BMW has set new records in the luxury class with its new 7 Series, also available as an electric i7, while the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class shine with well-known qualities. At least internationally, the new Genesis G90 wants to join this trio. It is hard to believe how many new models the noble offshoot from the Hyundai Group has brought to the streets in the past two years. So now the new top model with a mighty drop of bitterness: the new Genesis G90 is coming to Europe neither as a normal version nor as a 5.45 meter long XXL version. The new luxury model should shine, especially in the Korean homeland and in the USA, and the G90, like its smaller brothers, does that with an extremely elegant design. The front with the double LED strips is pithy, the side line of the 5.28 meter long standard variant is more than elegant and the slightly sloping rear seems to never end.
But the really big entrance is to be admired inside. It’s more modern than the slightly baroque G80 and not quite as innovative as the GV60, but this combination with fine leather and high-quality workmanship is just right. As chic and comfortable as it is for the driver and co-pilot on the air-conditioned leather armchairs with good massage and noticeable air-conditioning function: the real show of the G90 is its rear. This is an excellent place to sit despite the low roof line and the all-round electric shading keeps prying eyes out as well as annoying sunlight. On request, the two panoramic roofs at the front and rear bring warm light into the interior. In addition, the space available and the successful combination of leather, wood and relaxed atmosphere are even more appealing than in the front.
The drive of the Genesis G90, which costs at least 88,400 US dollars, is surprising. The luxury Korean is currently powered solely by a 3.5-liter V6 turbo, which drives either just the rear axle or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that works discreetly in the background. But not only the unelectrified 380 hp are not much if you seriously want to attack luxury sedans from Audi, BMW, Cadillac or Mercedes in this class. Especially in markets such as Asia, North America or the Emirates, where image and status are more important than almost everything, six combustion chambers in the front end are not enough of a good thing. Of course, you are relaxed behind the leather two-spoke steering wheel of the G90 and 280 kW / 380 hp are anything but little to be able to cover even the longest distances in a relaxed manner. But despite the 540 Nm maximum torque, the performance package is always a bit narrow to be sporty or committed in the first luxury league, because after all the competitors – with or without an electric motor – are easily on the road with 600, 700 or more horsepower. And if you want to roll up the competition from behind, you shouldn’t just park on paper and lose out. The standard consumption: with 10.8 liters per 100 kilometers without electrification also rather moderate. After all, the Koreans will soon add a second engine variant with an electric turbocharger and mandatory all-wheel drive, which then gets 410 hp from the 3.5-liter V6 with a 48-volt electrical system. But with over 2.3 tons, the Korean is not a lightweight either.
Nevertheless, the performance package is not enough in the competitive environment when you can shine in terms of comfort like the new Genesis G90. Its air suspension leaves a few wishes unfulfilled when things need to be faster or even more dynamic, but in relaxed travel or long-distance mode the G90 is a real show and is in a completely different league than its predecessor, which was last revised in 2018. The cushioning of both axles, as well as noise insulation, is exemplary for a luxury sedan and is supported in particular by camera scanning in the windscreen. In this way, shock absorbers and air suspension know early on what to expect and adapt spring deflection and response. The fact that the luxury Genesis can be maneuvered well despite its stately dimensions is not least due to the standard rear-axle steering, which helps the front wheels with a steering angle of around four degrees.
Should the occupants be bothered by the fact that the G90 is all too decoupled and hovers over and past everything as quietly as a cloud, the rolling leather foyer with its 23 speakers can be turned into a magnificent concert hall at the push of a button. All functions are operated not only via buttons, 12.3-inch touchscreen or voice, but also via the rotary pushbutton on the wide center console. The 10.2-inch monitors, which are a bit too small, provide additional entertainment, while the functions in the rear can be adjusted via an eight-inch operating display in the folding center armrest. The travel comfort even in the normal version with a wheelbase of 3.18 meters: magnificent. And if it shouldn’t be enough, there’s still the long version with 19 centimeters more wheelbase, individual seats and reclining function.
