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It wasn’t long ago that Hyundai confirmed it was forming a new luxury brand under the Genesis name to be made up of models whose names consist of a capital G and a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing their positioning in the lineup. Today, the Korean automaker revealed the first of its Genesis models, the new G90, which replaces the Equus and thus fills the flagship role at the Korean automaker.
The G90 is also the first model to be styled in line with a new design language called Athletic Elegance, which relies on strong, muscular lines to emphasize a "dynamic, future-orientated" character. Key elements include a hexagonal-shaped grille, sophisticated headlights and the new Genesis logo. The design has clearly been influenced by the recent Vision G concept but we also see some elements borrowed from rival brands, in particular Audi.
The platform of the G90 is a stretched version of the rear-wheel-drive architecture that made its debut in the 2015 Hyundai Genesis (this car will be renamed the Genesis G80 when it undergoes a facelift next year). Rear-wheel drive is standard on the G90 but Hyundai’s H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system is available. Combined with a new adaptive suspension system called Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension, the all-wheel-drive system promises to offer ride comfort and road holding comparable to the German brands. The standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
As expected, the G90 is the first production model to feature Hyundai’s new twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Here, the engine delivers approximately 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, which is enough for 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds. Other engines on offer include an entry-level 3.8-liter V-6 with 311 hp and 293 lb-ft as well as a range-topping 5.0-liter V-8 with 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. The V-8 is clearly the quickest of the bunch, requiring just 5.7 seconds to reach 62 mph. Specifications for the United States will be announced closer to the market launch in 2016.
Those performance numbers are impressive given the size and weight of the G90. It’s a big car. The length measures in at just under 205 inches, which is comparable to the full-size sedans from the German brands. The weight, meanwhile, comes in at a staggering 5,335 lb—and this is for the lightest version. The heaviest is a tank-like 5,720 lb. Remember, the latest BMW 7-Series even in long-wheelbase guise weighs as little as 4,225 lb.
Inside the cabin, Italian leather and real wood are used extensively. You’ll also find plush seats with 22-way adjustment for the driver; a 12.3-inch display; a camera-monitoring system; and a premium sound system from Lexicon. Elsewhere in the well-appointed cabin, air conditioning is divided into three separately-controlled zones, and occupants can charge their cell phones using the latest in wireless charging technology.
There is also a long list of electronic safety and convenience features such as adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and warning systems for blind spots and driver attention. For the Korean market, the G90 will also be available with a semi-autonomous highway mode.
At present, Hyundai has only shown the Genesis G90 in its home market of Korea, where the big sedan will be known as the EQ900. We’ll probably see it for the first time on local soil at next month’s 2016 Detroit Auto Show.
Note, Hyundai has confirmed a six-car lineup for its Genesis brand by the end of the decade. In addition to the aforementioned G80, we should also see an SUV, a small sedan and a replacement for the aging Genesis Coupe.
- Cutting-edge technologies, ultimate refinement and luxurious convenience features set the Genesis brand's range-topper apart from competitors
- Luxury large sedan exudes confidence and originality through its 'Athletic Elegance' and refined yet dynamic performance
- Host of world-best safety and technological innovations realized in G90
December 9, 2015 – Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new Genesis G90 large luxury sedan, the model that will top the new Genesis brand's luxury car line-up. The G90 (called EQ900 in Korea) will compete at the top of the luxury car market with world-best technological innovations and the highest levels of refinement, convenience and dynamic performance.
Designed with profound elegance, natural dignity and grandeur by the Prestige Design Division that will craft the visual identity of each Genesis model, the G90 is the first realization of the brand's 'Athletic Elegance' design style. Outside, the G90's silhouette is powerful and refined, from its long hood to its sophisticated rear. While inside, the finest artisan materials meet human-centered ergonomics to provide occupants with absolute convenience and luxurious comfort.
Human-centered Technological Innovation
With technological innovation at its core and in anticipation of fully-autonomous cars, G90 features Genesis Smart Sense, which brings together advanced systems including Genesis' advanced 'Highway Driving Assistance' (Korean market only), Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance System. Accentuating the customer-oriented approach of Genesis, the system substantially reduces driver fatigue by combining a series of innovative technologies. This combination of newly-developed technologies create a first-class, all-but autonomous driving experience, elevating the G90 to the top of its class.
First-class Comfort
The first-class theme extends to occupant comfort, with the G90 offering the world's first clinically-validated Smart Posture Caring (SPC) System, which automatically adjusts the seat, steering-wheel, outside mirror and head-up display to the optimal position for the driver's body (Korean market only). G90's VIP ergo passenger seats feature multiple ranges of electronically-controlled adjustment and are approved by German campaign for healthier backs, Aktion Gesunder Rücken.
Best-in-class Luxury Refinement
Benefitting from an intensive four-year development program by an 800-strong team, the G90 has best-in-class refinement thanks to extensive work on the car's NVH characteristics. Every detail of the interior has been crafted to continue the car's human focus.
Advanced ergonomics analysis dictates the positioning of driver controls and the passenger comfort and entertainment features, while materials are sourced from the finest artisans around the world. Ride comfort and road holding is optimized by combining an advanced H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system with the first application of Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension.
Sporty Agility with Refined Performance
Driving the car, owners will notice standards of refined performance. This is central to the Genesis brand's character, with development teams carrying out rigorous performance testing of the G90 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany and the Mojave test center in the U.S. Despite the car's sporty and responsive characteristics, the interior environment remains refined with all of the three available gasoline powertrains: V6 3.3-liter T-GDI, V6 3.8-liter GDI or V8 5.0-liter GDI.
The newly introduced G90 in Korea will be rolling out to other markets, including United States, China, Russia and countries in the Middle East. A further five Genesis models will be launched over the next five years.
Genesis G90 – Human-centered Luxury Defined
01 Styling
Athletic Elegance in design that exudes confidence and originality
Formed by Hyundai Motor's new Prestige Design Division, the distinctive appearance of the G90 exudes confidence and originality. Under the oversight of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, G90 expresses the first interpretation of the brand's hallmark design style 'Athletic Elegance,' which harmonizes beauty and elegance of movement with dynamism and an explosion of energy.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the car brings a respect and depth of grace to the sector, a natural dignity of "Soignee Charisma" evident when parked or in motion. In crafting the appearance of G90, the Prestige Design Division aimed to capture the car's strength and originality, while presenting a new charm through its innovative styling and proportions.
At the front, the G90's identity is centered around a Genesis-family styling feature, the 'CREST' grille, and crowned with the new winged-feathers of the Genesis emblem. Powerfully-proportioned, the G90 combines a long hood with short overhangs, a design feature that accentuates the model's strength. The sharp LED headlamps flow around the front corners of the car's bonnet – a key feature of the new family of Genesis-brand cars.
Inspired by clean modern lines and effortless elegance, the large sedan's bold lines flow along a chrome belt line to the rear. Here, dual exhausts balance the refined vertical combination lamps to complete the car's athletic elegance.
Occupying one of the most substantial footprints in its class, the G90 is available in eight sophisticated colors that pick-out the car's characteristic lines. Ranging from Marble White and Onyx Black to Gold Scent and Neptune Blue, the color palette perfectly matches the spectrum of interior color and material combinations.
Interior Design
Human-centered ergonomics, total interior harmony, absolute convenience and luxurious comfort dictate the interior layout and design "Graceful Luxury" of the G90. From the graceful layout of driver controls and authentic material to the seat stitching and elegant color palette, every element of the car's interior reinforces the focus on the car's occupants.
Great consideration has been given to each of the materials chosen for the G90's interior. The highest-quality, authentic materials adorn the cockpit with ease of use and beauty of appearance central to every feature's form and function. In collaboration with prominent Italian leather supplier Concerio Pasubio SPA, Hyundai Motor specially-developed semi-aniline leather for the seats of G90 Limousine. Throughout the cabin, the latest technologies sit among Nappa leather and glossy real wood, delighting the senses and cosseting the occupant in a first-class environment.
02 Driving Performance
Refined performance with sporty agility
A characteristic of all Genesis models will be the melding of sporty agility and refined performance. Sitting at the pinnacle of the Genesis range, the G90 captures this spirit perfectly thanks to an extensive research, development and testing regime.
The G90's engineers worked closely with Hyundai's European Test Centre based at Germany's demanding Nürburgring circuit, and also put the car through its paces at Hyundai's test center at Mojave in the Unites States. Through an intensive program of testing and development, the engineering team refined G90's ride, handling, steering input, suspension movement and interior environment to deliver an impeccable and exhilarating driving experience with dynamics that are luxurious, sporty and refined.
To ensure occupants enjoy the smoothest ride while retaining engaging handling characteristics, the G90 is fitted with multi-link suspension paired with High Performance Dampers or the Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension system.
03 Safety
Human-centered innovation and world's best safety technologies
Safety without compromise' summarizes the human-centered philosophy that has directed the development of the G90. The introduction of several world-best safety technologies, alongside a highly rigid body frame (the strongest in its class), means the G90 boasts safety as one of its stand-out features.
Adding to the car's no-expense-spared safety set-up, a selection of other technologies work to minimize risk and maximize protection for the driver, passenger and other road users. From Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Active Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Driver Attention Alert, to Smart High Beam Assist and an Around View Monitor, the human-centered nature of Genesis is evident throughout.
04 Convenience Features
The ultimate hassle-free ownership experience
Simplicity and intuitiveness were key to the development of the G90's convenience features, delivering the ultimate hassle-free experience for owners. Also, in developing the car's specification and equipment, great thought was put in to providing everything a customer would need without anything unnecessary or over complicated.
Looking to the future, Genesis G90 applies an advanced 'Highway Driving Assistance' system (Korean market only), a step towards fully-autonomous motoring. The system substantially reduces driver fatigue and works by combining a series of systems - Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistance System and a combination of newly developed technologies.
Seating comfort is an outstanding characteristic of the G90, with engineers creating the world's first Smart Posture Caring (SPC) System to ensure total luxury for the driver and passengers. The innovative ergo seating system automatically determines the optimal position for the driver's body, ensuring minimal stresses even on longer journeys.
The G90's electronically-controlled driver's seat feature 22 ranges of adjustment and have been approved by German campaign for healthier backs, Aktion Gesunder Rücken. The VIP passenger seats are electronically adjustable in 14 different ways, ensuring the highest levels of comfort.
Many of the car's features rely on interaction with the car's audio visual system displayed via a luxurious 12.3-inch High Definition wide screen sited in the center console. The screen plays a key role in enhancing the ease of parking and in-city maneuvers for drivers. A one mega pixel digital camera is activated when parking, sharing the screen with a high-resolution 360-degree Around View Monitor.
Quality was also fundamental to the appointment of G90's audio system. Presenting a concert hall-like experience, the Lexicon Sound System boasts Quantum Logic surround sound, while the car's Clari-fi software rebuilds details lost in compressed audio files, adjusting the treatment based on the quality of the audio signal to restore a hi-fidelity listening experience.
Elsewhere in the well-appointed cabin, air conditioning is divided into three separately-controlled zones, and occupants can charge their cell phones using the latest in wireless charging technology.
05 Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Extensive development realizes best-in-class refinement
Engineers set NVH as a key differentiator for G90, dedicating hundreds of hours to fine tuning every aspect of noise reduction and comfort enhancement. This obsessive attention to detail has resulted in the Genesis G90 boasting best-in-class ratings for in-cabin quietness, a major achievement in this highly competitive area of the luxury car market.
From introducing special sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin and sub-structure of the car to the application of laminated glass on each window, the focus on providing customers with the ultimate luxury experience was the key. The determination to minimize generation of additional tire noise even extended to the special hollow design of the G90's 19-inch alloy wheels with engineers altering the structure to channel the flow of air in a quieter way.
Sound engineering also extends to the sedan's suspension set-up, which is optimized at test centers around the world for high speed cruising while minimizing in-cabin impact and body vibration.
06 Powertrains
Refined, powerful and responsive powertrains
Tuned for maximizing driving pleasure, the rigorous testing regime concentrated on getting a responsive drive from the car's powertrains, while remaining refined for drivers and passengers.
Fitted with a choice of three gasoline engines: V6 3.3-liter T-GDI (370PS); V6 3.8-liter GDI (315PS); or V8 5.0-liter GDI (425PS), the G90 boasts impressive performance characteristics despite its generous size.
The 425PS V8 unit can propel the sedan from 0-100kph in as little as 5.7 seconds, fueled by powerful torque of 53.0kgf.m. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor's first twin-turbocharged engine, the 3.3l V6, boasts strong performance throughout the rev-range, capable of 80-120kph overtaking maneuverers in 13.0 seconds thanks to its 52.0kgf.m of torque.
07 Technical Specifications
Technical details of new Genesis G90
Note - Product specifications and options available may vary by region
Ok, wow. That interior is something gorgeous. I like the rear screens also, but then again, I also like the new tablet look a lot of companies are doing up front too.
I think the car itself, without driving one should be on par or close the BMW/Merc.
I have sat in the last gen Equus.... IMO even the LS460 is meh compared to it, let alone RLX.
The only major downside is the brand.... which will take time.. for more people to spend the premiums on a Hyundai.
i wish more company can realistically challenge BMW/Merc to keep their prices on check. They are getting a little too cocky in that segment.
I haven't had much experience with high end BMWs (7 series), Mercs or even the Equus, so I'll have to take your word for it. If that is the case, then wow.
And you're right about the name... Hopefully the move to separate the "Genesis" line will help out big time. I really admire that Hyundai has the balls to build cars like this. I wish Acura would stop pussyfooting around and grow a pair already. Oh, right... Not gonna happen.
Not saying Hyundai's overall lineup is on par. But Equus is definitely up there. The rear seats felt like a living room recliner with massage. Basically you feel like a boss...
Of course if you start digging into the every little details, then you will notice that it is still not exactly the same as S or 7... but when you remind yourself how much it costs, the car is wow..
looks good but, still would never own a Hyundai or Kia product
I would have thought the same thing 2 or 3 years ago but Hyundai will surpass Acura and Infiniti easily in the next several years in the premium market. It will be behind Lexus as a legitimate competitor to the Germans in the luxury field. Genesis is the new luxury brand Hyundai is launching. They already have 6 models within the brand. The RLX is an unmitigated disaster. The TLX is modestly successful. Acura now is only a SUV/CUV brand. It's a wrap for Acura.
Kudos to Hyundai, that's a nice and inviting executive's interior. I see so few EQUUSeses out in the wild, would be great to start seeing as many of them as there are longtoothed LS's.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Genesis brand name has any value and whether or not it can separate from a weak brand like Hyundai.
With the proper hardware (V8 and RWD), there is at least a chance (no matter how slim) for Genesis to become successful as a luxury brand.
However, without the proper hardware, there is NO chance at all for an auto brand to become successful as a luxury brand, no matter how hard it tries, cough ... cough ... Acura.
With the proper hardware (V8 and RWD), there is at least a chance (no matter how slim) for Genesis to become successful as a luxury brand.
However, without the proper hardware, there is NO chance at all for an auto brand to become successful as a luxury brand, no matter how hard it tries, cough ... cough ... Acura.
Hyundai designs are old Benz with too much electronics. Acura interior are simple and classy.
Even padestrian Accord has more presence than Genesis.
what is that SH-AWD that replaces RWD. which Hyundai can produce such fuel economic with 5 passenger trip and that include LA traffic.
Packed Full for a Vegas Trip - 2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD Long-Term Road Test
2015 Acura TLX: Packed Full for a Vegas Trip
It's a great cruiser with plenty of trunk space and a gutsy engine that delivers unbelievable fuel economy. I can't wait to take it on another trip. Provided I don't have five passengers that want to go with me, of course.
Lol @ one of the comments on that video "Wait im still waitting for something like this from Acura"
We ALL are. Mean while at Acura, they still aren't sure what class they really want to compete in. Im sure it will take them another 20 years to figure out and act on what Hyundai has in a matter of a few.
Yes, and in 10 years I'm sure Hyundai will already have a supercar out on the roads and be lightyears ahead of anything that Acura is doing in terms of performance and luxury. Sigh...
By the 20 year mark, they'll be buying Acura and finally putting the last nail in its coffin.
I don't believe that at all. They must hand them out for free in your cities.
That, or it's proof that Acura's "precision craptastic whatever" design language really holds no weight and their cars are so vanilla that not even car enthusiasts of any kind pay attention to them on the road.
lol you guys come on.. i love how you like to exaggerate.
29k genesis sedans sold YTD
43.5k TLX sold YTD
I swear some of you guys use try so hard to make Acura fail that it clouds your judgement. This comment is just about the numbers and seeing these cars on the road. On the other I do agree with your feelings about the new Genesis line and how Acura does need to step it up.
lol you guys come on.. i love how you like to exaggerate.
29k genesis sedans sold YTD
43.5k TLX sold YTD
I swear some of you guys use try so hard to make Acura fail that it clouds your judgement. This comment is just about the numbers and seeing these cars on the road. On the other I do agree with your feelings about the new Genesis line and how Acura does need to step it up.
you missed the point by about 1000 miles.
NO ONE has said Hyundai has sold more Genesis than TLX. NO ONE.
It just FEELS that way because no one really notices the TLX.
lol you guys come on.. i love how you like to exaggerate.
29k genesis sedans sold YTD
43.5k TLX sold YTD
I swear some of you guys use try so hard to make Acura fail that it clouds your judgement. This comment is just about the numbers and seeing these cars on the road. On the other I do agree with your feelings about the new Genesis line and how Acura does need to step it up.
Originally Posted by oonowindoo
you missed the point by about 1000 miles.
NO ONE has said Hyundai has sold more Genesis than TLX. NO ONE.
It just FEELS that way because no one really notices the TLX.
If Hyundai is serious about going after the big boys with the launch of its new Genesis brand, it's going to need the right people with experience in the luxury marketplace to pull it off. Fortunately it appears to have found just the man for the job. His name is Manfred Fitzgerald, and he'll be running the Korean automaker's new luxury brand starting next month.
Fitzgerald was formerly director of brand and design at Lamborghini, where he worked for 12 years before leaving to start his own consultancy. As the latest Senior Vice President at Hyundai, he'll be tasked with leading the "brand strategy, marketing, and other business operations" for the Genesis brand. That means working closely with Luc Donckerwolke, who – having penned for a number of Volkswagen divisions including Lamborghini as well – recently left his post as head of design at Bentley to run Hyundai's new Prestige Design Division (which will handle the styling for all future Genesis vehicles).
Donckerwolke works under Peter Schreyer, who – as chief design officer at Hyundai and one of three presidents of Kia – is the highest-ranked foreigner at the company. Schreyer is also a former VW Group man, having designed the original Audi TT and the Volkswagen New Beetle before leaving for South Korea. One year ago, Hyundai similarly tapped Albert Biermann – formerly head engineer at BMW M GmbH – to run its new performance division.
If Hyundai is serious about going after the big boys with the launch of its new Genesis brand, it's going to need the right people with experience in the luxury marketplace to pull it off. Fortunately it appears to have found just the man for the job. His name is Manfred Fitzgerald, and he'll be running the Korean automaker's new luxury brand starting next month.
Fitzgerald was formerly director of brand and design at Lamborghini, where he worked for 12 years before leaving to start his own consultancy. As the latest Senior Vice President at Hyundai, he'll be tasked with leading the "brand strategy, marketing, and other business operations" for the Genesis brand. That means working closely with Luc Donckerwolke, who – having penned for a number of Volkswagen divisions including Lamborghini as well – recently left his post as head of design at Bentley to run Hyundai's new Prestige Design Division (which will handle the styling for all future Genesis vehicles).
Donckerwolke works under Peter Schreyer, who – as chief design officer at Hyundai and one of three presidents of Kia – is the highest-ranked foreigner at the company. Schreyer is also a former VW Group man, having designed the original Audi TT and the Volkswagen New Beetle before leaving for South Korea. One year ago, Hyundai similarly tapped Albert Biermann – formerly head engineer at BMW M GmbH – to run its new performance division.
Dayum. Hyundai is serious about this.
This just shows how serious Hyundai is and all the while showing just how lost the folks at Acura are in trying to find themselves.
12-08-2015, 06:22 PM
