Comfort is paramount with large luxury sedans, and the secret sauce includes passenger space, seat comfort, suspension compliance and isolation from the elements. The big Genesis does let in a notable amount of road noise, but it otherwise has these ingredients in abundance. Compared to its rivals, the 2017 Genesis G90 offers a more accessible price, respectable performance, a very generous warranty and three years of free scheduled maintenance. Add it all up, and the G90 is a strong contender for value leadership in the class.
Indeed, the G90 is up against sedans that are more focused on outright opulence than value. Primary competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS 460. All of these models offer more options and customization possibilities than the G90, which comes in just two well-equipped trim levels, and they all have illustrious histories, too. But job No. 1 for any new brand is to build compelling cars, and we'd say Genesis is off to a strong start with the 2017 G90.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2017 Genesis G90 is a five-passenger, large luxury sedan offered in two well-appointed trim levels — 3.3T Premium and 5.0 Ultimate — that correspond to engine selection.Standard features for the 3.3T Premium include a turbocharged V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-folding mirrors, a sunroof, soft-close doors, a hands-free power trunklid, an adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry and ignition, and Genesis Connected remote vehicle access (including Amazon Alexa-powered remote voice commands) with emergency telematics.
Inside, you get tri-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery with extended dashboard coverage, a faux-suede headliner, power sunshades for the rear window and rear side windows, a 22-way power driver seat, a 16-way power front-passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats with memory functions, heated rear seats, a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera system, wood interior trim, a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a navigation system and a 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system with satellite radio, a USB input and an auxiliary audio jack.
The 5.0 Ultimate includes all of the above, plus a V8 engine, LED headlights, ventilated rear seats, a 14-way power passenger-side rear seat, a 12-way power driver-side rear seat, rear-seat memory functions and rear vanity mirrors.
No options are available on the 2017 G90 aside from all-wheel drive, which can be specified on either trim level.
Powertrains and Performance
An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels of every G90 by default; all-wheel drive is available as an option. The standard Genesis G90 engine is a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway) for both rear- and all-wheel-drive models.The 5.0-liter V8 produces 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy falls slightly to 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway) with rear-wheel drive, while AWD drops those numbers by 1 mpg across the board.
Safety
Standard safety features for all Genesis G90 models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, a driver knee airbag, full-length side curtain airbags, a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, a drowsy driver warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Genesis Connected emergency telematics.Interior Design and Special Features
Inside the new Genesis G90, passengers are treated to luxurious accommodations trimmed with Nappa leather and wood and metal accents. The materials are generally praiseworthy, though they're not quite as exquisite as the best in this class. The front seats have a wide range of adjustments to ensure an optimal position for a variety of body types. Standard seat ventilation further enhances long-distance comfort.Rear accommodations are plush and spacious in the outboard seats, but the center position is more appropriate for occasional use. More likely than not, the rear center armrest will flip down to occupy that seat, providing those passengers with some control over the car's audio system. The 5.0 Ultimate trim further enhances rear seat comfort with power adjustments and ventilation. Notably absent are chauffeur-car standbys such as folding tray tables and a rear entertainment system.
Operating the G90's infotainment system is fairly easy thanks to a centrally located dial controller and a large, 12.3-inch display that's placed high on the dash within the driver's sightlines. Menus and screens are as intuitive as those of competing systems and require about as much time to get used to. The standard Lexicon surround sound system delivers clear and powerful tones that are augmented by a Clari-Fi music restoration feature, which enhances compressed digital audio.
Cargo capacity is about average for the class, with 15.7 cubic feet available. Loading is made easier by the hands-free power trunklid, while a center pass-through affords extra space for longer items.
Driving Impressions
Power from the standard V6 engine is more than adequate to get the Genesis G90 up to highway speeds or pass slower traffic. As in most luxury sedans, the sensation of speed is dulled by the effortless acceleration and smooth ride. Except for a noticeable amount of road noise relative to other top-tier luxury cars, the cabin remains pleasantly quiet.Selectable drive modes enable you to prioritize fuel efficiency or sportier throttle and transmission responses as conditions change. These modes also change the ride stiffness, and although the differences between the softer standard suspension setting and the Sport setting are noticeable, the comfort-biased character of the car is never lost. Either setting will provide a smooth and compliant ride over rougher pavement.
One of the G90's few drawbacks behind the wheel is its large turning circle, which makes for more multiple-point turns than some drivers might prefer. Otherwise, the 2017 Genesis G90 acquits itself quite well on the road and might even exceed expectations for its price range.
