Driving Impressions : Genesis G90 3.3T Premium

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

Choosing what to write about a luxury car is always a bit more difficult than choosing what to write about a performance or economy car. Zero to 60 times and cornering capabilities make excellent page fill for the former and more features and better mileage for less dominate the discussion of the latter.

So what do you say about the new G90 large luxury cruiser from Genesis?

One could discuss appearance. From the side or rear 3/4 view, it looks like a Lincoln Continental or what a Lincoln Continental should look like especially with those spectacular wheels-reminiscent of the late eighties, early nineties Lincoln Town Car hub covers.

Like all the top line cruisers, surfaces are padded. Rear seats are big and comfortable and accompanied by massive foot wells. And trunk space is more than one might use for overseas trip luggage or groceries for eight. The G90's rear seats do not fold forward but who's going to carry lumber in a car like this.

You could talk about finishes. I am not qualified to say whose Nappa leather is softest, but the seat coverings are rich and inviting. My Adriatic Blue demo's insides were covered in a tasteful combination of indigo and brown leather, walnut, and polished aluminum finishes. An analog clock with digital controls adds a classic look to the center of the dashboard.

Conveniences and unique touches are always worth a discussion. There's a rear fold-down console with controls for climate and the seat heater.

Seatback pockets resemble airplane storage but seem to have more room. If you're being chauffeured and the right front seat is too far back, one can activate toggles from the rear which fold or slide the front seat forward. The driver controls the rear window sunscreen.

Both driver and front seat passenger can access the multiplicity of adjustments, including upper back and lumbar support in the heated and ventilated seats. The driver is treated to a sliding thigh support as well as bolsters which automatically tighten in sport mode. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is shaded from glare by a dashboard overhang and is wide enough to display three simultaneous functions. It can be activated by switches, a console-mounted dial, multiple lighted knobs, touch and one of the most responsive and easy to master voice recognition systems I've experienced. Its responses are notable for an economy of words.

Underway, of course, the ride is smooth. The adaptive dampers adjust in sport mode and while there is body lean it is a bit less than one would anticipate in a large luxury car. Shifts are nearly imperceptible.

The position, info and color adjustable heads up display works well. Surround view is standard. The blind spot is imaged and projected to the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated.

The lane keep assist keeps you well centered. Once activated, it requires a heavy hand. The softly padded steering wheel often fails to recognize the driver's touch and beeps you into submission until you squeeze it tight.

My demo had the V-6. There was more than enough power. The iPad registered from a tic under to a tick over 6 seconds. Power comes on quickly at all legal speeds and except under the hardest acceleration.

Hyundai/ Genesis deems a deep G90 option list unnecessary. There are alternative platforms. AWD is available for another $2500 over the $73,195 base 3.3T Premium RWD model. There is a V-8 or Ultimate upgrade which is accompanied by power-adjustable and ventilated rear seats and an entertainment unit. The package adds $4500 to either drive configuration.

Complimentary service combined with valet pickup is offered for the first three years or 36000 miles.

I believe the theme here is more luxury for less. One doesn't find excessive touches like seat massage, a technology that might overwhelm, and exotic suspension touches that induce body lean on curve entry but for the person who finds they need a well-appointed large size import luxury cruiser at perhaps the industry's lowest price, it would be hard to beat this one.

with destination

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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