2017 Genesis G90 Review and Test Drive

This week, I have for you the all-new Genesis G90.  If you have not heard, Hyundai is spinning off a couple of its vehicles into a new luxury brand called Genesis.  It is what Toyota did when it rolled out Lexus, what Honda did when Acura was born, and so on. 

So far, Genesis only has two vehicles but has four more coming by 2021, including two SUVs.  The G90 was called the Hyundai Equus last year, although for 2017, the G90 has had many updates and revisions.

Choose a V6 or V8 engine.

Starting under the hood of the Hyundai flagship, I have the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that is putting out an incredible 365-horses.  Your only other engine choice is the 5-liter V8 which has 420-horses.  Both are hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission that you can shift from paddles on the steering wheel.  My review vehicle is rear-wheel drive, but you can get the G90 in all-wheel drive if you choose.

It's big, sleek, and elegant.

Looking at the exterior, the G90 has distinctive lines, a beautiful front fascia with a large, Audi-looking grill, 19” alloy wheels, and large rear taillights, and it has dual exhaust built into the bumper.  It is a visibly beautiful car, and in fact, I can’t tell you how many people asked me this week, “what is that?”  It is a very large car, but Hyundai maintained a sleekness and elegance.  In fact, G90 is longer and wider than the Mercedes flagship, the S-Class.

The interior isn't short on leather or technology.

Now, moving to the cabin, it is striking at first glance.  It is incredibly inviting to get behind the large, heated, leather steering wheel that houses many of the vehicle’s controls.

The amount of Nappa leather used inside this car is pretty amazing, it’s everywhere you look including the seats.  A large center console grabs your attention as does the short gear shifter, that works a little differently than most.  There is a button for park, otherwise, you start out in neutral.

You won't miss the massive navigation screen.

The focal point of the interior, however, is the massive 12.3” rectangular color navigation screen with surround-view camera, and multimedia center.  Everything operates from a round knob that sits behind the shifter.  This is also where you operate your Bluetooth, hook up your phone, and operate the Blue Link system.

Blue Link is a fully integrated and connected vehicle system using telematics to gather vehicle car care information such as monthly vehicle health report, and automatic crash notifications. The system utilizes mobile apps to allow the customer to remotely start, stop, lock or unlock his or her G90.

Above the shifter are all your air conditioning controls, the Auto Hold button so you can take your foot off the brake when stopped, a covered cubby that has a built in phone charger, and your switch to change the Drive Mode.

Introducing Smart mode.

Drive Mode allows you to change the dynamics of the car, the way it steers, and the way the transmission shifts.  You can choose Eco, Sport-which is really fun-individual which allows you to change the vehicle to your liking, then something I’ve not seen before, which is Smart mode.  In Smart mode, the car learns your driving habits and optimizes your driving experience.

The G90 has a ton of headroom, a massive back seat with a fold-down console that allows the back seat passengers to control their own temperature can override the sound system and can move the front passenger seat forward for more room.  Yes, the G90 can be used as a limo, especially with the side and rear power window shades.

The G90 comes loaded with goodies.

As you can imagine, the G90 is super loaded, but what is interesting is everything on the car is at no charge.  You get a 17-speaker sound system, heads-up display that reads speed limit signs, a 22-way driver's seat, a 16-way passenger seat, heated and cooled seats, power tilt steering wheel, and power moonroof.

On the safety front, you get blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane departure warning that will steer you back into your lane automatically, and driver attention alert that senses when you get drowsy.

The G90 practically drives itself with the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping alert on at the same time, but if you have your hands off the wheel-which I don’t recommend by the way-the car will remind you every 15 seconds to grab the wheel.  This way the car knows you didn’t go to sleep.

Exceptional Value and Great Fuel Economy 

The Genesis G90 has an exceptional ride, it handles great in Sport mode, it is super safe, and it is incredibly quiet inside.  Fuel economy for a car this size is terrific, 17 in town, 24 on the highway and it is actually doing better.

Here’s something else that makes the G90 an incredible value:  you get a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10 years and 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 3 years of complimentary maintenance and 3 years of valet service.  Yes, your Genesis dealer will pick up your car for any service you need, give you a loaner, and bring your car back to you, all at no charge.

MSRP on this fully loaded luxury car is just over $69,000.  By comparison, the 2017 Lexus LS has a base price of $73,500, the 7-Series BMW base price is $82,500, and the Mercedes S-Class base price is $96,600.

Bottom line is the 2017 Genesis G90 is an outstanding luxury car and an exceptional value.  I’ve owned an Audi A8, and a Mercedes S-Class, I’ll tell you, the G90 is just as nice for a lot less money.

Photo Credit: Genesis/Car Pro