Good listening skills, quick learning, astute engineering, and cutting-edge design enable Genesis to offer the LS400 of the millennium.
Automobiles are becoming a specialized product. The “car” as we previously knew it, once the main mode of family mobility, is now on the endangered species list. We had our largest COTY field ever 11 years ago, with 35 entrants—triple the amount of SUV contenders that year. Four years later, new SUVs outnumbered vehicles (by one), and they have already more than quadrupled our COTY field for 2023.
And when automobiles become more scarce, they become more valuable. This year, the few surviving manufacturers of mainstream econoboxes, compacts, and midsize sedans did not introduce any new models. In their place came a cast of largely athletic or wealthy hopefuls. Among these, one outperformed its own competitive group to an extent not typically seen in our Of The Year competitions: The 2023 Genesis G90.
We’re relieved to see Genesis read our words and act on them. Quickly. We panned the original G90 in our 2017 COTY contest for its conservative appearance and lack of technical advancement. We welcomed a “midcycle refreshed” G90 with striking new look and other changes to our 2020 event just three years later. Then, after constructively criticizing its disappointing V-8 and lack of interior innovation, we concluded, “A word of advice—a truly new G90 with the G80’s jewelry would be killer.”
And there you have it. Three years later, with virtually all of our recommendations and complaints heeded, the upstart luxury company (launched November 4, 2015) delivered us this entirely redesigned flagship. The 2023 Genesis G90 takes aim at industry heavyweights like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 and nearly hits the target. Our elder judges felt a sensation of déjà vu as they remembered another disruptive newcomer, the Lexus LS400, making a similar impression more than 30 years ago. Genesis is likely to invest money, sacrifice revenues, and put in the effort necessary to secure a seat at the ultra-luxury table, just as it did back then.
Advancement Of Design
The first-generation G90’s facelift effectively grafted Genesis’ new shield-grille face and horizontal-bar lighting motif onto an existing design, making it seem more current and fascinating. This year’s renovation softly refines that style while offering a new shape defined by guest judge Chris Theodore as “a modern take on the classic formal roof that comes off quite fresh.”
Because of the straightforward break from the traditional fastback standard, some judges suggested that the G90 advances design more than any other competitor in its sector. “It’s elegant, formal, and timeless in a way that its competitors aren’t,” Christian Seabaugh, features editor, said. “I believe the G90 will age extremely well.”
The twin-bar head- and taillight design that reaches widely around the sides of the car at both ends, featuring some of the slimmest LED rear parking light parts we’ve seen and creative front marker lights that continue rearward of the front wheels, is another Genesis design innovation. These characteristics assist differentiate the G90 at night, while Theodore questioned the use of white lenses for the front markings, proposing that “a crystal lens might be more appropriate.”
The inside is also given a makeover that is beautifully equipped, easy to use, and pleasant. Every typeface, feature, ergonomic control, and trim material (such as crushed carbon fiber with etching on the doors) is perfectly accomplished for a premium vehicle. The exquisite jeweled rotary shifter and dial to access the center screen were highlighted by our judges. It’s a confident appearance that borders on the showy.
The G90 lacks 3D gauges, and the G80 lacks back entertainment displays, since mimicking that third dimension lowers the digital instrument cluster’s clarity, and sensible wealthy people understand that tablets are the smarter, more future-proof option. Director of the Buyer’s Guide Zach Gale praised the cluster’s visuals but bemoaned its limited configuration options.”Even Kia has better options on the Sorento,” he said. Sounds like an easy over-the-air upgrade.
Performance Of Intended Function
This may be the Genesis G90’s best suit, or at least the one where it showed the greatest creativity. “Genesis engineers came up with and solved problems I didn’t even know I had!” said deputy editor Alex Stoklosa. Throughout the week, the nine judges kept revealing things that surprised and delighted them when investigating the G90’s settings and switches, such as turn-signal sounds played solely in the driver’s headrest speakers to avoid disturbing the passengers. Alternatively, a blue-level light adjustment for the back seat’s comfort/audio control screen to aid sleep.
Nobody overlooked the apparent spiffs, such as the power-release and -closing doors. On e-SC vehicles, simply touch a button in the front or back to close the doors. Such as in a Rolls-Royce Phantom. In addition, with a light shining on it, the redundant mechanical switch to open the doors is readily apparent in the cubby below the armrest. In the back center console, there is also a UV-C sterilization chamber.
The Bang & Olufsen sound system foregoes sound-equalizer knobs in favor of a “Beosonic” tone-adjustment cursor that moves vertically from Warm to Bright and horizontally from Relaxed to Energetic. You may tweak the surround sound or pick one of three preset ambient environments: Boston Symphony Hall, Bang & Olufsen Home, or Reference.
The chairs provide four massage programs with three intensity levels and three session lengths to choose from. Best of all, after you’ve decided on your preferred setting, you can start or stop it with a button on the door, saving you a trip through the screen choices.
The Mood Curator has four programs that adapt ambient lighting, HVAC, sunroof and rear-window screen configurations, seat massage, music, and smell options to fit in a way that doesn’t seem forced or gimmicky. And, unlike competitors, Genesis offers two scents, one more energizing and one more calming.
The majority of the judges planned a lengthy journey in the right rear seat (footrest up, front passenger seat moved forward out of the way) with the suspension set to Chauffeur mode to sample these moods. Most people left persuaded that this is one of the world’s most comfy and cozy premium vehicles.
“It’s basically a spa on wheels,” assistant editor Billy Rehbock noted, but he was disappointed by the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (Genesis is dissatisfied with the dependability of the Bluetooth connectivity.)
The new luxury amenities, according to Stoklosa, “all work and enhance your experience.” As a result, nothing feels frivolous—even yet it is all frivolous.”
Engineering Excellence
The aforementioned received points in this area, while the powertrain and chassis received their own accolades. The base 3.5L Smartstream FR twin-turbo V-6 engine is familiar from the G80, GV70, and GV80, but an electrically supercharged version replaces the previous G90’s Tau V-8, trading 11 hp for 22 lb-ft more torque, which suits the luxury mission well, though some wished for more torque in aggressive driving.
It idles gently at 500 rpm and wafts away either quietly or with a muffled growl (depending on whether Active Sound Design is configured to lessen or increase the engine sound), and it drives with the sure-footedness that has become typical for AWD.
The top-tier air suspension with adjustable damping received great marks for ride quality, particularly in Chauffeur mode, which softens the rear suspension. This creates enough float for both the front and rear suspensions to peak out at 45 mph on our simulated railroad crossing (only the front does so in Comfort mode). Forward-facing cameras also warn the suspension of impending bumps and potholes, thus prepping them for collisions. Most judges failed to detect or appreciate this function because the car lacked any way of actively moving a wheel up and over or down into such flaws, but one long-serving evaluator pronounced the G90 the best-riding car he’d encountered on our Car of the Year test tracks and roads.
The adaptive cruise control allows for automated lane changes and allows for more hands-free time. Best of all, the entire system can be activated with a single button push, rather than “running through a sequence of button presses like you’re arming a nuclear warhead,” according to Stoklosa.
Clearly, the engineers knew that consumers with the resources and desire to acquire such a car may occasionally find themselves chased by evil individuals. Sport mode hardens everything up just enough that, along with the increased nimbleness provided by the rear steering (standard with e-SC), the G90 behaves well when the adrenaline is pumping. However, it is not a Mercedes-AMG S63, and severe braking or an impending slide will result in a harsh automatic seat belt embrace.v
Value
Having previously led a few car engineering and development programs, Theodore publicly questioned whether Genesis could have financially brought this vehicle to market at the pricing it charges ($99,795 for the base model, $101,295 with the e-SC package). Genesis would hardly be the first company to “buy its way into” a profitable industry by first selling at a loss. Buyers appear to be getting a product that outperforms the established companies in terms of performance, features, and premium materials, all at a substantially lower price. “Mercedes S-Class features, comfort, and luxury at a 10% discount,” Seabaugh explained.
“For anyone turned off by Mercedes’ tech-over-alls approach, the G90 should be extremely appealing.” Some questioned if the Genesis emblem and low price would deter purchasers who see such items as proxies for luxury. We don’t anticipate the G90’s present value offer to survive long, whether for this reason or because rising demand allows for profit taking.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to test the G90, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has, granting it the top grade of Top Safety Pick+. The G90 received the highest rating in all categories except two: front collision prevention: vehicle to pedestrian (Acceptable, not Superior) and LATCH child-seat attachment convenience (where it received Acceptable rather than Good—but we don’t anticipate much car-seat usage in G90s).
Efficiency
The transition from an available V-8 to all-twin-turbo V-6 propulsion resulted in a small improvement in this category: The basic engine gains 1 mpg city/highway and 2 mpg highway over last year’s 3.3T AWD, while the e-SC gains 1 mpg city/highway and 2 mpg combined over the 5.0 V-8 AWD. Nonetheless, the G90 has by far the lowest score in this category. Hyundai Group cars have larger curb weights in their respective classes, reducing economy. “17/24 mpg compares poorly to the Mercedes S500 4Matic, which is both more efficient and faster,” Gale observed. This is becoming a recurring theme in Genesis.” However, in the executive luxury car market, this is perhaps the least important factor for consumers.
The biggest advantage Mercedes has over Genesis is its wide range of engine options and model variations, as well as its 70-year sales experience in the United States. However, variations may not be as difficult to add: Genesis, for example, sells a longer-wheelbase model in other countries that is a better match for Maybach vehicles.
Our judges’ summaries support the G90 as MotorTrend’s 2023 Car of the Year: “I believe it to be the best luxury car on the market, regardless of price,” Theodore stated. “Beautifully designed and crafted, it appears to have no peers.” Gale said, “It felt like $100,000—I can’t offer a higher compliment for this Genesis-badged vehicle.” “Does this rewrite the executive limo rulebook?” Rehbock said sarcastically. It certainly does.”
Finally, Stoklosa stated, “Mercedes has absolutely owned the luxury full-size sedan class for decades, so for Genesis to break through on its third try with something as polished, compelling, and yet somehow distinct from the S-Class is stunning.” “Extremely unique and desirable.” Our advise is to get one while the prices are low.
PHOTO CREDITS : MotorTrend