A Week With: 2023 Genesis G90 3.5T

Impressive. Magnificent. Splendid. Stunning. Dignified. Accomplished. Stately. Majestic. Grand. Opulent. Indulgent. Masterful. The adjectives flow easily after a week with the 2023 Genesis G90, a first-class take on first-class transportation.

It’s the realization of a determination to equal the finest luxury sedans in the world, an effort that started over many generations of the Hyundai Equus, a car that debuted in 1999, and came to the U.S. in 2010. Having sampled the 2023 G90 during its media introduction earlier this year, we had a chance to spend a week with one. Lucky us. 

Overview

The 2023 Genesis G90 is the second generation of the SouthKorean luxury brand’s flagship sedan, one meant to battle the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS. Benefitting from a ground-up redesign, the 2023 G90 is the first model that can truly fight fender to fender for superiority in this rarified segment of the luxury car industry. While a V-8 engine is no longer offered, its two V-6 powertrains offer the requisite get up and go, while the interior pampers like few cars can.

Exterior

Finely tailored, the 2023 Genesis G90 has a distinctive appearance that further distills design details seen on the previous G90, but enhances them, lending it a more important air. Some of this comes from its lengthy 125.2-inch wheelbase.

Its handsome lines are truly elegant, its front end distinguished by a more refined, yet still distinctive shield grille, along with a dual horizontal lighting theme. Its general bearing is that of a responsible adult, which is a pleasant change from the frivolous excesses that characterize contemporary automobile design.

That doesn’t mean it’s free of gimmickry, however. As the driver approaches, the vehicle’s flush door handles pop out, retracting once you’re inside. It’s indulgently fun.

Interior

The novel design touches continue once ensconced in the G90’s cabin. Closing the door happens at the touch of a button, something seen on Rolls-Royce models. Obviously, Genesis designers know a good thing when they see it. Climate controls are housed in a small screen in the middle of the center stack, while the steering has a uniquely sculpted 3-D appearance. 

As you’d expect, the interior is lavishly trimmed in a sophisticated mix of wood, leather, and other materials. The seats are wide and comfortable, and head and leg room is as generous as you’d demand. The massaging seats are present in the seat bottom and seat back, ensuring even your glutes get rubbed the right way. 

And once under way, you’ll find it’s quieter than a college library on a Saturday night, thanks to active noise cancellation. And that smell? It’s coming from the onboard fragrance diffuser.  

Powertrain

The G90 comes with a 3.5-liter 24-valve, double-overhead-cam twin turbocharged V-6 with an aluminum block and heads, direct and port fuel injection. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. It generates 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque and carries an EPA rating of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. 

But Genesis also offers the same engine with an electric supercharger powered by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that bumps the power rating to 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. As you might expect, fuel economy is lower, with the EPA rating it at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. 

Regardless of powerplant, premium fuel is required. 

Safety and Technology

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2023 Genesis G90.

Advanced driver assistance safety systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Active Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, Electronic Stability Control System, Traction Control and Anti-lock Brakes.

The technology package includes a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one a digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch high-def multimedia screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. So too is a Bang & Olufsen sound system with the usual array of broadcast options. But Genesis also equips the G90 with front and rear wireless device chargers, a head-up display, a fingerprint authentication system that can be used to start the car without the key fob.

Driving Impressions

When it comes to large luxury sedans, it’s the coddling that counts and the 2023 Genesis G90 delivers. Genesis understands this is not the segment for carving corners on the Nürburgring, but one that prioritizes swift, smooth, relaxing transport. It benefits from an air damping system that employs a forward-facing camera to adjust the shocks to counteract upcoming road conditions keeping the ride comfy. It even has a Chauffeur driving mode ­— aka extra comfy. There’s none of the boy-racer rock-firm suspension tuning that’s sure to shatter your vertebrae. No, it’s not a sports sedan, but that’s not its mission either. Yet cornering ability remains exceptional, while acceleration is effortless. 

It’s a blissful experience.

2023 Genesis G90 3.5T Specifications

Wrap Up

We are not the only ones to admire this fine sedan; MotorTrend named it the 2023 Car of the Year. But what makes this such a sublime slice of sedan is its reassuring contemporary nod to tradition. Its urge to indulge, delight and pamper is the true essence of lavish luxury motoring. 

2023 Genesis G90 ­— Frequently Asked Questions