Model tested: 2023 Genesis G90 3.5T
Engine: 3.5-liter T-GDI with 48V e-Supercharger
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 409
Torque: 405 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 17/city, 24/highway, 20/combined
Base price: $98,700
As tested: $100,370
Overview: The Genesis G90 — the flagship of Hyundai’s luxury brand — is all new for 2023. With a smooth, elegant design and opulent interior, it’s a very appealing challenger to full-size European luxury sedans like the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. It isn’t cheap, but it is more affordable, holding its own in every category against European rivals. Starting at $88,400, it’s also perhaps the best value in this shrinking market segment.
Walkaround: The G90 has a smooth, striking design that turns heads and doesn’t blend in. If you’re looking for nuanced styling in a luxury sedan that separates itself from the pack, the G90 is hard to ignore. From its large signature grille to the easy-open and close power doors, built on a 125.2-inch wheelbase riding on 21-inch alloy wheels, this is one beautifully crafted, very stylish automobile that gives up nothing to European design.
Interior: The interior is spacious and absolutely luxurious, and justifies the price tag. Extremely comfortable nappa leather seating; matte-finish wood trim; a microfiber suede headliner; heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with power bolsters; heated steering wheel; head-up display; wireless charging pad; three-zone climate control; power rear sunshades and heated rear seats are all standard equipment. However, as nice as the front seating environment is, the ventilated, reclining and massaging rear seats are arguably a preferable place to be. While there’s lots of legroom in both seating rows, the stretch-out room for rear-seat passengers is amazing. The standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is flanked by a same-sized center-mounted touchscreen-based infotainment system. Almost every feature in the G90 is accessible from that center touchscreen or a rotating dial on the center console. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM HD Radio are all played through a 26-speaker 3D Bang & Olufsen audio system that’s optimized for different types of music. A mood curator allows you to set the G90’s interior mood with themes like Vitality, Delight, Care and Comfort. It features integrated control of ambient lighting, the sound system, the fragrance system, seat massagers and power sunshades to create different personalized environments. The Genesis Digital Key features a fingerprint authentication system and turns your iPhone, Apple Watch or Samsung smartphone into a key via Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass. It doesn’t just unlock and start your Genesis, it recognizes the driver and loads your customized vehicle preferences before you get in.
Behind the wheel: The twin-turbo V6 was already impressive, but adding the electric supercharger delivers an awesome 409 horses, with 405 lb.ft. of torque. The ride quality is supple yet very disciplined, thanks to the G90’s standard electronically controlled, multimode suspension system. The multichamber air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhance handling in ways you have to experience to understand.
Bottom line: The 2023 Genesis G90 is one of the most competitive players in this shrinking class. This Korean-built luxury sedan competes head-to-head, in-your-face with anything from Europe — delivering more luxury for less money, plus a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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