2018 Genesis G90 RWD 5.0 Ultimate Review

Hypes: Private Jet Interior Furnishings
Gripes: Shiftronic Needs Manual Override

You can afford the car. But can you afford the chauffer? Because this is a limousine meant to be savored from the back seat rather than the driver’s seat. The G90 Ultimate is the bargain Bentley of the year. The Bimmer beater. The Rolls wrecker. Without so much as a single option to pack the window sticker, the G90 goes out the door for its base price of $71,850. Oh, wait – they do add $975 for delivery. But for $72,825 all in, you receive the best, most fully equipped Genesis that parent company Hyundai has ever made. All that for the base price of a BMW 6 Series sedan. And to be fair to Genesis, the G90 should not be compared to the BMW 6. Rather the G90 rivals BMW’s 7 Series, which starts at $84,095 and progresses rapidly to $125,295. So save yourself a lot of bucks and a lot of exotic repair grief, and check out the G90, which first appeared in 2017, and continues unchanged for 2018.

Our stunningly simple looking Casablanca White test sample featured the top engine offering available in the G90 – a 5.0 liter V8 producing 420hp and 383lb.-ft. of torque. A less powerful and less expensive turbo V6 is available as well that reduces output to 365hp and 376lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines couple to an 8-speed “Shiftronic” automatic transmission that includes paddle shifts at the steering wheel. Both the V6 and V8 G90 models are available with rear wheel drive (like our test car), as well as HTRAC all-wheel-drive. Standard on the G90 is an Intelligent Drive Mode System with a “Smart Shift” button on the console between the front seats that allows you to toggle between the following settings: Eco, Smart, Sport, and (driver-customized) Individual. In each case, Genesis artificial intelligence configures an appropriate setting for the G90′s engine, transmission, suspension and electronic stability control, as well as HTRAC for sedans with all wheel drive. We invariably opted for the Sport setting every time the G90 restarted, a setting which provided quick and accurate steering feedback, flat cornering, and immediate throttle response. About the only shortcoming of the system is lack of a manual transmission selection gate on the console shift. Yes, you can temporarily select a specific gear, but after a few seconds the Shiftronic automatically reverts to its “Drive” range.

For a car that rivals most limousines with its XXL 124″ wheelbase, the big sedan handles with surprising panache. While you never lose sight of the car’s massive size (4,820lb. curb weight, 205″ length), the ample rubber at each corner (245/45R19 front; 275/40R19 rear Continental ContiProContact tires) endows the G90 with a purposeful stance and plentiful grip. Feed in the lock as a turn tightens, and the precise steering and high bite from the Continentals insure strict adhesion to your chosen line. Even in the Sport setting, the overall ride experience remains plush and comfortable, with excellent electronically controlled damping provided by the Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension. But the thrill of owning a G90 doesn’t really start until you climb into the sedan’s phenomenal right rear seat. Okay, the left rear isn’t bad either. But where the left rear offers just 12 position adjustment, the right side ups that number to 14, and also enables the you to slide the front seat forward and collapse its back. You can then recline the rear into a full slouch position and use the inclined back of the front seat as your footrest. Follow that up by erecting all 5 privacy screens to ban prying eyes and sun from your cozy nest. The Genesis people wish you Sweet Dreams!

Of course, the G90 doesn’t exactly exclude the driver from the festivities. That seating position boasts no less than 22 power adjustment options, with 16 for the front seat passenger. All four cabin seats feature triple stage heat and ventilation, plus a toasted steering wheel. Nappa leather covers all surfaces with a cushy, handsome, hide that bespeaks luxury. The infotainment system, which Genesis dubs Lexicon, offers 17 speakers, Surround Sound and what they term “Clari-fi Music Restoration Technology.” If you turn this system up to full boost, you may have to avail yourself of hearing restoration technology.

In sum, the Genesis G90 lacks for absolutely nothing your heart could desire in a premium luxury limousine – save the obscenely high price other manufacturers have conditioned you to accept as the norm.

2018 Genesis G90 RWD 5.0 Ultimate