?2017 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium RWD?
A horse of a different color – Goodbye Equus
For those in the market for a premium luxury sedan that?s out of the norm and that comes with the latest state-of-the-art safety and connectivity technologies along with an extremely attractive and appealing design form both inside and out, that?s based on a global platform, with mechanical attributes capable of providing dynamic performance, consideration should be given to the 2017 Genesis G90 luxury sedan, which will now fill the role of the Hyundai Equus. It is truly a horse of a different color ? make that a thoroughbred of a different color.
Genesis first bowed as a Hyundai in 2009 as a luxurious rear-wheel drive sedan, and enjoyed successful sales. Just five years later, rather than introducing an evolutionary enhancement to the first generation model, Hyundai chose a more revolutionary path, coming up with a ?clean sheet of paper? Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, an emotion stirring design, that was based on a stiffer, more stable platform architecture tuned by Lotus Engineering, with a mind-boggling level of vehicular technology ? certainly more than most of its rivals, at a price thousands of dollars less than the majority of its competitors.
Visually, the exterior of the 2017 Genesis G90 leads off by displaying a modern look, with a premium single frame hexagonal grille, followed by refined and enhanced fluidic aesthetics that address surface forms and volumes, and wrapping up with a high-tech sculptural surface rear design that completes the character line flow. Hyundai originally referred to this form as ?Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The G90 has a longer wheelbase than the G80, is longer overall and is wider and taller as well.
The interior design and execution is a further reflection of the sophistication and attention to detail displayed by the car?s exterior magnetic appeal.
The 2017 Genesis lineup provides a variety of choices, covering the gamut from Sport sedan to Luxury sedan. The Genesis G90 joins the smaller Genesis G80 sedan. Both are four-door, five passenger luxury sedans. There are two engines to choose from: a Lambda 3.3-liter, DOHC, 24-valve twin turbocharged V6 engine with CVVT and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that produces 356 horsepower along with 376 pound feet of torque; or a Tau 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT and GDI that cranks out an impressive 420 horses at 6,000 rpm, while generating 383 pound feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.
Both engines deliver motive force to the driving wheels via an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission with skip shift capability and a lock-up clutch from gears 2-8, standard paddle shifters, a new drive model select (Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport modes). Shift logic is enhanced along with improved shift speed. Drive configurations include both Rear-wheel drive or HTrac All-Wheel drive system with dual mode tuning, available only on the 3.8 liter V6 models at this time for $2,500., which includes heated rear seats and steering wheel and headlamp washers.
The Genesis G80 and Genesis G90 are available in either RWD or AWD. The EPA fuel economy estimates are 18-mpg city, 29-mpg highway and 22 combined for the 3.3 RWD. The AWD is 16/25/19 mpg and the V-8 is 15/23/18 mpg.
Packaging for the new Genesis stable is simple, actually offering a limited number of buildable combinations that factor in engine, drive configuration and option packaging. Trim levels will the base (not really) Premium and Ultimate (an understatement).
The 5.0-liter V8 models feature 19? Alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires up front, and P275/35R19 tires in the rear, LED fog lamps, Quad exhaust tips, Illuminated door sill plates and genuine matte finish wood trim and aluminum trim.
My test 2017 Genesis G90 Sedan was the 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 powered model in Premium trim and RWD configuration, with a Casablanca White metallic exterior and an interior executed in Black with aluminum and genuine dark wood matte finished trim accents. The base price was set at $68,100., which with the Destination and Handling charges., came to $69,050.
SUMMARY: The 2017 Genesis G90 Premium 3.3T RWD sedan represents an incredible offering that surpasses most competitors in both content and price. It is what a luxury sedan is meant to be.
Safety features abound, as does connectivity and infotainment technology, with all the latest bells and whistles. In fact, I don’t believe that there?s a vehicle in the Genesis?s market segment that delivers as much ? certainly not more in its price range.
The turbocharged V6 which was downsized from 3.8 liters to 3.3, delivers much more than simply ample acceleration. The sumptuousness and luxury exuded by the interior delivers stellar levels of comfort and convenience features, and the ride quality is smooth and planted without any harshness, but also without being mushy. The steering initially feels a little benign with its added assist.
Attention to little details such as puddle lamps that project the Genesis logo on the road surface, activated by the key fob.
Bottom line, the 2017 Genesis G90 in either of its trim levels or drive configurations is an amazingly satisfying luxury sedan, that provides stunning good looks along with spirited performance capability at an unheard of price, especially when one considers all that it has to offer. The G90 is considerably more luxurious and elegant than the G80.
A strange testing sequence took place in my testing schedule ? I first tested the smaller G80 with the 5.0-liter V8 in the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim, which was then followed by the G90, powered by the 3.3 Liter Twin turbo V6 in the lesser Premium trim. Seems that switching engines and trim levels would have been more sensible. In any case, the new Genesis stable truly offers a horse of a different color. There are 5 new models planned to bow by 2021.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium Sedan
Base Price: $68,100.
Price as Tested: $69,050.
Engine Type and Size: 3.3-liter DOHC, 24-valve twin-turbo V6
Horsepower (bhp): 365 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 376 @ from 1,300 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-Wheel Drive.
Suspension: Front – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar
Rear – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs 9vented front) with ABS, ESC, with Traction Control and Brake Assist
Tires: Continental Conti ProContact / P245/40 VR19 94W A/S (front); P275/35 VR19 A/S (rear) mounted on 15 turnbine-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 124.4 inches
Length Overall: 204.9 inches
Width: 75.4 inches – without mirrors
Height: 58.9 inches
Curb Weight: 4,630 lbs.
Turning Circle: 39.2 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 21.9 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: Not tested
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.
