6 Things You Should Know About the 2017 Genesis G90 From Hyundai
Hyundai’s standalone luxury brand has officially launched in the U.S. with the new 2017 Genesis G90 sedan.
Making its North American debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, the G90 is the first model in the Genesis lineup. We already learned a lot about the G90, as its Korean equivalent (EQ900) was already unveiled, but now we have some new information about the model coming to North America. Here’s what you need to know.
1. It’s High-Tech and Luxurious
Hyundai is promising best-in-class refinement in the G90. A 22-way power adjustable seat will ensure drivers are comfortable, while materials like Nappa leather, real wood and aluminum are sure to give a high-end feeling. The front passenger seat adjusts 16 ways, and the rear outboard seats can adjust 12 or 14 different ways and are available with heating and cooling on the V8 model.
The fully digital center gauge cluster is housed in a 7-inch TFT-LCD screen. The G90 also has puddle lights that project the Genesis logo onto the ground from the side mirrors. Hyundai is also promising an audio system that delivers a “concert-like experience.”
Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, smart key, sun shades, hands-free opening trunk, power closing doors and more.
2. It Should Perform Well
This is the first Hyundai product to get an adaptive suspension and a twin-turbo engine. The rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive G90 will come with four driving modes (Eco, Smart, Sport, and Individual), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with an estimated 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque or a 5.0L V8 with 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
The all-wheel-drive system defaults to a rear-wheel bias, but can send up to 40 percent of the power to the front wheels and 90 percent to the rear if needed. In Economy mode, 100 percent of the power will be sent to the rear to maximize fuel efficiency.
Hyundai promises an “exhilarating driving experience with overall dynamics that are simultaneously luxurious, sporty and refined.” The body’s structure apparently also has “overall bending rigidity [that is] six-percent higher than the Mercedes-Benz S550.” It’s clear which cars Hyundai was benchmarking with the G90.
3. Safety Is a Top Priority
The G90 is expected to receive a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.
Hyundai says the Genesis G90 will come will a full suite of active and passive safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, adaptive headlights, highbeam assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a head-up display and lane-keep assist.
ALSO SEE: Quiz – Is This a Hyundai or a European Luxury Car?
4. The US Models Won’t Get Some Cool Features
Two of the most advanced features, highway driving assistance and a clinically tested seating system that adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors and head-up display to the optimal position for your body, are only available in the Korean market.
5. It Will Only Come in 5 Colors
Those colors are all quite neutral and pretentiously named Casablanca White, Caspian Black, Manhattan Brown, Santiago Silver and London Gray. So, white, black, brown, silver and grey. Many might wish there was something more lively like a red or blue in the mix, but maybe they’re saving those hues for the sportier models inevitably on the way…
6. More Genesis Cars Are Coming
Hyundai said five Genesis-branded cars will be launched within the next five years. A sporty coupe like the Vision G concept that debuted at Pebble Beach and a mid-sized crossover are expected. Hyundai has already trademarked the G60 (possible BMW 3 Series competitor), G70 (a possible coupe) and G80 (possible BMW 5 Series-sized sedan) nameplates. Hyundai also filed for trademarks for the GC60, GT60 and GV60. Then there’s also the GC64, GT64 and G65.
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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Sounds like soft close doors will not available, at least not in the US. I have not seen massage (front) mentioned. Biggest question is when and how much. I contacted a Hyundai dealer and he insisted that G80 will be a Genesis, while the G90 will be an Equus. Frustrating when we know more than the dealer. For me it between the G90 and the Continental (no head-up, or at least very limited.) We have pretty complete info on the Lincoln except for when. The G90 remains a mystery.
Holy Shnizzel...this POS cost way too much when compared to the BMW 5 series. No way hozzeh