Hyundai entered the automotive industry as an “econocar” builder with the Cortina, in 1967, and after earning props for economy, ventured into the luxury market with Genesis, in 2009. Genesis became its own nameplate subsidiary as a spin-off, in 2017. The new luxury badge added to its ranks with G70, a 4-door compact executive sedan, and has since added the G80 mid-size and G90 full-size luxury sedans. G90 was based on the Hyundai Equus, but has become the flagship and face of Genesis, and according to William Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand, “The 2020 G90 is a flagship sedan for Genesis in the truest sense. Its launch begins a product offensive for the Genesis brand centered around emotive products with exceptional design.”

For 2020, the Genesis G90 has been restyled inside and out and has added tech and safety improvements. The changes have earned G90 accolades including being named the Most Satisfying Passenger Car and top Premium Luxury Car by leading research consultancy Auto Pacific in its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. G90 also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with a superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle interactions, avoiding collisions in 12 and 25 mph track tests. 

For 2020, with the exception of the roof and doors, every exterior body panel on the G90 has been replaced or changed. Employing the Genesis brand’s Athletic Elegance design language, G90’s signature Crest Grille is flanked by Quad Lamps up front, and in the rear, Quad Lamps wrap around from corner to corner. The license plate sits as low as possible, further accentuating a low and wide stance, and the elongated, horizontal side profile of G90 radiates vigor and dignity. Hyundai’s full-size luxury sedan measures 204.9 inches in length, 75.4 inches in width and 58.9 inches in height on a 124.4-inch wheelbase.

The interior design embodies the ethos of Horizontal Architecture, dominated by a harmonious, flow of horizontal surfaces including a parallel layout that includes air ventilation system, and audio controls that maximize simplicity and provide an intuitive user experience. The cabin shows a focus on premium materials and finishes that are befitting a flagship, including authentic chrome plating applied to switches and premium leather wrapping applied to the center console. Authentic, open-pore wood acts as a garnish, as does double stitching and piping throughout the cabin. Inside, G90 is roomy with 41.1 inches of front headroom, 46.3 inches of front legroom and a spacious 59.9 inches of front shoulder room. In the rear seats, G90 provides 38.0 inches of headroom, 37.8 inches of legroom and 57.9 inches of shoulder room.

Loaded and luxurious, G90 comes standard with Nappa leather seating surfaces and microfiber suede headliner; 22-way power driver seat with power lumbar, shoulder, and bolster adjustment; heated and ventilated front seats; Lexicon® 17-speaker audio system with Quantum Logic® Surround; Wireless charging pad and Genesis Connected Services.

From a safety perspective, the 2020 G90 is committed to passenger security and comfort. Advanced driver-assistance systems add a level of assuredness to the already refined driving experience. In addition to Genesis brandwide ADAS technology, the following new systems debut on the 2020 G90: Lane Following Assist expands the reach of lane-keep and lane-departure assists, to help stay centered in a lane and provide steering assistance; Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist uses rear side radar to help detect and prevent impact with obstacles; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can now help detect bicycles and vehicles in front of the vehicle; Safe Exit Assist may alert a driver and passengers with alerts when an object is approaching an opening door; and Highway Driving Assist helps the driver to maintain the center of a lane on marked interstate highways, while keeping a safe distance from a vehicle in front.

Offered in two trim configurations based on engine type, you can either get the 3.3T Premium with the 365-hp/376-lb-ft 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 engine or the 5.0 Ultimate with the 420-hp/383-lb-ft 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Both engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and come in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive with Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension with Electronic Damping Control. The smaller engine is rated at 17mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and the 5.0-liter is EPA rated at 16/city and 24/highway. My 3.3 averaged 22.7mpg in mixed-use driving tests.

My test 3.3 turbo surprised at the track and pampered on the highway. In track tests, the luxury full-size polished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 5.4 seconds during a hand-timed 13.9-second quarter-mile. In town, G90 was quiet, complaint and energetic and in the highway, my ride was strong, confident, stable and elegance in motion, with turbo lag nearly imperceptible. In quick maneuvers and over irregular terrain, G90 is smooth, precise and comfortable.

The 2020 Genesis G90 starts at $72,200 for the 3.3T in FWD and $74,700 in AWD, with the 5.0 in FWD starting at $75,700 and $78,200 in AWD. My test 3.3T AWD in Porto Red with a Black and Walnut interior, was loaded and added no packages or accessories. The only add-on was the $1025 Freight charge, to put the sticker at $75,725.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

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