Back in the 1990s Japanese automakers attempted to take on the best from Germany with the introduction of Acura, Infiniti and Lexus. Now it’s Korea’s turn with Hyundai Motor Group’s Genesis brand, which has launched an onslaught of new models to take on Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
So far we’ve loved everything that the brand has introduced lately, like the GV80 and GV70 SUVs and the compact G70 sedan. Now Genesis is taking another go at the flagship end of its lineup with the introduction of the redesigned 2023 G90 sedan. The G90 is aimed at big German sedans, like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The G90 attempts to stand out from those other big sedans with its striking styling, first class interior and lively powertrain.
On the outside the G90 stands out with its bold styling that has many of the same styling cues as the smaller G70 and G80 models, but with a unique take. Its styling is more elevated than the brand’s two other sedans. This is a bold attempt, since Genesis knows that it can’t just simply create a conservative big sedan if it wants to win over buyers.
If Genesis really wants to be invited to the table with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it knows that the G90 really has to knock it out of the park on the inside. Flagship sedan buyers have some of the highest standards, especially considering that some want to drive, while others prefer to be driven. That means that every seat in the house has to be top notch.
How does the Genesis G90 stack up? The interior is quite nice with a pleasing design that’s wrapped in high quality materials. Inside you’ll find Nappa leather and a microsuede fiber headliner. Everything you touch feels luxurious. It doesn’t stop there, since there are also massaging seats in both rows and power doors that make you feel like a celebrity. The rear seats also recline.
There’s plenty of tech features inside as well. There’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a screen in the rear center console. One thing that is missing is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a common complaint for all Hyundai Motor Group’s models with the larger infotainment screen.
There’s also a mood curator that has four settings Care, Comfort, Delight and Vitality to improve your mood by adjusting the lighting, air fragrance, massaging seats and seat position. The G90 not only gets you to your destination in comfort, but also improves your mood at the same time. The mood curator lasts for about up to 30 minutes.
Under the hood there are two version to choose from. The standard powertrain is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 pound-feet of torque that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful option gets an electric supercharger to increase the output to 409 hp and 405 lb-ft.
Our tested was powered by the more powerful powertrain. The electric supercharger and twin turbochargers really bring the 3.5-liter V6 to life. Who needs a V8? The V6 helps the big G90 pick up speed fast with a mellow soundtrack. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly.
There are four drive modes: Chauffeur, Comfort, and Sport that adjust the suspension settings to either provide a supple ride or tighten things up a bit if you encounter a windy road on your trip.
The pricing for the 2023 Genesis G90 starts at $90,100, while the 3.5T E-Supercharger version is priced at $100,400. Those prices place the Genesis G90 way below the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which starts about $25k more than the G90.
At the end of the day, the 2023 Genesis G90 is a great flagship sedan that can go head to head with the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The best part is that the G90 costs thousands less than its rivals.
