There’s costless maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty surprisingly carries over here. But none of this matters if the car isn’t good. Fortunately for Genesis, the G90 isn’t just good, it’s great. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best luxury sedans I’ve ever driven. Some are pooh-poohing the G90 as a mere Equus carryover but this effort is far more substantial. The details have been sweated to such a degree that you will not find a single compromise in any of the material or parts choices. From the thick carpeted floor mats to the silky suede headliner and all touchpoints in between, this is true luxury and not some cheap facsimile. My tester is backed by a potent 5.0-liter V8 and the brilliance that is the Adaptive Control Suspension for a remarkable blend of bodacious power and unbeatable composure. You will not find a more sumptuous and undisturbed ride quality at any price.

The G90 takes the Equus to the next level of plushness and sophistication. I’m really impressed with the phenomenally forgiving ride quality…exactly how I want a big luxury car to drive. Lots of power, buttery smooth in everything it does; the G90 is a dream cruiser from every seat in the house.

The driver controls are uncanny in their ability to keep the G90 feeling connected without a single moment of abruptness. The 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque is poured out gracefully but forcefully through an 8-speed automatic which shifts so precisely and serenely you forget it’s even there. There are various drive modes altering transmission mapping, throttle responsiveness, steering and stability control so if you want, you can dial up to Sport mode for a little more grit. This car is downright fast off the line and develops a pleasing V8 burble to go with it. And I would never have suspected steering this dialed in and appropriately geared from the brand’s parent company. Quiet and never ruffled, the G90 expertly plays the role of a big, rear-wheel drive luxury sedan. And despite its sizable footprint, it’s easy to maneuver. Premium unleaded is not required with only a slight decrease in output using 87 octane to the tune of 16mpg city/24mpg highway.

Everything you see here is included as standard equipment in the G90 5.0’s $70,650 sticker price. A turbo V6 and all-wheel drive are both available. The seats – and I mean all of them – are powered and contort in multiple ways to provide unbeatable support in all driving situations. Get a load of these rear seats, replete with a “rest” button which reclines you for the long haul. Of course, there are power sunshades on all windows , but features like heated and cooled seats with memory settings, climate and media controls, lighted vanity mirrors and the ability to slide the front passenger seat out of the way are features you just don’t see at this price point. The leather on the steering wheel and shifter are very soft, and the controls are much more simplified compared with the heavy hitters in this class. The G90 feels easy to get in, get started and drive with perhaps the exception of the shifter which tucks its park function as a button just in front where it can be difficult to reach.

The G90 is one of the best true luxury sedans on the market, coddling its occupants like they’ve never left their living room. Also, I love that it’s not trying to play the role of sports sedan like so many others in this segment. But if you’re Genesis, you’ve got to give this car Apple Car Play and Android Auto and more than 1 USB port up front.

The screen is accessed through this knob and a series of buttons and is the conduit for the unbelievably rich sounding 17 speaker Lexicon sound system that I would put up against any B&O unit I’ve ever tested. Plus, Blue Link is on hand for access to a real human if needed and a host of concierge services. No Wi-Fi hotspot, however. There’s a heads-up display, Genesis logo projection at night and LED jewel-like interior lighting. I love the actual button which activates the around view camera and the Genesis Smart Sense suite of safety tech including Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert is comprehensive and integrated unobtrusively. There’s even a C02 level sensor – a fatigue contributor – which can trigger fresh air into the cabin when it reads too high.

And when it’s time to travel, the hands-free trunk opens to a huge space which includes a grocery bag hook. Soft close doors, power folding mirrors – the G90’s resume is stocked.

With a hat tip to Audi, the G90’s front end will have you seeing A8 at first glance and I’ve never liked the conspicuous radar protector on the Genesis grille but all told, the G90’s derivative design works fairly well and gives it a spot in the big boy parking lot.

Launching a new brand is no job for the timid, but with a car that has this much going for it with a deeply discounted price tag, Genesis is at the beginning of something good.