2023 Genesis G90 Review: If You Have The Means

It should surprise very few of my readers that I’m not what one would call a trained journalist. Perhaps my tendency to write in the first person should be the first clue. But I’ve tried to stick to typical conventions of journalism wherever possible whilst writing reviews here, all while maintaining the more conversational tone expected by the Best and/or Brightest.

It’s in the nature of auto writing, however, that one can’t help but encounter other opinions about one’s subject before, during, and after testing a particular vehicle. TTAC doesn’t get invited to every new vehicle launch, after all, where select writers might only briefly discuss and hone opinions over martinis before racing to get the copy out right at embargo time. No, we get a new car shuttled to us each week - one that’s been poked, prodded, and farted (Ed. note -- sorry bout that) in by dozens of other reviewers before and after - and sometimes we will see (and read) those reviews.

So, dear reader, I’m sure you’ve also seen a number of other online and print impressions of many Genesis products before today. Now, we’d be perfectly happy if this site is your ONLY source of automotive news and reviews, but…yeah. We know. So I’m equally certain that you’ve grown weary of seeing page after page of glowing reviews of virtually every Genesis car and crossover built.

I’m sorry to tell you that what you read today will be more of the same. The 2023 Genesis G90 is simply brilliant, and to say otherwise would simply be trying to stir controversy just for the clickbait.

It gets to be a challenge, honestly, when the car is so well-executed that you find yourself picking at the smallest of nits simply to fill one’s virtual column inches. So let’s knock them out right here:

• I don’t love the angle formed by the C-pillar and rear glass. It’s a bit upright for the rest of the vehicle.
• As I’ve mentioned before while reviewing other products from Genesis, Kia, and Hyundai, I don’t love that wireless Apple Carply and wireless Android Auto aren’t available - only wired.
• Um, it could be cheaper. Like why can’t I buy a full-sized premium luxury vehicle for 10 grand? You could buy a Rolls-Royce for 10 grand back in the Sixties, right? Let’s totally forget that inflation is a thing.

That’s it.

Just look at the G90, the largest and most sumptuous of Genesis’ sedans. It’s bloody gorgeous. Somehow it’s both sleek and substantial looking. The multi-faceted wheels with interlaced basketweaves in two tones are stunning, as is the big corporate trapezoidish grille with beautifully textured mesh.

The interior is as handsome as the exterior. I was initially a little weirded out chrome and crystal circular knob used for the shifter being right next to the chrome circular pad for the twist/touch/turn/slide/tilt/Bop-It control for the audio system, but in practice, I never confused the two. No, I never twisted the shifter into reverse on the freeway when trying to get away from whatever crap playlist the kids were forcing upon me. I kinda love the language around this in the official press release from Genesis - “...the SBW [shift by wire dial] prevents maloperation by vibrating when the driver shifts into reverse.” Maloperation - that's a word you don't see often. If we could somehow prevent maloperation of ALL cars on the road I’d be a very happy person.

My kids were asking if we could road trip in the G90, allowing them to sleep in rear seats as plush as most front seats. Four-zone climate control and power reclining rear seats make the chauffeured teen spoiled as they head to class. That center armrest - which does retract should you need to haul a third in the rear - is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen for the climate controls, including massage settings.

Mechanically, the interesting thing here is the multitude of ways power is added. While the standard G90 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, this top trim adds an electric supercharger to the mix. The supercharger is powered by a 48V mild hybrid system and adds additional low-end torque to the high-rpm power given by the turbochargers. The supercharger switches off at high revs.

I felt no discernable transition between the two pressure multipliers - they seemed to work in concert beautifully to minimize turbo lag. It’s a fascinating look at the powertrain possibilities afforded by hybridization, but it does seem a bit complex to add just 34 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque over the standard engine. Perhaps we will see more performance applications of this tech in the future. Fuel economy doesn’t take much of a hit with the additional power - 20 mpg is the EPA combined estimate, versus 21 mpg for the model without E-supercharging.

With standard air suspension, the G90 does drive like a stable cloud. A front camera is employed - called Preview-Electronic Control Suspension - to adapt to road conditions, raising and lowering as needed for slope or rough potholed roads. Rear wheel steering is fitted as well, making the rather long G90 (207.7 inches with 125.2-inch wheelbase) quite maneuverable. Genesis has basically made everything standard on the G90 - the only options are interior and exterior color. It’s a heck of a way to ensure every customer gets to experience the same incredible car.

I’m sorry, dear reader, for subjecting you to yet another gushing review of the 2023 Genesis G90. But it’s remarkable how a basically new brand keeps putting out winners without a single clunker. Imagine, for example, if the Beatles had never put Lennon’s miserable “Revolution 9” on the White Album - that’s where Genesis is right now. Everything is a greatest hit.

[Images: © 2023 Chris Tonn/TTAC]

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