Genesis G90 3.5T V6 AWD Test: S-Class at a glance

Genesis G90 3.5T V6 AWD SWB* at a glance

• 5,28 m long Chauffeurs-Limousine
• Also available extended to 5.47 m
• High quality interior with lots of leather
• 3.5 liter V6 TwinTurbo with 415 hp
• 0-100 km/h in 5.2, Vmax 250 km/h
• Base price from 111,000 euros (five seats)

*(Combined fuel consumption (WLTP): 11.0-10.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 248-237 g/km; CO2 class: G)²

Genesis G90 is designed to support the government. A large radiator grille and narrow LED lights make an impression.

Leather where leather is from

Open your eyes, raise your ears and shape your nose: Genesis G90 can captivate the senses once again. The semi-aniline leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and foam plastic surfaces not only look elegant, but are also hand-finished in the interior (with the exception of the non-padded and slightly vibrating armrests on the doors). front). Thanks to the real leather, even the smell of the old high class. The pleasant smell of Mercedes S-Class (W140), Audi A8 (D2) or BMW 7 Series (E38) definitely comes to mind. All cars from the 1990s, in which the quality of materials certainly had a different importance than it does today.

The cockpit of the G90 is characterized by a lot of balance. It is easy to operate and there is also a separate climate control unit.

Vegan (artificial) materials are winning over more and more customers – including the flagship Hyundai brand. At the Genesis luxury subsidiary, however, they want to appeal to a very pampered target group at the top of their model range, which otherwise likes premium German cars over five meters. In addition to the high quality of the material, the infotainment system should also be accurate. And of course, operation via the touch screen or rotary/push controls is easy and the high-resolution screens (front and back) feature a clear, intuitive menu structure. To further highlight, two tweeters from the standard, 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system emerge from the dashboard when the car is started. It’s no longer in keeping with the times: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work only by wire.

The beginning of the flag also appears in good proportion when viewed from the side. Kudos to Luc Donckerwolke, chief designer at Genesis since 2016 and previously working at Bentley.

The Genesis G90 is available in two lengths – even the Maybach S-Class is surprised

In South Korea, as we were able to see for ourselves in Seoul, the second generation Genesis G90 is already a model on the street. After all, around 23,000 units were delivered there in the first sales year of 2022. Elsewhere in the world, work is currently underway to ensure that we will see the G90. The chauffeur-driven limousine, which is at least 5.28 meters long, has also been available in Germany since the end of last year. Prices for the flagship Genesis, as a five-seater, start at 111,000 euros and there are attractive lease offers from 1,500 euros (gross) per month – including a five-year service package for private customers that is typical of the Genesis.

Even the G90 with a shorter wheelbase offers two royal seats in the row. Everything you see here, including rear-seat entertainment, is standard equipment on the four seats.

The length alone shows that in South Korea they are looking at the Mercedes S-Class. The extended model series V 223 is almost the same length, but at 3.22 to 3.18 meters it offers a slightly longer wheelbase than the Genesis G90 Short Wheelbase (SWB) tested here. As the name suggests, there is more. The G90 Long Wheelbase (LWB) is an impressive 5.47 meters long, impressive with a wheelbase of 3.37 meters and therefore poaching in the territory of the famous Maybach S-Class in terms of size. But even the “short” G90 in no way creates a claustrophobic feeling for fellow travelers. Even the writer, who is more than 1.90 meters tall, was able to stretch his bones forward from the second row without any strain. The foot massage function, which is integrated into the backrest of the passenger seat, is truly pure luxury. Of course, the rear seats are also normally adjustable and have air conditioning and can be adjusted in many ways.

Sitting back is one thing. Others are behind. Even the “short” G90 becomes a first-class lounge at the push of a button.

Comfort comes first

Like Rolls-Royces, the doors can be locked automatically from the inside by pressing a button – on the driver’s door this also works with a bold step on the brake pedal. Doors with acoustically insulating glazing are not closed in the usual way, but are closed the last few millimeters using close line work. What we know in this country even from the upper middle class like Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class is rare in the Hyundai empire. This also applies to the chassis design. Where, for example, the big Kia EV9 does not even have adaptive dampers, Genesis shows in the G90 that they have found the ability to install a multi-chamber air suspension.

Door panels are usually not very special. However, the designers at Genesis have put a lot of effort into it. The decorative elements in the test car are also made of forged carbon.

The comfort of the suspension is not far from that of the Mercedes S-Class, also because of the “Preview ECS” system. The forward-looking front camera monitors road conditions and, for example, quickly reports bumps or potholes to the electronics, which in turn adjusts the chassis accordingly. Perhaps the top Daimler floats over the bumps more skillfully. But at least if we go by our own memories, differences don’t destroy the world. On the other hand, its developers have also given the G90 some flexibility. Due to the overall smoothness – including in the steering wheel – the maximum level of driving dynamics of the Audi A8 is not completely reached. folds.

The Genesis G90 is one of the few models in the Hyundai Group to have multi-chamber air suspension. Comfort and agility are somewhere between the Mercedes S-Class and the Audi A8.

415 hp V6 TwinTurbo fits the essence of the G90

Meanwhile, the G90 is again a car for fans of displacement and cylinders. The V8 from the predecessor has not been carried over to the second generation, but we cannot complain about the lack of power behind the wheel. The 3.5-liter TwinTurbo V6 with a 48V supercharger produces 415 hp and a maximum of 549 Nm of torque, which is available from just 1,300 revolutions per minute. The transmission used is a smooth, but sometimes sluggish eight-speed automatic. The 2.3-ton sedan reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h.

Under the hood of the largest shell in the world is an unadorned 3.5-liter V6 TwinTurbo, which is also supported by a 48V compressor.

But these driving values ​​are more for a round table or a conversation at a cigar club. Because despite all the reserves of power: the Genesis G90 prefers more respectable cruising than aggressive hunting. This is also emphasized by the “driver’s driving mode”, which focuses mainly on the rear passenger. The accelerator and brake pedals then respond with great gentleness, the automatic start system is disabled to prevent unwanted vibrations when starting in city traffic, and the car becomes more than a temple of well-being on wheels. Even the consumption drops to stable levels below ten liters per 100 kilometers. If the time seems to be more difficult for the next appointment and the driver is asked to show more sport, the six cylinder will shoot almost 20 liters through the injection nozzles without any problems.

The Genesis G90 is recommended for the car lover who appreciates the extraordinary. Prices start at 111,000 euros.

Conclusion

The Genesis G90 is not expected to be a real competitor to the Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series anytime soon. However, selling comparable numbers (in Europe) is probably not the stated goal of the Hyundai subsidiary. This luxurious and comfortable sedan is aimed primarily at automotive connoisseurs who appreciate the extraordinary. (Text and photos: Thomas Vogelhuber)

Technical data – Genesis G90 3.5T V6 AWD SWB*

• Example: Genesis G90 3.5T V6 AWD SWB
• Engine: The six-cylinder turbo 48V is supercharged, 3,470 cc
• Performance: 305 kW/415 HP at 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 549 Nm at 1,300 rpm
• Run: All-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic
• Common uses: 11.0-10.5 l/100 km²
• CO2 emissions include: 248-237 g/km2
• CO2 level: G²
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5,2 seconds
• Maximum speed: 250 km/h
• Height width height: 5,28 m/1,93 m/1,49 m
• Empty weight: here. 2,305kg
• Base price for the five-seat G90: from 111,000 euros
• Measure the price of a car: 115,000 Euros

* Manufacturer’s information