2023 Genesis G90 Prestige Review: Lucky for Lincoln and Cadillac They Pulled Out of the Premium Sedan Business

2023 Genesis G90 Pros

– The G90 is unequivocally luxurious.

– At $115k, it crushes the competition with more features and equal or better quality craftsmanship.

– The driving experience is as soothing as it is engaging.

2023 Genesis G90 Cons

– Genesis brand recognition is still weak-ish but won’t be for much longer.

– The trunk is small – only two golf bags will fit.

If you’re thinking about treating yourself to a new 2023 Genesis G90 premium sedan, quit reading the review and get your name on an order form. The above highlights and low lights perfectly summarize what this car is all about. However, if you want more information, read: praise, please come along for the ride.

I wrote in my first review of the Genesis G90, a 2021 Prestige AWD model, that many of us had forgotten what the definition of “comfortable” was. And while I was pleasantly impressed with the car’s levels of luxury, coziness, and performance, the new updated-for-2023 G90 is even better.

Cosseting power and ride

I will mention that, although very powerful, the new twin-turbocharged V6 engine isn’t quite as sumptuous, emotionally speaking, as the previous naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8. The 3.5L mill features 48V MHEV technology with an e-Supercharger which produces a combined 409hp at 5,800 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. Despite tipping the scale at 5,200 lbs., the Genesis G90 is quick. It will chip at the 100km/h mark in about 5 seconds. About the e-Supercharger, it quashes lag, sharpens throttle response, and is responsible for the extra 34hp over the regular 3.5L TT V6.

The power figures match expectations for a car of this stature and standing but it’s how all the mechanical components come together that, in part, generates so much praise. The G90’s powertrain also features an 8-speed automatic transmission coupled to an AWD system. Immediately, upon driving away, the big Genesis sedan delivers a sense of substance, quality, and refinement that matches or bests the best of the best in the segment. The only mellow-harshing elements are the exterior door handles as they thump loudly when they power-retract into the doors.

Once off, the Genesis G90 isolates its occupants from the harsh exterior world. The standard electronically controlled multi-chamber air suspension with road preview all but completely guarantees absolute refinement. Typically, large wheels hamper a suspension’s ability to soak up rough roads but the G90’s 21-inch wheels could be upsized, and comfort levels would be unaffected. Furthering the sophistication cause is active noise cancellation and acoustic glass for a truly coffin-like cabin environment.

Also delivered with the 2023 Genesis G90 is 4-wheel steering which makes the nearly 5.3-meter long (about the same as a 2023 Toyota Sequoia) shrink in size and increases in maneuverability. With brake pedal response set in comfort, in fact, all settings and drive modes in the comfort programs, the sedan’s driving experience is exceptional.

Styled with reason

As always, styling is very personal and subjective. However, a few objective comments can be said about Genesis’ design and they are that their vehicles are truly unique, distinctive, and recognizable.

I’ll admit to not initially liking the automaker’s 3D G-Matrix grille and slim two-line lamp treatment, but they’ve grown on me to the point where I really appreciate the look. About that, the standard 21-inch wheels are incredibly gorgeous and fit the car perfectly.

There are no options

That’s because everything’s already included. From the acres of quilted Nappa leather, carbon fibre trim, lovely woods, and seductive microfibre suede headliner, getting out of the G90’s cabin is far more difficult than getting in, and the doors are power activated.

The level of kit is immense. Listing what’s not included is easier: No jacuzzi or king-size bed. But seriously, from the twin 12.3-inch displays, 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system, 18- and 16-way power massaging front seats that are also heated and cooled, head-up display, and so on, the 2023 Genesis G90 is LOADED.

An equivalently-equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class is at least $45,000 more expensive.

Paying for content and not for a logo

The 2023 Genesis G90 continues to boldly take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Audi A8, and it wins on almost every point. With more luxury features, an incredibly well-appointed cabin, performance, and design, and for far less money, the sole argument against the G90, once more, comes down the brand recognition.

On that point, had the American automakers continued selling large premium sedans, at this point, Genesis would have already long-ago eclipsed Chrysler and Lincoln, and likely surpassed Cadillac. And mark my words, in less than five years, Genesis will have at the very least, reached Audi’s and BMW’s status, and be on Mercedes-Benz’s heels.