Limo-style transportation that’s practically affordable
Many people might dream of owning a top-drawerMercedes-Benz S class, BMW 7 series or Lexus LS sedan, but they can cost close to $100,000 (or possibly much more). Is there an alternative?
Although far from inexpensive, the Genesis G90 can at least keep the dream alive for some with a surfeit of luxury appointments and plenty of gaspedal snap.
For the unaware, the G90 began as the premium Hyundai Equus, but for 2017 was spun off as part of a separate division along with the Genesis G80 (née Hyundai Genesis) and newfor-2019 G70 sedans.
The flagship 2020 G90 is also the first to receive a major makeover since its initial rebranding, which includes the replacement of nearly every body panel except for the roof and doors. In particular, the V-shaped grille dominates the front end and the headlights and taillights are each split by a thin band of LEDs that extend into the fenders. Like it or not, the new design clearly sets the G90 apart from the previous car, not to mention every other competing sedan.
Elsewhere, the massive rear doors simplify the entering and exiting process for the harried executive, and the nearly 16 cubic feet of trunk space is enough to tote a foursome’s worth of golf clubs or enough Louis Vuitton luggage for a week’s worth of wardrobe changes.
Despite the external sculpting, the G90 retains the previous generation’s platform. That means all key measurements — length, width, height, and distance between the front and rear wheels — are virtually identical to the measurements of the 2019 model.
For 2020, the sumptuously appointed leather-and-wood-trimmed interior includes a 12.3-inch high-definition touch-screen integrated into the control panel (no pop-up-style tablets here). The cabin is also a quieter spot with the addition of active noise control. It functions through the G90’s audio system to cancel out intrusive sounds entering the passenger compartment. Also available are 19-inch wheels that have been specially designed to absorb sounds emitted by the tires as they roll.
Additional comfort is derived from the adaptive suspension that instantly adjusts the shocks to tame the road surface. It also provides added control when cornering by firming up the outside dampers.
Making the journey a pleasant experience for drivers comes from two powerplants that repeat from previous years. A twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 with 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque is standard, while optional is a 5.0-liter V-8 that produces 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet. Both get eight-speed automatic transmissions.
No matter the engine, rear-wheeldrive is standard with all-wheel-drive
optional. When not needed, such as when cruising over flat roads, the system disconnects itself from the front wheels (in Eco mode) to help improve economy, which for the V-6 is 17 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway and 20 combined.
At a base price of $70,350 ($72,850 for the AWD model) the G90 3.3 Premium doesn’t deserve to be called “base” since it arrives in a fully loaded state. Content highlights encompass multi-position power front and rear Nappa-leather-covered seats, 900-watt surround-sound system and wireless phone charging.
Every G90 also comes with a complete assemblage of dynamicsafety technologies. Some of the more unique include Auto Speed Slowdown that adjusts vehicle speed according to the posted signs, and Safe Exit Assist that warns of approaching traffic when you’re opening the doors to get out of the car.
As a relatively new player in the premium-sedan category, the G90 won’t have an easy time dislodging buyers from their favorite brands, whether Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. But given the G90’s content and performance, perhaps traveling in grand style while saving a few dollars will be enough motivation to make the switch.