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2017 Genesis G90: A new luxury sedan star is born

James Raia

The 2017 Genesis received top honors among 13 premium brands J.D. Power annual quality study.

Like other manufacturers initiated years ago, Hyundai now has a new luxury spinoff brand. It’s the 2017 Genesis G90. Gone are the Hyundai Genesis and the Hyundai Equus in favor of the Genesis lineup, currently the G90 and G80.

The 2017 Genesis G90 is the flagship sedan of the new luxury brand spinoff from Hyundai.
The 2017 Genesis G90 is the flagship sedan of the new luxury brand spinoff from Hyundai.

The 2017 Genesis joins Toyota (Lexus), Nissan (Infiniti) and Honda (Acura) with its upscale Hyundai relative, a sedan ready for a tough gig. It’s entering a car segment where brand loyalty is difficult to shatter, particularly when the competition includes Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The Weekly Driver Test Drive

Available with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 with 365 horsepower or a 5.0 liter V8 with 420 horsepower, the Genesis is a fully loaded upscale luxury sedan. Both options are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and with eight-speed automatic transmissions. Both vehicles are also designed for premium-grade fuel.

Like should be expected from a luxury sedan, the Genesis G90 defines the segment. My test vehicle was the 3.3-liter turbo, and it was surprisingly agile for its size. Its comfort and quiet ride further added to the enjoyment of driving a new brand.

Unlike many luxury brands with expensive option packages, Genesis keeps it simple. The standard features list is all-inclusive and lengthy. Highlights include: a head-up display, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and 12.3-touchscreen for the infotainment features. The safety features list also includes: lane-keeping assist, a driver-attention monitor and active cruise control with full stop and start.

The G90 interior is spacious. Front and back and passengers ride on Nappa leather seats and in a designer magazine editor’s style nirvana. The wood trim is handsome and distributed well. The monster-size infotainment screen features a multiple-view camera that includes around view. While passengers have it swell, the driver get the best of it with 22 seat settings.

The superior Lexicon audio system further adds to the luxury. There are 17 speakers, including two jumbo-sized stainless steel speaker grilles inset on the front doors to prove it. The console between the two back seats has several individual functions, including audio controls. The only downside of the function may be a disagreement of preferred music choices between front and back seat occupants.

Driving the G90 further adds to the new vehicle’s luxury status. The twin turbo is smooth and the large sedan accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The Genesis is confident on the road, the kind of ride best for long highway hauls in comfort and with an absence of stress.

Likes:

Spacious, plush interior.
Quiet, comfortable ride.
Beautifully designed inside and outside

Dislikes:

Gas mileage needs improvement.
Electric parking brake lever awkward.

Facts & Figures: 2017 Genesis G90

Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds.
Airbags: 9.
Fuel economy: 17 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway), 20 mpg (combined) eight-speed automatic transmission.
Horsepower: 365.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $68,100.00.
Price As Tested: $69,050.00.
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/unlimited miles.

What Others Say:

“The G90 is the kind of car you could drive for hours on end and arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed.” — Kelley Blue Book.

“The 2017 Genesis G90 is shaping up to be a luxury vehicle which offers everything from the start and doesn’t break the bank when it comes to pricing for this much luxury.” TorqueNews.com.

“While other luxury brands make many electronic features optional, the G90 comes with them as standard equipment.” — USA Today.com.

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“It’s hard to imagine a new luxury sedan infiltrating a market stocked with iconic, well-established customer favorites. But if any car can do it, it’s the Genesis. The new spinoff from Hyundai works well at a price $25,000 less than the leaders of the pack.”

Article Last Updated: January 13, 2017.

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