The 2023 Genesis G90 presents an updated version of the brand’s distinctive front fascia.
Hyundai revealed the latest version of its flagship luxury sedan, the 2023 Genesis G90, its first full makeover since 2018. The freshly unveiled G90 boasts a new appearance and added technology, bringing it in line with the rest of the Genesis portfolio, while giving it a unique identity.
The new model comes as sales of the G90 remain steady in the U.S., settling in at approximately 2,000 units annually, down from the 2,240 units sold during the current G90’s launch in 2018
A distinguished, elegant exterior demeanor
As with other Genesis models, the new G90 is distinguished by its dual band headlamps and sizable shield grille. The headlamp design is more emphatic than before, and its grille is nestled more prominently on the wide lower air intake. Designers have used a clamshell hood, not only for a distinctive appearance, but also to reduce the number of body gaps.
The back end of the 2023 Genesis G90 has some styling details that resemble the Hyundai Elantra — but more refined.
The greenhouse shape resembles that of the smaller G80, with a more tailored appearance that drops rearward to a back-end styling similar to that on the Hyundai Elantra, with its interplay of triangular shapes. But the G90’s rendition is far more refined.
Designers subtly accentuated the car’s length with a side body crease that starts at the base of the side window and gently slopes downward and rearward. It’s mirrored by a parallel line that starts at the front wheel arch, travelling across the body, and ending at the taillight, which then wraps around the rear.
It’s accented in the back by a number of horizontal visual elements that cut the visual mass of the rear. The twin tail pipes are nestled at the rear corners, with outlets shaped like the Genesis shield grille.
Overall, it lends the new sedan a masterfully modern design, that’s elegant, yet unmistakably Genesis, while masking its visual bulk.
The interior boasts some distinctive design touches.
A luxurious interior with Korean touches
Climb inside, and you’ll find the styling breaks no new ground, but communicates the requisite luxury air, albeit with some idiosyncratic design flourishes.
The instrument panel is accented by twin horizontal air vents that call to mind the twin horizontal headlamps. They cross two-thirds of its length before bending up under the instrument cluster. The steering wheel has an airbag nestled in front of an unusual shape that resembles a rounded “H” turned sideways, while a pair of vertical pods flank the instrument cluster, an affectation last seen on inexpensive Japanese sport coupes.
Overall material quality seems to be of a very high standard. The cabin features two sunroofs, ambient lighting, massaging seats, individually reclining rear seats, and a C-Pillar tray storage area for magazines or books.
Designers used a clamshell hood to reduce the number of panel gaps.
The rear center armrest features its own 8-inch touchscreen that controls the climate control, seat position, massage, curtains, and lighting. Clearly, Genesis expects some G90 owners to be chauffeur driven.
What’s under the hood
Genesis didn’t reveal much about the G90’s drivetrain other than saying that it uses a gasoline-powered 3.5-liter turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Specific details for the American market will be released at a later date, according to the automaker.
The 2022 G90 comes with a standard 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 rated at 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. A 5.0-liter V-8, rated at 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, is optional. Both engines mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available.
Many design touches were used to visually slim the car’s mass.
The company did reveal that the G90’s braking force is adjustable, with drivers able to choose one of three modes depending upon their preference. The car’s electronically adjustable suspension uses a front-mounted camera to adjust its ride height to account for upcoming road conditions, lowering it at highway speeds, raising it for clearance on rough roads, and when going downhill to prevent the car’s undercarriage from scraping the road surface.
It also features rear-wheel steering, turning the rear wheels up to 4 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, and up to 2 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels at high speeds.
A new way to start the car
Genesis vehicle’s unique identity gives them a unique visual voice in the luxury vehicle segment.
Genesis may be the first automaker to use a Fingerprint Authentication System to start the car and loading the driver’s preferences. The car can also be started using their smartphone digital key by touching the door handle. Similarly, the trunk can be opened automatically by standing near it for three seconds. Finally, it’s also the first Genesis that detects when the driver is holding the steering wheel.
As with models from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover, the Genesis G90’s flush-mounted door handles pop out as the driver approaches the car. Once inside, the door can be closed by pushing a button, or set to automatically close when the brake pedal is pressed. When passengers exit the car, they can electronically close the door by touching the door handle.
The G90’s infotainment screen requires using a rotary controller that sits near the rotary shifter, although Genesis says the two have different tactile qualities to prevent driver confusion.
A 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is standard, as is active noise cancelation and laminated glass throughout.
Will the new design be enough to fight off its competition? Stay tuned.
Given its hefty dose of technology, Genesis thoughtfully engineered it with over-the-air air software update capability for the car’s myriad electronic systems, including navigation, digital cluster, head-up display, brakes, steering wheel, suspension, airbags, and driver assistance.
Wrap Up
The Genesis G90 continues its evolution as a flagship sedan that challenges the world’s finest cars. Whether it lives up to its billing will not be known until more details are revealed about its driveline and once we get a chance to take the wheel. But given the brand’s recent track record, odds are the G90 will be serious competition indeed.
Look for more details, including specifications and pricing, to be revealed closer to the G90’s yet-to-be-revealed on-sale date.
Keyword: First Look: 2023 Genesis G90