Genesis reveal their intentions to challenge the top brands in the exclusive sedan segment with the G90.

As the luxury vehicle division of South Korean vehicle manufacturer, Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis is fast becoming world-renowned for its premium offerings, having produced a range of deluxe models over the last two decades.

This month, FACT got the chance to thoroughly inspect and to test drive Genesis’ flagship luxury sedan the G90, compliments of the team at Genesis Bahrain, First Motors. Being our first Genesis experience, we were excited to discover what this prestigious label has to offer.

Exterior

Our first impression of the Genesis G90 was that it exudes an effortless sense of luxury and refinement, one that is said to offer the most elegant interpretation of the brand’s design identity.

At the front end sits the newly designed Crest Grille, flanked by sleek, ultra-thin, Two-Line headlamps – the combination of which has been expertly crafted to resemble the brand’s winged emblem. The grille features a layered architecture design comprising of two G-Matrix patterns sitting on top of one another creating a three-dimensional effect.

The striking, Guilloché patterned emblem itself has a premium feel to it and sits like a jewel at the front and centre of the car’s clamshell bonnet. The bonnet design features a single panel that integrates it with the fenders – eliminating the panel gaps – creating a smooth and seamless effect. The side view of the G90 reveals the Parabolic Line design that flows seamlessly from the bonnet, along the bottom of the windows to the boot. Adding to the exterior’s capacious and polished nature are Athletic Power Lines on the fenders around the wheels, that hint at the car’s on-road intentions.

The back end Two-Line combination lamps are elongated with the boot and help to give a strong and well-balanced image. The silver Genesis lettering emblem sits between the lamps and the boot, further accentuating the premium nature of this handsome sedan. Additionally, many of the vehicle’s functional elements, such as the licence plate, reverse lights and various sensors, have been lowered to ensure the clean look is complete.

Interior

Shifting our attention to the interior, we were welcomed by a beautifully constructed environment complete with uber-comfy seating. The well-balanced nature of the interior design is sure to satisfy both those who wish to drive the G90, as well as those who desire to be driven by chauffeurs.

We found every element of the 2023 model to radiate pure opulence and superior design quality, with premium materials being used throughout the vehicle. The two panoramic sunroofs can be controlled separately and illuminate the cabin with warm, natural light. Mood lamps installed on both the left and right of the sunroofs are amongst others located in the vehicle and add further to the sense of luxury.

Top-of-the-line glass and aluminium materials have been used to create the unique centre console, where the electric dial-type Shift-By-Wire renders the G-Matrix patterns into real glass. This console features the brand’s Fingerprint Authentication System that enables users to setup and select their customised user profile, amongst other settings.

Additionally, the centre fascia, door trimmings and backs of the front seats feature Newspaper Crown and Stripe Wood garnishes. The elegant quilting designs of the rear seats, along with the forged carbon metal G-MATRIX patterns on the door trims made us feel like we were in a first-class, private aeroplane. Both the left and right seats in the back can be reclined separately, ensuring optimum comfort for each individual.

Further noteworthy internal features of the G90 include a Mood Curator, an Armrest Touch System, an on-board fragrance diffuser, an antimicrobial sanitation system, power-operated rear sunshades, active noise cancellation and almost unbelievably good massage functions.

Infotainment & Connectivity

A 12.3-inch infotainment display provides access to Genesis’ latest infotainment system, and features sat nav and SiriusXM satellite radio. A second 12.3-inch screen has been included to serve as a digital gauge display. Both displays feature crystal clear graphics and text and are user-friendly and super responsive.

The G90’s infotainment system includes full smartphone connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless phone charging and a head-up display are also fitted as standard.

Two 10.2-inch electric rear-seat touch screen monitors with automatic angle adjustment are located on the back of the front seats and allow passengers to use media independently by connecting Bluetooth headsets to either the left or the right monitor. Also included in the G90 is an eight-inch touch screen located in the centre armrest in the back row of seating. This allows passengers to adjust rear comfort settings with ease.

Genesis have also included a fantastic 3D-surround sound function that recreates audio characteristics of superior sound venues like ‘Boston Symphony Hall’ and delivers it through a Bang & Olufsen 23-speaker system. The result is an audio experience second to none.

Power & Performance

The Genesis G90 now houses a twin-turbocharged, V6 engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The standard engine of our test drive model produces 374hp. We found this setup to be very responsive, with plenty of acceleration and power on offer.

The multi-chamber air suspension and braking systems helped us to maintain traction, to absorb the bumps, as well as to always keep full control of the powerful sedan. In fact, we found the 2023 G90 to be one of our most relaxing, comfortable and responsive driving experiences to date.

We must mention the Preview-Electronic Control Suspension (Preview-ECS). This system optimises control of the suspension using a camera at the front of the car along with data from the navigation system, to identify road conditions and to provide a smooth riding experience in any driving environment. A bump in the road will be detected 100 metres in advance, prompting the car to raise the front wheels by 10mm as well as to optimise the Preview-ECS system. This will reduce the shock of the contact and lessen the jolt on the passengers.

“The well-balanced nature of the interior design is sure to satisfy both those who wish to drive the G90, as well as those who desire to be driven by chauffeurs.”

Safety & Assistance

Not surprisingly, the new G90 comes fully equipped with advanced driver assistance and safety technologies, including Hands on Detection (HOD) that accurately detects when the driver is holding the steering wheel and issues a warning when necessary – a first for any Genesis model.

Additional standard technologies include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, with lane-centring, forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, Highway Driving Assist and more.

Our Verdict

In truth, a day was far too little time for us to fully appreciate the vast array of high-end features that Genesis have included in their new G90. What we can say with absolute surety, however, is that the 2023 G90 is amongst the very finest of motor vehicles we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing in all our years of test driving. ✤

GO: CALL 1712 1121 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.