There has been something missing out of the large, luxury sedan market and its not the premium finishes or over compensating grille. The latest iteration from Genesis made head waves with a powerful, dominating essence – and no, it’s not all just in the grille.

Feeling like the Al Capone, the G90 holds a level of ascendancy and reverence – there is a fresh aurora of authority that makes it more than just an average luxury sedan. Before officially retiring, Luc Donckerwolke, former chief designer at Bentley took over the Genesis enterprise, not to mention Hyundai Group in its entirety. Throwing out sub-standard strategies, there is a subtle aggression to its soft, approachable demeanor. Calling it a G-Matrix design, there are hints of poise styling like the quad-beam LED headlights with illuminated diamond embossed LED daytime running lights. Then there are the wheels – while looking like 22’s made out of a solid block of aluminum, these 19-inch alloys have been specially engineered to reduce road noise substantially.

Oddly enough; despite the G90 looking like a whole brand new generation, this latest reiteration is only a mid-cycle refresh that changes out the sheet metal on every surface except for the doors and roof. As such, for as polarizing as the exterior can be, the interior is more diplomatic having been carried over from the previous 2017 model. Carrying an elegant display of appurtenances, there is a serene surrounding to its quiet interior. The G90 features all the details of a luxury sedan with nappa leather, open pore matte wood, microfiber suede headliner and tasteful real metal finish. Lacking some of the qualities of its biggest Mercedes-Benz rival, like heated armrests and advanced navigation, there is a simpler approach to its environment. Everything can be controlled through its easy to use console mounted knob – the screen is also touch screen at any speed for easier functionality. The rear passengers don’t have it bad either as they now have more controllable features over their seats that can slide forward and recline, they get rear seat media displays and the are now heated and ventilated.

Incorporating the latest in safety technology, there are a few new tricks up its sleeve to assist in highway driving like lane-following assist (this helps keep it from swaying side-to-side like some other lane keeping assists systems), blind spot assistance (when changing a lane and vehicle happens to be in your blind spot, the G90 to sway itself back into its lane), and the Safe exit system (this lets you know an object is approaching before opening your door.) Additional changes are seen with the new 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen display that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with over-the-air updates.

Having gone unchanged into the new year, the powertrains stays the same with the option of the 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 or naturally aspirated 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8. While the 3.3-liter holds a $3500 savings over the V-8, there is something about a luxury sedan and the deep calming sensation of a eight rumbling cylinders. Both engines are hearty quick, but the V-8 is just a hair quicker of the torquier V-6.  The smoothing finding of the eight-speed automatic continued to support both engines.

Slight improvements were made to the powertrains to help improve fuel economy, and the while the EPA found the G90 to support the teens in its MPG’s, we managed to do quite a lot better: 27.8-mpgs on the highway versus the EPA rated 24 and 22.4-mpgs combined versus the EPA’s 19 – this also gave us a near 500 mile fuel tank capacity. We have to remember that as a luxury sedan, there isn’t really a sporty rod in its chassis. No matter the drive mode, there is always a floaty ride – just have to choose how floaty you’d like it to be.

Holding a near $20,000 difference of its competitors, Genesis has really held the standard high with this latest G90. Holding true to its core value ways from Hyundai, our G90 Ultimate is set at a final $75,700 price with no options checked – even its Himalayan Gray exterior paint, brown interior, and advance safety features all come at no extra cost. Taking a strategic, bold approach with this latest mid-cycle refresh, Genesis is by far stirring the waters of the luxury pot and making a statement for itself.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2020 GENESIS G90
Trim: ULTIMATE
Base Price: $72,200
Starting Trim Price: $75,700
As Tested: $76,695
Color: HIMALAYAN GRAY

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 5.0-LITER V-8
Horsepower/Torque: 420-HORSEPOWER / 383 LB-FT TORQUE
Transmission: 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Drivetrain: REAR-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel Economy: 16-CITY / 24-HWY / 19-COMBINED
AS TESTED: 22.6-MPG COMBINED / 27.8-MPG HIGHWAY (200 MILE TEST)
Fuel Range: 455 MILES
0-60 MPH: ±5.0 SECONDS