Introduction
2023 Genesis G90 Is a Dazzling Delight for Drivers and Passengers Alike
The G90 is now among the best in an impressive class of large luxury sedansOverview
Genesis went all out when it redesigned its flagship sedan, the plush G90. Wider, longer, lighter, and more substantial than its predecessor, the G90 is designed to pamper and impress.
Spend some time behind the wheel of the new G90 and you might find it hard to believe that the Genesis brand has existed for only a little more than six years. Hyundai, the parent company of Genesis, only built its first full-sized sedan in 1999. But when it comes to consumer goods, history matters less than results. Few cars feel so polished and refined as the G90, with added details that give this new Genesis just as much presence as long-established models from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and Lexus.
To assess this redesigned sedan, we rented two G90s from Genesis: a base version and an e-SC—an upgraded model with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup that also employs an electric supercharger, hence the name.
Unfortunately for those of us who would like to spend more time behind the wheel, CR doesn’t plan to buy a G90 for our test program. It’s just too much of a niche vehicle. Genesis sold only 1,821 G90s in 2021, and today’s consumers aren’t exactly clamoring to buy large, gas-powered sedans. Despite what a solid offering Genesis has introduced, we don’t predict that sales of the new model will skyrocket.
We have nothing but good things to say about the G90’s smooth ride, which absorbs any bump, frost heave, or road imperfection that comes its way. It has the same electronically controlled suspension that’s available on the GV80 SUV, using the vehicle’s built-in cameras to “read” the road surface ahead and prepare the suspension for impact. While the ride of both models is supreme, the e-SC version adds air suspension that somehow takes things even further. Comfort over sharp bumps is largely the same, but the system managed to better control the body over undulations and dips in the road.
The G90 is a very large car, but it doesn’t feel that way. Even when pushed through curves at high speeds, the big Genesis felt light on its feet, turning in as quick as a smaller car while the body remained controlled. This is especially true for the lighter base version without the mild hybrid setup. In fact, it’s almost too good—goading the driver to exceed speed limits and drive the luxo-barge like it’s a supersized sports car.
Unlike other flagship ultra-luxury sedans, the new G90 doesn’t offer a V8. We don’t think that’s a problem: Both versions of the V6 offer plenty of power for the passing lane with no fuss from under the hood. We found it hard to differentiate between the two, because the e-SC’s added power compensated for the car’s extra weight.
The G90 is among the quietest gas-powered vehicles we’ve driven, and it’s even quieter than some EVs. That bodes well for future electrified Genesis vehicles. In fact, the car isolates noise so well that it was almost impossible to tell when the e-SC’s engine shut down during coasting.
It’s clear that Genesis paid attention to every single detail when designing the G90. The glowing, jewel-like gear selector knob looks and feels so cool. The window controls have such a high-quality feel to them. Contoured surfaces give the illusion of depth and volume, and upscale materials such as real leather and metal are nice to touch. We especially appreciate the use of unique trim materials—such as aluminum inlays and crushed carbon fiber—that set the G90’s design apart from other luxury vehicles. We wouldn’t be surprised if other brands copy some of Genesis’ designs. Our main concern was tracking dirt all over that beautiful white carpeting!
Standard on the e-SC model, rear steering can help with stability on the highway and can reduce the turning radius at parking lot speeds by about the width of the vehicle itself.