We get excited when ordinary becomes extraordinary, and that's exactly what you'll find with the 2023 Genesis G90. The Korean automaker's flagship sedan receives a complete makeover, and the new generation takes the existing G90 to a whole new level. Make no mistake, today's G90 is already a wonderful car; it impressed us so much, it won a comparison against the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Lincoln Continental.
The 2023 Genesis G90 is a step in the right direction, building on the outgoing car while adding more luxury features and technology that focus on passengers' emotional state as well as on ergonomics. We spent a couple of hours with the 2023 Genesis G90 at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, home of golf's Genesis Invitational, and although we didn't drive the car [we will around the middle of the year], the attention to detail inside the cabin and aimed toward passengers blew us away.
How Are You Doing?
When someone asks you that question, chances are your response isn't entirely honest or complete. The 2023 Genesis G90 tries to change this with a feature focused on your mood. Depending on your emotions, Mood Curator adjusts the ambient lighting and sound system while the window shades open or close automatically, and a fragrance sprays through the air vents to relax you. The massaging seats are also enabled to enhance the experience. There are four different mood modes, and you may customize each of them.
If that's not impressive enough, perhaps the reclining rear seats with footrests are. The seats recline a fair amount, though not business-class flat. With the front passenger seat and seat back in their forward-most positions, the Genesis G90's reclined rear seat can accommodate adults who are up to around 5-foot-9. This scribe stands just taller than 6 feet, and my feet touched the front seat back during full recline.
Your mood might also be enhanced by the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which positions speakers in key areas of the 2023 Genesis G90's cabin. Although the car is equipped with a ton of sound-deadening material, the system minimizes exterior noise by adjusting the in-car noise depending on the speed at which the vehicle travels.
Indeed, the attention to detail is so extensive, the blind-spot monitor "beep" sounds its alarm only through the driver's headrest speakers without distracting the rest of the occupants. We didn't get to test this feature, but we were massively impressed by how much Genesis designers and engineers focused their attention on everyone traveling in the vehicle.
Screens Without the Overload
Screens have become a big feature in luxury cars. Porsche, Mercedes, and even Jeep have now placed displays running from one corner of the dash to the other. Genesis, however, opted to take a different route while keeping a clean cabin design. The digital instrument cluster is flanked by a wing-like design that separates it from the infotainment display, making the cabin feel premium but without the screen overload. Buttons for the infotainment are placed under the slim air vents, and the driver or front passenger can operate the screen via touch or a rotary knob located next to the rotary shifter on the center console.
Rear passengers can also control the sound system, temperature, and other features via a screen located in the rear center console. The 8.0-inch touch display found in the center armrest can also be used to adjust seat position, massage settings, curtains, and ambient lighting.
Another fun feature found in the G90 sees all four doors close with the push of a button located on the center console or on the door panel.
New Materials, Great Quality
While the 2023 Genesis G90 will be available with different interior options, the one we had access to at the Riviera Country Club featured crushed carbon-fiber trim with metal inlays, which looks contemporary and elegant. It's something we haven't seen before, and we applaud Genesis for trying something new and coming up with fresh ideas. The door panels' metal inlays carried the same diamond pattern as the grille.
Of course, there will be various trims available if the crushed carbon-fiber isn't your thing. The manufacturer will offer wood and other materials when the 2023 Genesis G90 arrives in U.S. dealers by the middle of 2022.
Looks good! More details?Overview
Genesis's most luxurious model, the G90 sedan, has received a dramatic redesign for the 2023 model year that brings it into the modern era. Exterior styling is inspired by the G80 sedan and GV80 SUV but with a few unique touches that symbolize the G90's place at the top of the company's model hierarchy. A twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is under the hood as the standard powertrain and it makes a stout 375 horsepower. Rather than the 5.0-liter V-8 that was an upgrade engine in the 2022 model, a 409-hp version of the twin-turbo V-6 is offered, and it uses an electric supercharger to increase its output. Both powertrains are smooth and quiet, which helps the G90's cabin remain a relaxing place, designed to pamper occupants with a plethora of unexpected features. For example, an on-board fragrance diffuser can fill the space with a relaxing scent while an air purifier works to prevent odors from outside from filtering in. Standard power-operated doors serve as your own built-in valet, and all G90 models come decked out with nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and massaging front seats.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2023?
The G90 has received a complete overhaul for 2023 that modernizes it and brings the flagship luxury sedan's styling in line with the rest of the Genesis lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The G90 continues its value-focused strategy of undercutting the
Mercedes-Benz S-class, but its
starting price has increased significantly over the 2022 model. The G90 is essentially loaded with all manner of technology and luxury features, so the only choices are exterior and interior
colors and to pick from the base turbo V-6 or the more powerful turbocharged and supercharged version. Of course, we'd pick the latter. Going with the E-supercharged model also maxes out the G90's features, with reclining rear seats with heat, ventilation, and massage.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The G90 has ditched its 5.0-liter V-8 engine this year in favor of a twin-turbocharged V-6 that's offered in two potencies; both are paired to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The standard engine makes 375 horsepower but the E-supercharged model makes 409 ponies and uses the 48-volt hybrid system and an electric supercharger to boost the output from the twin-turbo V-6. With the higher-output engine under its hood, the G90 rocketed to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, which is an impressively quick time for such a large sedan. An air suspension is optional, and the G90 features a Chauffeur driving mode intended to create an extra-smooth experience for passengers. Our first test drive was with a G90 that featured the more powerful of the two powertrains and the air springs, which delivered a superb ride and effortless acceleration. Handling isn't sports-sedan crisp, but the G90 holds its own in corners. Enthusiast drivers won't find much in the way of driving thrills, but those who buy the G90 for its relaxing demeanor will find themselves satisfied.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most efficient G90 will be the one with the 375-hp twin-turbo V-6. That model is rated for 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Going with the more powerful 409-hp powertrain drops those numbers to 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the G90 with the E-supercharged engine delivered 29 mpg. For more information about the G90's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the exterior, the G90's cabin gets an overhaul for 2023 too, with a fresh design and posh materials that will help it go head to head with rivals such as the Audi A8 and the BMW 7-series. Passenger space is generous in both the front and the back seats, and Genesis has incorporated several features intended to take the luxury experience up a notch. An onboard fragrance diffuser, for example, and an anti-microbial sanitation system that cleans both the air and items that are brought into the car such as smartphones. Of course, features such as massaging front seats and a premium stereo system are also included. All models come with soft, nappa leather upholstery, power-operated rear sunshades, and active noise cancellation to keep the cabin whisper quiet. The rear seats can be made to recline and can also be equipped with massagers.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Genesis's latest infotainment interface is rendered crisply on a
12.3-inch display which also features navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio; a separate 12.3-inch screen serves as a digital gauge display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, but sadly require a cord—an odd feature in the time of wireless connectivity. All models come with a Bang and Olufsen stereo system, but the E-supercharged comes with an upgraded version complete with 23 speakers and a mode that simulates the acoustics of a concert hall. A head-up display and a wireless
smartphone charging pad are also included.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every version comes standard with lots of driver-assistance technology, including automatic high beams and an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature. For more information about the G90's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS] websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Not only does Genesis provide the longest warranty coverage in its class, it also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance and other perks such as a complimentary service where dealership staff will pick up the G90 and take it in for service on your behalf.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Genesis G90 3.5T e-SC AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $99,795/$101,295
Options: Matte Gray paint, $1500
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and
heads, direct and port fuel injection
Displacement: 212 in3, 3470 cm3
Power: 409 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 405 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.2-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
F: 245/40R-21 100V M+S GOE
R: 275/35R-21 103V M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase:
125.2 in
Length: 207.7 in
Width: 76.0 in
Height: 58.7 in
Passenger Volume: 105 ft3
Trunk Volume: 11 ft3
Curb Weight: 5156 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
100 mph: 12.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.7 sec @ 104 mph
130 mph: 21.9 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
Top Speed [gov ltd]: 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 365 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 550 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/17/24 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs