By Nauman Farooq
Meet the new Genesis G90. I say “new” and not “all-new” because this is pretty much a re-skin of the first-gen model of the G90 (which was on sale between 2017 and 2019), with just a few extra bits of tech thrown in.
In fact, this car’s lineage goes even further back, because its platform is essentially the same as what was underlining the Hyundai Equus, which went on sale in Canada back in 2010.
So, is this just an old car with some new skin, or is there more to it?
Let’s find out!
Styling: This 2020 G90 is the first vehicle penned under the direction of Genesis’ new design boss, Luc Donckerwolke – who had in the past designed models for Bentley and Lamborghini. His designs are striking and often a bit controversial!
Controversial because they are very bold and unconventional. Just look at the front grill on this new G90 – it looks like an adaptation of the “Superman” shield, and at first will likely put you off. However, see this car a few times, especially in different colours, and the design starts to make sense!
When you combine its bold nose with what are easily the most striking wheels offered on any production car, this G90 starts to make much more sense.
I bet, the G90 would have looked even better, if Mr. Donckerwolke had an all-new platform to work with, but given the constraints of an existing platform, this is still very good – it certainly makes much more of a statement than the first-gen G90.
Interior: Step inside, and if you’ve spent any amount of time in the previous-gen model of the G90, everything will be very familiar to you. In fact, the interior looks exactly the same on the 2020 G90 as it did on the 2018 example I tested in the past. I searched long and hard to find any differences, but didn’t see any.
Tech wise, the 2020 G90 has the latest version of Hyundai/Genesis adaptive cruise control, which if you set at the speed limit, will alter the speed of the vehicle based on the limit of the road, so if the speed limit drops for any reason, the car will respond to that automatically.
Apart from that detail, all else is the same – but then, nothing really needed to change! The G90 has one of the nicest, most sumptuous interiors of any car currently in production. The fit and finish is superb, the space is abundant, the seats are spectacularly comfortable, and its infotainment system is wonderful – and yes, if you’re wondering, it has connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Not only the front seats have adjustments, the rear seats do too, plus they also get power sunshades and heated and cooled seats. This G90 is a proper luxury liner, a car you can comfortably cross continents in!
Powertrain: Under the hood, you’ll find the familiar old 5.0L V8 engine that produces 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to all-wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Interestingly, you can now order the G90 with the smaller 3.3L V6 twin-turbocharged motor – the same that is found in the G70 sport sedan. This engine produces 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. This would be a special order situation, and not something a Genesis retailer would stock up on. You won’t be saving any money by doing this special order either – so why would anyone go through the hassle of this special order to get a less powerful car with a smaller engine?
As much as I like that twin-turbo V6, I say, stick with the 5.0L V8, not only is it a wonderful motor with plenty of performance; for a big luxury car like this, it is more in keeping with the character of the car.
Performance & Driving Dynamics: In terms of driving dynamics, the G90 is best left to waft you from point A to point B. It glides over uneven terrain, while cocooning you in luxury and silence.
Honestly, the G90 is on level with the top-tier luxury cars from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, and honestly not far from the comfort and smoothness offered by a Bentley or Rolls-Royce; yes, it’s really that good.
You must be thinking then, that if the G90 is so good at being a luxury lounge on wheels, than surely its Achilles heel must be performance! So, is this where the G90 disappoints?
Wrong! The G90 might be a big, heavy (just over 2.2 tons in weight), luxury car, but this is not a slow vehicle. My tester, which came equipped with the 5.0L V8, is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.2 seconds. Top speed, for those with access to the German Autobahn, is electronically limited to 250 km/h – please don’t try this on public roads in Canada.
Find a tarmac with lots of bends, and now the weight and size of this vehicle start to hold it back a bit. Also, the steering is not communicative enough to egg you on to push this vehicle fast through the corners. This is where a BMW 7 Series would have an edge over this Genesis G90, but let’s be honest; who drives a full-size luxury car as if it is some dainty little sports car? My guess is, nobody.
Given the type of driving a typical Genesis G90 customer would be involved in on a regular basis; this vehicle performs that role brilliantly.
My favourite bit is to get it on the highway, engage adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, and just glide up to your destination.
Fuel Economy: In my fuel economy test (where I drive a car 170 km on the highway + 130 km in the city), I averaged 12.0 L/100 km with the G90. So, unsurprisingly, the big V8 likes to drink, especially in stop and go traffic. On the highway, it is relaxed and smooth, and drinks less than you expect. So, it is the ideal long distance car, but if you only do short trips in the city – perhaps not most suited for you!
Pricing: The 2020 Genesis G90 is yours from $89,750. That might sound like a lot for a vehicle that isn’t wearing an Audi, BMW, or a Mercedes-Benz badge – after all, even Lexus has a hard time selling vehicles in this price category.
However, dollar for dollar, the G90 offers more luxuries and features than any of its competitors, so in a way, it is a bargain!
Verdict: If you were expecting an all-new Genesis G90, featuring a brand new platform, coupled with engines and transmissions the brand had never offered before! Than you’ll be a little disappointed.
Honestly, don’t be, because what this 2020 G90 lacks in terms of new underpinnings and mechanicals, it more than makes up for it in terms of refinements and comfort.
This is a top-tier luxury car, and it understands and fulfills that role extremely well.
It is also very well built – the kind of quality that gives one confidence that all will be well, even after 10 years of ownership.
Genesis needs to be complimented on their hard work – every single product I have tested from them has shown excellent quality, features, and performance.
So should you go out and buy one? Let’s just say, you’ll do yourself a big disservice by not looking into the luxury offerings from Korea.