Yahoo Autos The 2023 Genesis G90 Is a Shot Across the Bow of the Luxury Segment
Genesis is proving to be a serious contender in the luxury segment. The brand has been around for just seven years, and every single vehicle in its lineup is excellent. From the G70 sport sedan – which is probably the closest anyone has gotten to taking on the BMW 3 Series – to the GV70 and GV80 luxury crossovers, Genesis is making a name for itself by delivering high-end opulence for a lot less money. But the full-size G90 sedan is truly the embodiment of Genesis’ luxury know-how after just a short time in existence.
Full Disclosure: After waiting since last spring to get my hands on one, Genesis finally dropped off a G90 at my house so I could live with it for a week. I hated to see it leave.
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Just What the Hell Is a G90?
The G90 is Genesis’ flagship, and it’s sized similarly to the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Its roots can be traced back to the old Hyundai Equus, but the G90 itself has been around since 2016 – it’s the car that launched Genesis as a standalone brand. The model you see here is the second-generation G90 that debuted in 2022, and it’s a complete, ground-up redesign, riding on a dedicated platform and using a brand-new interior.
Tech and Luxury Galore
Sit inside the G90 and you’ll quickly see that it’s an oasis of luxury. I know that reads like something out of a brochure, but it’s the truth. Many of the interior’s features show that Genesis has the comfort and convenience of its owners in mind. Don’t even think about reaching to close a door; all four can be electrically operated, with buttons on the front and rear consoles that close the doors when pressed. (You still have to open them manually, however.)
Climbing behind the wheel of G90, you’ll notice that it’s surprisingly driver-centric. In front of you is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays everything from navigation and radio data to information for things like the adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance. Some of this same info also shows in a head-up display.
Separated by a leatherette-wrapped button for dimming the display is another 12.3-inch display for the infotainment system. It’s gorgeous and shows all its graphics in high definition. This system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, though it’s not wireless, which may be a dealbreaker to some. Genesis also knows a lot of buyers still want physical controls, so there are actual buttons for the climate controls, radio, nav and media.
All the luxury features inside the G90 are meant to coddle above all. There’s Nappa leather seating with massage, heating and cooling functions for all passengers, as well as tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and multi-color ambient lighting that’s some of the best and brightest in any car. There’s even a Mood Curator that can help you relax with different themes, including ambient sounds like a forest, pouring rain or ocean waves that can be played through the Bang & Olufsen 26-speaker 3D sound system. That’s all in addition to a fragrance diffuser with three different scents that can make the cabin even more relaxing by masking unwanted odors.
Back-seat riders get the really good features. For privacy there are powered sunshades for the rear and side windows, and if you want to lean your head back, there are microfiber suede-covered pillows on the headrests, in addition to a suede headliner. Rear passengers also have all manner of controls housed in the center armrest, and can manage everything from the sound system’s volume to the individual seat settings to the brightness and warmth of the rear lighting.
But the absolute best seat in the house is reserved for the right-side rear passenger. Sitting there, you can move the front passenger seat forward and fold it slightly, leaving room for you to fully recline like you’re in a super luxurious La-Z-Boy, complete with an ottoman for your feet. It all makes for an ultra-comfortable, sleep-inducing ride – in a good way.
That said, I don’t know who actually thinks white floor mats are a good idea, but definitely don’t get them in your G90. With all the rain I experienced in California during my test, it made these things impossible to keep clean. Anything someone’s shoe is going to touch should not be in a light color.
Competitively Spec’d
