Introduction

The flagship 2020 Genesis G90 vies against some of the world's finest luxury automobiles. Rivals in the posh full-size, four-door class include the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Launched as a 2017 model, the Genesis G90 boasts a lower price, but isn't quite as loaded with contemporary technology as its German competitors. 

Updates for the 2020 model year have given the G90 new body panels, except for the roof and doors. Leading the charge ahead is a freshly sculpted nose, dominated by a bold, shield-shaped, and silver-hued grille. Despite the venturesome design changes, the G90 remains largely understated in overall appearance. 

Inside are premium materials, highlighted by a new horizontally-themed dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen handling infotainment. Switches are chrome-plated. Double-stitched leather covers the center console, as well as the seats. Open-pore wood accents add to the high-end aura. 

Trim levels are defined by their powertrains. 3.3T Premium models get a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that develops 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, while 5.0 Ultimate models feature a 5.0-liter V-8 with 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Both engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The power difference between the two engines isn't great, but the V-8 emits more enticing sounds. 

Gas mileage is mediocre, at best. The V-6 sedan is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, 20 combined, with either RWD or AWD. A G90 with the V-8 guzzles even more, at 16/24/19 mpg with RWD or 15/23/18 mpg with AWD. Premium gasoline is required. 

Each G90 holds a cornucopia of active safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and active lane control that can keep the car centered in its lane. A surround-view camera system is also included. A safe-exit system warns occupants not to leave the car when a vehicle or other object is approaching but hidden in the blind spot. Outward vision is good for a large sedan, but standard parking sensors can assist with parking maneuvers. 

The IIHS named the G90 a Top Safety Pick Plus. It earned “Good” ratings for each crash test conducted. Headlights were judged “Good,” and the G90 earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention. 

Lineup

The Genesis G90 comes in 3.3T Premium and 5.0 Ultimate trim levels. 

The 3.3T Premium costs $73,195 including destination and gets the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6. It also includes includes a 22-way power driver's seat, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, three-zone climate control, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

The $76,695 5.0 Ultimate trim adds heated and cooled rear outboard seats, a 14-way power right rear seat, a 12-way power left rear seat, and two 10.3-inch monitors attached to the back of the front-seat headrests to serve as a rear-seat entertainment system. 

Walkaround

Rivaling BMW's front end, the big ,shield-shaped grille, set within an engaging front face, gives the new G90 greater presence and character. Reshaped front fenders hold new LED headlights, which are found above a lower front bumper. 

Despite the 2020 bodywork, the G90 remains conservative in nature, exemplified by its scalloped sides, brushed-back fenders, and rear roofline. New “basket-weave” 19-inch wheels are mounted, and bold “GENESIS” lettering stretches across the decklid. 

Interior

Following a path similar to that of the Lexus LS, the G90's cabin boasts impressive finishes, abundant storage spots, and plush front and rear seats. Authenticity counts, and the G90 feels like an automobile that's ready for cruising along the German Autobahn. 

The interior's sedate, subdued appeal starts with a horizontal design layout, shunning overwrought styling. Though it succeeds for the most part, analog instruments look somewhat dated. 

Four adults will be comfortably coddled in leather, wood, and silence within the G90's confines. Nothing about the cabin's metallic trim, suede fabrics, low-gloss wood, or Nappa leather is inappropriate. 

Because the driver's seat adjusts 22 ways, securing a first-rate, long-distance driving position should never be a problem. The front passenger must suffer with mere 16-way adjustment. 

Back-seat riders can expect more than 37 inches of leg space, resulting from the G90's 124.4-inch wheelbase. That's not as long as some stretched-out German sedans, but any shortfall is difficult to discern when occupants are settled into their heated and cooled seats, with the premium Lexicon audio system releasing mellifluous tones. 

Two adults can easily nap out back. A third occupant won't be uncomfortable, but might not be warmly welcomed by the snoozing pair. 

Centrally-mounted, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen incorporates touch controls and a split-screen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard. 

Trunk space totals a reasonably roomy 15.7 cubic feet. Small-item storage spots are plentiful. 

Driving Impression

Sublime ride comfort and a refreshingly relaxed attitude are G90 hallmarks, aimed at effortless, luxurious cruising. The top-rung Genesis welcomes passengers not only with a serene cabin, but a reliably tranquil ride. 

Some competitive luxury sedans also promise intensive high-speed handling talents, but the Genesis folks seem content to let other sedans provide such skills. Steering has a light feel, while delivering a cushy and fuss-free experience. 

Acceleration with the V-8 feels stronger than the V-6 provides, but the difference isn't dramatic. The V-8 is smoother in urban driving, but only slightly so. The V-6 provides more than enough vigor for a large car. 

Both models deliver a supple ? even buttery ? ride, helped by adaptive, electronically-controlled shock absorbers. Adjustable by the driver, they can filter out troublesome road segments. Active noise cancellation works with the adaptive suspension to create a most pleasant ride. 

A Sport mode is available, but it doesn't seem quite necessary. Activating it boosts steering weight and tightens each seat bolster around the driver. In either of the Comfort modes, the G90 invariably feels sufficiently sure-footed. 

Summary

The 2020 Genesis G90 is an excellent value in the full-size luxury sedan segment with its premium features and excellent ride. The only notable drawback seems to be inability to personalize the car, due to lack of extra-cost options, but it's hard to find any feature that's absent. The best value is a V-6 G90 with all-wheel drive. Because both engines are amply powerful, it's difficult to justify the extra cost of a V-8 model. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection..