Idyllic panoramas of the City of Angels commingled with gorgeous Californian weather exemplified my travel experience that included a three-day test drive of the opulent 2020 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate. Feeling like one of Korea’s most passionate patrons, I became immersed in the luxury automaker’s unique culture while relishing the emotions, the excitement, the technology, and the inspiration emanating from the innovative touring sedan.
After a long and uneasy flight from Washington, DC, I was happy to be sitting comfortably inside my Gold Coast Silver G90. The 22-way power driver seat and 16-way power front passenger seat kept my photographer and me enlightened in route to our video shoot with entertainer Big Tigger who enjoyed the amenities of the rear cabin more than anything else. To his credit, the 14-way right and 12-way left rear power seats can quickly put you to sleep on long drives since they recline and hug like love chairs. The front passenger chair can also be controlled from the rear for additional legroom. Select chill Jazz from the 12.3″ HD multimedia screen operated by the spherical controller on the center console to set the ambiance from the immaculately-tuned 17-speaker Lexicon premium audio system with Quantum Logic Surround and Clari-Fi music restoration. The rear passengers can also manipulate music choices, temperature, and seating positions with their set of controls.
While cruising around California, everyone thought I had the keys to a Mercedes-Benz or Maybach. It was an honorable comparison, less the premium price for the German variants. However, we see, especially in the urban community, that many are still unfamiliar with the Genesis designation and the specific products they produce. Furthermore, if they are aware of the Koran brand, another percentage is hesitant to replace their Lexus or BMW rides because of the outlook. So, Genesis has more work to do. Throughout, the cabin is ripe with Nappa leather, genuine matte-finished veneers, soft-touch controls, and a 3-zone climate system. Big Tigger and his manager were astonished by the interior accouterments and said they would definitely rock a G90 after exploring its touchpoints, as long as the 19” alloy rims were swapped out, which I agreed; wheel design will make or break a luxury sedan.
My Genesis G90 came in the form of a G90 5.0 Ultimate featuring the graceful 5-liter V8 GDI engine that distributes 420-horsepower. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC, steering wheel paddle shifters, and Intelligent Drive Mode with Smart Shift settings. Blessed with an intuitive Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension with Electronic Damping Control, either RWD or AWD can be selected with the G90. Acceleration was terrific, even when packed with bodies and equipment, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go was utilized when highway traffic hit. However, the vehicle does lack the impeccable driving dynamics of a Mercedes S-Class or Audi A8.
Aesthetically, the G90 looks tremendous and drives admirably as an executive sedan should. The massive signature crescent grille dominates the elongated hood, while chrome trimmings, horizontal LED taillights, and large, flushed asymmetrical exhaust tips accentuate the rest of the body. I suspect Genesis will continue to improve upon the imagery, but it is an impressive start to something fresh for now.
Customers at this level aspire to be a part of an entity and feel respected by the brands they settle with. They also need to know that their time is spent well. For example, if you will pay $80,000 to $100,000 ($76,695 for my loaner) for a high-end vehicle, then certainly unnecessary moments in a dealership are not part of the plan. Genesis states that time is a precious, nonrenewable resource. Luxury is a balance between product and experience; it is life-enriching and curated. Thus, Genesis will include complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles and complimentary valet. A dealer representative will come to your home to pick up your Genesis and drop off a loaner. Also complimentary for three years are Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Sirius/XM, and Map Care. I am sure you are equally aware of the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty. See, Genesis is attempting to grasp smart buyers’ attention looking for more for exponentially less.
Many advanced safety and smart features are optional with competing automakers, yet Genesis provides them as standard. Some of the benefits of your Korean touring sedan include Power Reclining Rear Seats, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor II, and much more. Genesis Connected Services (three years complimentary) includes Amazon Alexa that allows you to send remote commands from your home to your vehicle, such as engine start or remote door lock/unlock using the Amazon ecosystem of products. Lastly, soft-closing automatic doors, a proximity key, and a Hands-free Smart Power Trunk feature add to the comforts of your ride.
The 2020 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate represents virtuous aspirations for individuals who identify with social uniqueness. From the NFL partnership to the prestigious Genesis Open in Los Angeles, the Genesis brand will soon become omnipresent by way of your most desired lifestyle activities. Keep tuning in, people.
