By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(October 30, 2022) The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 is ready to compete head-on without apology against the big guys in the full-sized luxury sedan class including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS 500. The G90, in its infancy in car terms having entered the market just eight years ago, has received a dramatic redesign that elevates it into the upper echelons of the luxury sedan world.

One of the Genesis' most noteworthy moves was dropping the 5.0-liter V-8 engine for a twin-turbo V-6. The standard powertrain makes a healthy 375 horsepower, but it's the up-level version that is the headline maker. Referred to as the 3.5T e-SC engine, it uses a 48-volt hybrid system and an electric supercharger to increase output to 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque available at just 1,300 rpm.

Its mated to a silky smooth shifting eight-speed transmission, which results in a delightful, almost unbelievably quiet high-speed, long-range cruiser. While the G90 is not a corner carver in the image of the BMW 7 Series, it was never meant for that kind of action. Moving quickly and smoothly with a pleasant ride thanks to a new air suspension system and a hushed interior is what the G90 is designed to accomplish. And it does that with aplomb.

The supercharged 3.5T e G90 can reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and flash through a quarter mile in 13.7 seconds @ 104 mph according to measurements by Car and Driver magazine. This translates into performance that will easily place the sedan safely into fast-moving traffic merging on an interstate or race past a pesky slow-moving vehicle on a tight two-lane road.

And by the way, the electrified 3.5T powertrain comes with rear-wheel steering, which turns opposite the front wheels at low speed to enable a sharper turning radius, and turns in tandem with the front wheels at highway speed for greater stability. All-wheel drive is also standard equipment.



The G90 looks the part of a luxury flagship with a newly designed crest grille and sleeker two-line headlamps than the outgoing model. Genesis says the new headlamps are the thinnest on a Genesis model yet. For the first time, the G90 features a clamshell hood to eliminate panel gaps. When viewed from the side the so-called Parabolic Line design starts from the hood and flows seamlessly along the bottom of the windows to the trunk. And we particularly like the slightly bulging rear fenders.

The  proportions of the wide rear end give the model a strong and well-balanced look. The two-line rear combination lamps — key elements of the Genesis design language — are elongated along the trunk, with Genesis’ lettering placed concisely between them.

In a few words — the G90 will not be mistaken in your driveway for anything other than an expensive luxury sedan, but without a Mercedes or Lexus emblem on the front. And the design should wear well over time.

In the end a car is judged by its living space and the G90 answers the call. The attention to detail inside the cabin is nothing short of outstanding. Very little plastic can be found with everything covered in soft-touch surfaces. The seats are covered in fine leather, the door panel inserts are wood or forged carbon fiber, and the headliner and ceiling are microsuede.

Those same seats are extremely comfortable and there's plenty of adjustability in the driver's seat and steering wheel to find a comfortable position. All seats come with heating, ventilation and massage. We discovered the massager by accident when we hit a button on the door. Wow. What a revelation — and there are three levels from which to choose.

Rear-seat passengers are afforded generous leg room in a seat that reclines almost fully with an extending leg rest cushion. They will also be riding in a church-on-Monday quiet interior thanks in part to effective sound-deadening materials and active noise cancellation technology. Wind and road noises are impressively absent from the interior.

Genesis has eliminated interior door handles opting for button that automatically close all four doors using a "soft-close" feature to ensure an airtight fit without the need for slamming them shut. On one occasion we started the car with the driver's door open, Genesis politely closed the door.

The G90's infotainment interface is crisp and clean with a 12.3-inch display, which features navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as a myriad of choices for such things as climate, media (AppleCar Play, Android Auto), and backup camera as well as surround view cameras. A "mood curator" is also part of the package that includes an on-board fragrance diffuser and an anti-microbial sanitation system that cleans both the air and items brought into the car. And get this — there's a sterilizing UV light in the rear center console that — Genesis says — kills 99.9 percent of germs on your phone or any small item places inside the console for 10 minutes.

Perhaps the best "mood curator" for us was the excellent-sounding 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that delivered incredible sounds from whatever variety of music suits your taste. And it's standard equipment.

Virtually every piece of safety technology available today is in the G90. We particularly liked the blindspot monitors that not only warned of an upcoming vehicle in the sideview mirror, but also in the gauge display where a red swirl appeared on the right or left side of a vehicle display.

The G90 is not inexpensive as you would expect. For instance, our 3.5T E Supercharger AWD carried a base price of $99,795. Our test car had one option,  CapriBlue paint for $575, bringing the bottom line to $100,370.

The G90 carries the same warranties as the rest of the Hyundai-Genesis branded cars of 5-year/60,000-mile general warranty and a 10-year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty.

2022 Genesis G90 3.5T e-SC

Essentials
Base price: $89,945; as driven, $100,370
Engine: 3.5-liter electric supercharged twin-turbo V-6
Horsepower: 409 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 405 pound-feet @ 1,300 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: all wheel
Seating: 2/3
Wheelbase: 125.2 inches
Length: 207.7 inches
Curb weight: 5,156 pounds
Turning circle: NA
Luggage capacity: 11 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: NA (premium)
EPA rating: 17 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
0-60: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 500

The Good
• Very quiet cabin
• Impeccable fit and finish
• Loaded with the latest tech

The Bad
• Rather low fuel economy

The Ugly
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto not wireless