Last November I was invited to the Miami Auto Show. Not knowing that 2020 was going to be the events terminator that it was, I don’t think I really appreciated the show as much as I should have. Frankly, I don’t think I could have appreciated the show as much as I should have!
At the closing banquet, presented by Genesis, our hosts asked us to put our cameras and cell phones away. I powered down my Nikon and put my iPhone in my pocket. The whole thing sort of reminded me of when Grandma would tell us during dinner to keep our spoons for dessert.
A few minutes later Genesis pulled the cover off the all-new 2020 Genesis G90 sedan.
G90 Rolls with the Best of Them
We were sworn to secrecy at the time, but I can now report what I wanted to write then: the G90 authentically captures the essence of Europe’s best luxury sedans. The massive grille, shaped like a merit badge, and the G90’s signature lighting instantly set Genesis flagship apart from the crowd. But the overall dimensions and the smooth rolling body lines are unmistakably a shot at the legendary Mercedes, Audi and BMW sedans that dominate the segment.
Inside, the new G90 does a great job matching stride for stride with the Europeans. The spacious interior is quite comfortable. Genesis has gone to lengths to ensure a quiet cabin by incorporating active noise cancellation. An adaptive control suspension minimizes vibrations.
The sedan’s standard leather seating and genuine wood trim work are attractive and well made. The Heated and ventilated 22-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 16-way power adjustable passenger seat make finding a comfortable driving position easy. Rear seating is spacious and heated. Cargo space is plentiful at 15.7 cubic feet.
Intuitive Tech without a Steep Learning Curve
We have always been a fan of Genesis’ infotainment system, especially the most recent versions. The system is smart and easy to use. When you plug in your smartphone, it connects without drama. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen system includes a redundant controller located in the center console. The system includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite radio and a CD/DVD player. A wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports and an auxiliary input jack provide on the go charging and audio connectivity. The 17-seaker Lexicon surround sound audio sounds great. To our ears, and we don’t take our music lightly, Genesis has firmly established itself as a leader in automotive audio.
The G90 also includes a long list of premium extras on every trim. The windshield wiper de-icer, rain-sensing wipers with auto-defogging windshield improve visibility in increment weather. A three-zone automatic climate control system keeps passengers comfortable. Additional extras include a heads-up display, power rear side and rear sunshades, a power sunroof and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink.
Genesis has also equipped the G90 with plenty of active safety equipment. Highlights include, a lane following assist system that expands the reach of lane-keep and lane-departure assists, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and forward collision-avoidance assist. The manufacturer has informed us that the G90 can help detect bicycles and vehicles in front of the vehicle – thankfully, we didn’t find the need to put this to the test. A nifty “safe exit assist” works to alert the driver and passengers when an object is approaching an opening door. And finally, highway driving assist (HDA) helps to steer the sedan to the center of a lane on marked interstate highways, while keeping a safe distance from a vehicle in front. Moving closer to autonomous vehicles, the highway driving system works in conjunction with an automatic speed slowdown that automatically adjusts the car’s speed to the posted speed limit signs.
Two Powerful Engines
The 2020 G90 is powered by either a 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 or a 5.0-liter V-8 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque. Genesis V-8 makes 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available with either engine.
Fuel economy for the turbo V-6 is EPA estimated at 17/25 mpg (RWD) and 17/25 mpg (AWD). The V-8 is rated at 16/24 mpg (RWD) and 15/23 mpg (AWD).
Both engines provide plenty of power for Genesis’ flagship sedan. While we enjoy the grunt of the naturally-aspirated V-8, our recommendation for most consumers is the 3.3-liter V-6. While the V-6 loses some horsepower to the V-8, torque ratings are quite similar. The cost savings isn’t significant, but the extra fuel economy will likely pay off in the long run.
Pricing
The base model 2020 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium starts at $72,200 plus fees. Adding all-wheel drive amounts to $74,700+. The V-8 powered 5.0 Ultimate starts at $75,700+. The G90 is an impressive family luxury sedan, one that we feel comfortable recommending. Genesis’ excellent warranty is accompanied by three years of scheduled maintenance and a service valet program adding even more value to the sedan,