- Styling: Cranking Up The Presence
- Interior: How The Other Half Lives
- Powertrain: A Satisfying Whoosh
- On The Road: Do You Really Need An S-Class?
- Verdict: Premium Product, Reasonable Price
But is it ready to take on the kings in the segment?
In a world full of luxury crossovers marketed as SUVs, the full-size luxury sedan lives on for those that choose the sleeker, more executive things in life. For 2023, the Genesis G90 is on the receiving end of a substantial redesign and a price hike, but it still undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class while delivering the kind of pampered experience that includes an onboard fragrance diffuser and doors that close with the push of a button. Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, and massaging front seats come as standard, while power comes from a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 375 horsepower. The 5.0-liter V8 engine was shelved for the 2023 model year and is replaced with an electronically supercharged version of the V6 that makes 409 hp in the e-Supercharger model.
Our experience with the older G90 was characterized by ample power from the V8-equipped version, super-smooth suspension, and a general sense of well-being despite being stuck in LA traffic at five in the afternoon. However, it lacked the extra crispness in the handling of a BMW 7 Series and lacked some modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which is something now expected in a luxury model. It didn't quite hit the pinnacle of luxury and handling prowess of German rivals, which the G90 seeks to lure customers away from – but the price made for a compelling proposition. The question is whether this latest version has evolved enough to steal some thunder from competitors.
Styling: Cranking Up The Presence
The styling update brings the G90 up from a swish-looking sedan to a much sharper-looking car with genuine presence that's more likely to catch people's eye as it passes by. There's a hint of Bentley in the overall silhouette, but there's no mistaking the Genesis signature crest grille dual-strip LED headlights. There's chrome trim all around, and the back features full-width light bars running across the trunk lid, yet it manages to be stylish without becoming ostentatious. There's restraint in the design, which brings class to what can be considered a budget luxury sedan. The standard wheels are 20-inch alloy units, while the top model gets 21-inch wheels backed with copper-colored brake calipers. Not much else differentiates the two trim levels in terms of looks, and both come standard with a panoramic sunroof and power-folding side mirrors.
Interior: How The Other Half Lives
After spending a week with the power open and close doors, we didn't want to go back to doing something as menial as using a tiny bit of muscle power to do so. This feature sets the scene for the interior, which urges you to relax and take it easy, relishing in the comfort available. The two-spoke steering wheel feels like a throwback that is just a tad too far back for us, but old-school luxury is a matter of taste. The rest of the interior, with its theme of horizontal lines, feels contemporary and like it was designed to age well. There's Nappa leather covering the seats, and the small touches include a small speaker set in the driver's headrest so the sound doesn't disturb passengers. Forged carbon fiber trim is standard, but real wood trim is available on some of the interior color schemes.
It's not all gravy, though. The infotainment dial and the gear selection dial live next to each other on the center console, which isn't a fool-proof design choice. In the back, however, there is very little to fault, with 37.8 inches of legroom available and a power-recline function for the seats. For chauffering, a quick control can set the front passenger seat forward so the rear-curbside seat occupant can fully stretch out. The rear seats get ventilation and massage as standard on the top trim.
Powertrain: A Satisfying Whoosh
The standard twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generates 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, enough for that easy pull away from the curb you want in a luxury sedan. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system also supplements the electronically supercharged version and generates a total of 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Both models are all-wheel-drive only, but if you want the most effortless whoosh away from the lights or down the on-ramp, the e-Supercharger model is the one to go for. It's so smooth we didn't hanker for the old 5.0-liter model – and we do appreciate the better fuel economy, although our e-Supercharger tester returns just 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined compared to the standard model's 18/26/21 mpg.
On The Road: Do You Really Need An S-Class?
The G90 would need even more power to compensate for its weight to be considered a fast cruiser by today's standards. Its steering is sharp and precise but not quite as satisfying as its German rivals on a curvy road, and its body control isn't good enough to compete with the sporty x-factor in BMW's 7-Series. But none of that matters if you're only concerned about the key ingredients of a luxury sedan. There's a serene swishiness about acceleration with the e-Supercharger version, which comes instantaneously when required. At the same time, the suspension is cushy without being mushy, and with a suitably controlled right foot, passengers will be free to concentrate on the business of relaxing.
The semi-autonomous driving aids are some of the most unobtrusive we've come across, with the radar cruise control reacting early enough not to cause a jerky ride. The G90 is an easy car to lay down the freeway miles in, but it's just as effortless to cruise through town – both for the driver and passengers. Our family members who were pretending to be executives, report that the the back is absolutely the place to be.
Verdict: Premium Product, Reasonable Price
If the Volvo S90's approach to essential luxury is too austere for you, the Genesis G90 cranks the cosseting up without resorting to gimmicky giant screens or tech that will be irrelevant in a couple of years. Instead, there's an old-school charm that isn't diminished by the lack of a V8 and is enhanced by the relaxingly quiet cabin, smooth ride, and gorgeous materials. Under close scrutiny and hunting for things to criticize, build quality isn't quite up there with the German brands, and the infotainment system isn't as intuitive as it could be.
The $88,400 starting price is a solid $10k more than the older model, but it doesn't feel overpriced. That's likely the plan from Genesis as it builds itself into a brand that commands its own cache. The G90 is distinctive without being flashy, and it's luxurious without relying on the current pervasive belief that luxury means appealing to the tech-obsessed – and it has the right tech in the right places to make it a better car. For under $100,000, there might not be a better full-size luxury sedan currently on the market; and for just over that figure, you get a 409-hp cruiser that's difficult to compete with at its price.
Keyword: Driven: 2023 Genesis G90 Is A Prince Among Cars