LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
When you make news as Hyundai has with its Genesis luxury brand as of late, you want to make sure the hits keep on coming. In that light, Genesis has revealed its first vehicle, called EQ900 in its Korean homecountry, and G90 on our side of the pond. It’s the first new member of the Hyundai family, to be followed later by the G80, a refreshed version of the current Hyundai Genesis full-size sedan.
Style-wise, the G90 is a grandiose sedan that seems to be making no bones about trying to channel the current king of the extra-size luxury sedan kingdom–the Mercedes-Benz S-Class–especially in terms of wheel choice and rear taillight lenses. Styling elements from the Vision G Concept—originally revealed at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance—have also made it to this next stage. The G90 marks the first time a design has come from Hyundai’s newly-formed Prestige Design Division.
Inside, Genesis has designed a luxurious, well-finished cabin that they hope is beyond reproach. A whole universe of Italian leather and wood textures cover every inch, while the on-board equipment is unlike anything we’ve seen previously on a Hyundai. Obviously, Genesis has taken the needs of its luxurious clientele to heart. The interior environs are highlighted by a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, while gesture commands are also supported.
Mechanically, the G90 has a similar powertrain to what was found in the previous-generation Equus (hence the “EQ” name in Korean markets); the 3.8L we’ve seen both in the Genesis and Kia K900 will be available (it’s good for 311 hp), as well as a new 3.3L, turbocharged V6 good for 365 hp. The top-spec engine is the 5.0L TAU V8; curiously, it makes 420 hp in the current Equus, but Genesis is claiming 419 hp for the G90. Transmission duties are to be handled by an 8-speed automatic, channeling power either to the rear wheels, or to all four via an available H-TRAC AWD system.
Price-wise, Genesis will likely keep the G90 in-line with current Equus pricing, hoping to deliver S-Class performance and luxury for E-Class money; expect a starting price of around $70,000.
