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2020 Genesis G90 Review - Refined Luxury by Larry Nutson


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2020 Genesis G90
Refined Luxury

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel


Genesis is new, relatively speaking, when it comes to luxury automotive brands. With a bit over 21,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2019, it was Genesis’ first full year with a decent dealer network.

Selling in the premium luxury segment against the likes of long-established brands such as Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz is no easy task. As a part of the South Korean Hyundai Group and given the large success of both the Hyundai and Kia brands we can expect good things from Genesis. The G90 sedan is their top-of-the-line flagship model. It’s been given a freshening for 2020 with new styling both front and rear. The roof and door panels are the only exterior body panels that carry over from the previous model year G90.


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The cabin has been nicely restyled with an added level of elegance and refinement. The horizontal layout of the functions and controls across the instrument panel blend nicely with the large center console and the premium materials and finishes. Authentic chrome plating applied to switches, premium leather wrapping applied to the center console, authentic, open-pore wood garnish, and double stitching and piping throughout the cabin evoke a very comfortable and plush emotion.


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The G90 is available in two models: a 3.3T Premium priced at $72,200 and a 5.0 Ultimate priced $75,700, plus a $995 destination fee. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive versions of both are an additional $2,500.

The 3.3T Premium features a 365-horsepower twin turbo 3.3-L V6 with EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 city mpg and 25 highway mpg. The 5.0 Ultimate has a 420-horsepower 5.0-L V8 that is EPA rated at 16 city mpg and 24 highway mpg (AWD models are rated one mpg less in both ratings). Both models use an 8-speed automatic.

The 2020 G90 brings multiple technology firsts for the Genesis brand, including a 12.3-inch display navigation system with touchscreen controls, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance that can now detect bicycles are new advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) features for 2020. These are in additional to the ADAS features we have come to expect on new vehicles today.


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The G90 has a long list of luxury features as standard. Among some noteworthy items are 3-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, rear side and rear window sunshades, power soft-close doors, Lexicon 17-speaker audio system, suede headliner, Qi wireless charging and Adaptive Control Suspension with electronic damping.

The 5.0 Ultimate adds executive-level rear seat accommodations, namely power-adjustable as well as both heated and ventilated rear seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.

For this report I drove an AWD 3.3T Premium with a bottom line retail price of $75,695. There are no options to choose, only exterior and interior trim colors. I noticed right off in driving around near my Chicago home that the G90 turned heads. This was probably due to some combination of good looks as well as the curiosity of not knowing what it was.


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The interior is a delight. Plush, comfortable, refined and quiet due to active noise cancellation technology. I was wanting someone else to drive so I could enjoy the very roomy and comfortable rear seat. At a touch under 205 inches long the G90 is sizeable for maneuvering in a crowded, densely populated city. However things like rear view and surround view monitor and parking sensors make it much easier. A favorite feature of mine is power-fold for outside mirrors. And Genesis’ blind spot display in the center of the instrument cluster is great to check for bicyclists when making a turn.

The V6 provided plenty of performance with the automatic transmission well calibrated to be in the right gear at the right time. The adaptive suspension helped to smooth out the Chicagoland roads with the staggered-size low profile tires doing there job nicely. I dodged a few potholes and rough road surfaces not wanting to damage any of the low profile tires. If you live in hill country or often carry rear seat passengers you might be right for the V8 model. Although, the V6 really is quite good.

More details on the 2020 Genesis G90 can be found at www.genesis.com. Genesis provides a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty that includes 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance as well as 3 years/36,000 miles complimentary Service Valet.


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The G90 offers a lot for the money. It’s a good value luxury car. And there is something to be said for having a bit of distinction out on the highway and not seeing yourself coming and going. Out on the open road the G90 has both distinctive and good looks going for itself.

Genesis currently offers three different sedans. The newest Genesis coming soon to the market is their first SUV, the 2021 Genesis GV80.

© 2020 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy