Heralding a new design direction for the brand at Montreal International Auto Show
MONTREAL – The refreshed 2020 Genesis G90 sedan broke cover for the first time in North America at the Montreal International Auto Show heralding a new design direction for the brand.
The G90 incorporates new-car-level design changes on the exterior and interior that are aimed to cement its position as the brand’s flagship sedan. The car features an evolution of Genesis’ signature Athletic Elegance design language and includes the new “Quad Lamp” styling theme that has a prominent horizontal architecture and ushers in design cues that will be seen on all future Genesis models.
Beyond the new exterior styling, G90 receives a wide range of enhancements, including new interior surfaces, along with enhanced comfort and safety technologies.
Front and back, the styling of the redesigned G90 evolves the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language. In front, the signature Crest Grille is flanked by a new Quad Lamp styling theme that will become common across future Genesis models. In the rear, Quad Lamps symbolizing the wings of the Genesis logo wrap around from corner-to-corner. The lines of the vehicle flow elegantly from one end to the other through a crisp parabolic line and large LED side indicators embedded in the fenders.
The license plate is placed as low as possible, further accentuating the vehicle’s low and wide stance. The elongated horizontal side profile of G90 features classic rear-wheel drive sedan proportions punctuated by short overhangs and a long wheelbase.
A new cross-hatch pattern Genesis calls “G-Matrix” is applied in various areas around the vehicle, beginning with the front grille and extending into the graphics of all exterior lighting elements. The standard 19-inch dish-type wheels, also incorporating the mesh pattern around their outer edge, feature sound absorption technology designed to reduce tire noise.
The interior design is dominated by a mix of horizontal surfaces, including a parallel layout built around the air ventilation system and audio controls. The ’20 G90 has fewer controls for a simpler and more intuitive user experience. Other new details include quilted Nappa leather seating, contrast piping on the leather-wrapped dashboard, additional leather wrapping on the centre console, new switchgear, and natural wood trim with an exposed grain texture.
The G90 introduces multiple technology enhancements and firsts for the Genesis brand. The 12.3-inch central display is re-engineered to incorporate a new Graphic User Interface (GUI) featuring Genesis’ signature black and copper colour scheme. The large widescreen can show multiple functions simultaneously using a convenient split-screen feature. Now featuring full touch-screen functionality with ultra-fast response, the system also includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
The interior environment also receives Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which reduces noise, vibration, and harshness using leading audio technology to reduce unwanted noise intrusion.
The Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension with electronic damping control smoothly and precisely manages body motions throughout the car’s dynamic range with minimal compromises to ride comfort.
In keeping with Genesis’ commitment to unparalleled occupant protection, all available safety and driver assistance technologies are included as standard equipment on the ’20 G90. New systems and features include: Lane Follow Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and 10 airbags including a passenger’s knee airbag.
In terms of powertrains, the new G90 offers a choice of two gasoline engines: a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine (365 hp / 376 lb-ft. and a 5.0-litre direct-injected V8 engine (420 hp / 383 lb-ft.). Of note, the V8 is standard issue on all models in Canada but the V6 will be available through special order. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard active All-Wheel Drive system with an electronically-controlled transfer case capable of varying the front-to-rear torque split on demand or in response to driving conditions.
On the chassis front, the G90 is fitted with a multi-link suspension design for minimized camber and toe changes throughout the suspension travel range. The Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension system with electronic damping control manages body motions and yaw control with minimal compromises to ride comfort. This adaptive control suspension, sourced from Sachs/ZF, offers independent damping control for both rebound and compression strokes of suspension travel for improved body control.
Efforts at drumming out NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) have been achieved through the use of special sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin and sub-structure of the car, along with laminated glass on each window.
Seating comfort in the new G90 has also been improved. Ergo-design seating, including an electronically-controlled, 22-way power driver’s seat including power bolsters, cushion extension and shoulder adjustment, was approved by the German campaign for healthier backs, Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR). The G90 passenger seat offers 16-way adjustment for optimal comfort. All front seat positions, side mirrors and steering column position are controlled by an integrated memory system. Front seat positions offer both heating and ventilation.
The rear outboard passenger seats are electronically-adjustable in 12 ways (14-ways for the right seat position) on the 5.0 V8 model for improved comfort. The G90’s seats were carefully developed via thorough analysis of the renowned “Stressless” seat design. In addition, heated rear seats are standard, with ventilation on 5.0 V8 models. The rear seats on V8 models also include power slide linked with recline, shoulder-adjusters, rear lumbar support, 4-way head restraints and a rear integrated memory system with controls located on the rear doors.
The Canadian market will receive one fully-equipped V8-powered model, but the twin-turbo V6 will be available through special order. The 2020 G90 will arrive this summer with pricing to be announced closer to on-sale.
Keyword: Redesigned 2020 Genesis G90 makes North American Debut