Luxury coupe is a commuter’s delight
By JIM MAHONEY
Even before the Genesis nameplate was spun off by Hyundai as a premium brand the model turned my head. I remember seeing what I thought was a Mercedes-Benz 3 series in the rear view and was stunned when the Hyundai logo passed by me.
But this G90 3.3 T Premium AWD is not just a lower priced alternative to one the Europeans, standing firmly on its own. This refreshed 2020 G90 will stop you cold if you’re shopping the full-sized luxury field.
Most of the nose of the car has been redesigned with a cross-hatched, pentagonal grille framed by wrap around LED headlamps that include an art deco like light bar through them. This leads your eye to the fender louvers that align along the waist
of the car. It allows the sedan a nice curb appeal without being brash. The body of the car is simple but refined with wrap around tail lamps bolstering the trunk lid. Adding a touch of élan are the intricately machined 19-inch wheels.
leather interior and sunroof make you feel your in a limo. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)
Elegant, quiet, smooth, powerful and just a delight to drive this luxe machine delivers on all creature comfort fronts.
The tailored leather interior is handsomely appointed with bolstered heated and cooled seats that have contrasting piping. The thick steering wheel frames a two gauge dash that has hints of a ‘Benz with its long extension.
Wood grained panels seamlessly fold into the leather and plastic trim creating an inviting and comforting cabin. Instead of a cluttered, complicated series of buttons and toggles the G90 has straightforward engineered radio and climate controls.
The fist sized gear shift allows for a flick of the thumb to access some of the four-door’s accessories such as the parking camera and drive modes buttons.
With simplicity the goal, he controller dial runs the infotainment center. As with most cars redundant steering wheel and dash access are standard.
Piloting the big sedan gives you great command of the road and the 365 HP 3.3 liter V-6 twin-turbo engine smoothly shifts through the 8-speed transmission. If this isn’t enough oomph for you opt up to the 420 HP 5 Liter trim level. Limo like legroom for three adults in the rear and a massive trunk make this quite the weekend machine to head off on a long trip in.
I’ve made no secret of being a fan of the Korean car maker since they started importing Audi and BMW designers in 2011 and remaking the brand. The G90 tops the brand’s line with the very sporty G70 and mid-sized G80 also in the family. But for maximum luxury at good value, the MSRP runs from just over $69,000 to $75,725, the exceptional ride and handsome interior of the G90 is tough to beat.