Review of the 2023 Genesis G90’s First Drive More Entertaining Than Ever

The premium car from Genesis has remarkable technology and a great driving experience.

As rational as automobile shopping can be, once you get to a certain level of vehicle, factors like emotion and brand awareness play a bigger role in the decision-making process. When talking about large luxury cars, the names Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz will always spring to mind. However, Genesis still wants to be included in that discussion, and the 2023 G90 has some very persuasive reasons to forego the mainstays and go Korean.

The G90 was designed by Genesis with the intention of standing out, and it does so by being louder than the typical S-Class or 7 Series. Here, compared to the G80 or GV80, the automaker’s recognisable two-line light design is significantly more prominent. Rail-thin headlights follow the wheel arches, continue across the fenders, and resurface as taillights. The G90’s lighting is attractive during the day, but at night, when the entire width of the back end is lighted, it truly makes a statement.

The G90 is really intriguing for a variety of reasons, including its lights. Clean, uninterrupted lines are provided by the long clamshell hood up front, and the sedan appears to grow wilder as I look to the back thanks to powerful design on the rear fenders just above very wide C-pillars that reminds me of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. In some ways, the roofline resembles the fastback design of the G80 since it bends back up after a long period of tapering down. The exhaust outlets also have the same crest form as the front grille in a brilliant use of visual symmetry.

Although the G90’s back seat can accommodate three persons, it performs best when the middle seat is folded down and transformed into a sizable centre console. I can adjust the infotainment system on the inbuilt display from there, as well as modify the settings for my seat massage and open or close the sunshades. Two door buttons are also located on the console, allowing me to close the doors without reaching. The middle armrest cubby has UV-C lights that turn on to cleanse any items I place in there, for the neat freaks out there.

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I ride in the rear seat for the first hour with the 2023 G90. That offers me the opportunity to really stretch out since even without moving any of the front seats, there is still a tonne of room for the rear row even with the front passenger seat fully forward. The air suspension in this fully loaded tester eats up every poor road inch between Miami and Key Largo and returns nothing but nautical-grade tranquilly, making for an incredibly smooth ride. It’s a fantastic automobile for anyone who enjoy driving, maybe even better than the S-Class, which takes thousands of dollars more than its already exorbitant manufacturer suggested retail price to gain comparable capabilities.

Driving the G90 is satisfying as well. Every other control delivers the proper level of directness, feeling quick on its feet without being too jittery to upset those within. The brake pedal may be a little sensitive, though. Standard rear-wheel steering, which makes urban navigating a joy, contributes to the impression of agility.

My test vehicle has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces a respectable 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque with the help of a 48-volt electronic supercharger. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission changes with almost any lag in either direction and is buttery smooth. The higher of the G90’s two trim levels offers that engine, whereas the base trim does not, even though it still produces a decent 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque.

When releasing the brake to pass through a stoplight, the stop-start mechanism is seamless. However, it is unmistakable if the system restarts the engine while the automobile is still in motion. For a car this large, efficiency isn’t too bad; the higher-output model gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With 18 city and 26 highway, the lesser, non-supercharged model performs a touch better.

Physical buttons typically disappear altogether or are replaced by touchscreens, but not in the 2023 Genesis G90. From seat warmers to climate controls and the entertainment system, proper switchgear is available, providing an antiquated method of use and interior design. These buttons feel fantastic, in classic Genesis style, with pricey knurling on knobs and a wonderful, solid press sensation on the rest. The rotary shift dial has a good appearance and feel, and changing into Reverse is accompanied by tactile input. There isn’t a single component of the G90 that seems subpar or poorly made.

It shouldn’t be surprising that the G90 has superb cabin technology as well. The main touchscreen of the Genesis’ infotainment system is a typical 12.3 inches. With a customizable home screen that makes it simple to navigate between different areas of the system with a swipe and a touch, the display is snappy and pleasant on the eyes. Five USB-C connections with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard (three for the front, two for the rear). A 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system is also included with my tester as standard equipment. This system provides impressive fidelity at all listening volumes, and thanks to its clever Virtual Venues feature, your favourite songs will sound exactly like they are being played in a real concert hall, complete with reverb.

Genesis makes it such that you may choose not to carry the G90’s cool key if you don’t want to. Although the G90 lacks the GV60’s biometric access, you can still link your iOS or Android phone with the vehicle. Your phone can function as a key, extending the door handles upon arrival and shutting everything up when the phone moves out of range using a combination of ultra-wideband, near-field communication, and low-energy Bluetooth technologies. To assure security, it can function in conjunction with the phone’s inbuilt biometrics (like Face ID), but it may also operate entirely passively. The Genesis app makes setup simple, and numerous users may share the same set of keys.

Despite having everything described above as standard (there are no option packages; what you see is what you get), the G90 is still a remarkable value compared to its rivals. The starting price of a 2023 G90 is $89,495; the higher trim is $99,795 (including destination). Before adding the options for the stuff that comes standard on the Genesis, the luxo-barges from BMW and Mercedes cost six figures simply to get a foot in the door. The Lexus LS and Audi A8 are both more affordable than the basic price of the G90, but neither one feels as finished when it leaves the factory because of Genesis’ generous offering of standard features.

It’s difficult to compete with established brands that have enjoyed years of name awareness, but the 2023 G90 ought to be giving those established luxury greats pause owing to a mix of amazing standard features and an even more remarkable ride. Even while there are still more obstacles to overcome than with its rivals, those who succeed will find the effort to be worthwhile. Genesis is still a developing carmaker, and its standalone dealer presence is nowhere like as well established as the others.