2026 Genesis G90 Black Edition Review: The Queen of South Korea

Although the large luxury sedan market is dominated by Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Genesis remains committed to producing its G90. While it stays relatively discreet on our roads, it is immensely popular in South Korea. In Canada, we are talking about only a handful of units, yet it remains important for Genesis’ image and prestige. To draw attention to it in 2026, the manufacturer is offering us a stealth-looking “Black” version.

Pros:

Cabin luxury and comfort

Lower cost of ownership than the competition

Lower price compared to rivals

Cons:

Less prestige

Limited resale value

Restricted powertrain choice

• The G90 comes with electric supercharging

• The twin-turbo V6 produces 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque

• The “Black” edition costs $3,000 more than the regular version

The world of full-size luxury sedans is quite limited and essentially concerns only a handful of buyers. In many cases, these are even executive or service vehicles. Even though their buyers are few, these models generally represent the manufacturer’s ultimate expression, and often its technological showcase. One only needs to look at the G90’s competition to understand this notion: Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Porsche Panamera. There is nothing ordinary about these models.

Standing Out

The G90 faces very well-established players with strong reputations and, above all, highly prestigious names in the industry. How can it “impose itself” in this reality? Quite simply, by focusing on key factors such as successful design. The car’s proportions are highlighted by a very long hood, a sleek cabin with generous glass area, and a relatively short trunk.

Genesis Unveils X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible Concepts at the Seoul Mobility Show

To further build attention around the G90, Genesis has unveiled a collection of concepts that highlight the foundation of this sedan. These include the X Gran Cabriolet and Coupe concepts, as well as a “wagon-like” fastback version called the Windback. Genesis is going all out to draw attention. All that’s missing is a Magma version to take on AMG, S and M.

The “Black” model launched for 2026 follows the same approach already seen with the GV80. The formula is simple: everything that was chrome turns black. However, an even more distinctive element is offered: 22-inch black-painted wheels with a weighted centre cap. Just like Rolls-Royce, the Genesis emblem remains upright even while driving. Genesis limits body colour choices to two shades: Uyuni White and Vik Black. On this point, it is somewhat disappointing, especially since black requires an additional $500. In this segment, more choice is always preferable. That said, the quality of the finish and paint is flawless.

South Korean Haute Couture

South Koreans are strong when it comes to equipment across their product ranges. Once you step into Genesis territory, the manufacturer spares no effort in terms of luxury, and with the G90 sitting at the top of the division, superlatives are easy to find.

Accessing the cabin is already somewhat theatrical, as the door can be closed simply by pressing the brake pedal. No need to stretch to pull it in. Once closed, you discover a very luxurious environment with impeccable finish. What immediately stands out is the all-black presentation. Everything is black: diamond-stitched leather, finely crafted wood trim, and anything that would normally be chrome is now black, black, black. Genesis creates a monochrome atmosphere that gives the cabin a classic feel.

The steering wheel offers a pleasant two-spoke presentation with a series of controls that favour ergonomics. The fully digital instrumentation is aesthetically successful but does not offer enough configuration possibilities. We no longer get the flair of the old 3D Genesis displays.

At the centre, the multimedia system is shared with other Genesis products. In the G90, you do not get one large panel combining both screens; the central one sits slightly higher. Below, the air vents are subtly integrated while all climate controls are grouped into a single control pad. Genesis resists the temptation to move everything into screens.

The console is busy and gathers several additional controls. I still criticize the position of the two rotary knobs, side by side, which creates confusion between the transmission selector and the multimedia controller. This is also where the buttons for the electric rear door closing are located.

The seats offer a very high level of comfort with excellent support. Naturally, adjustment, ventilation, heating and massage functions are available for all occupants.

A Princely Life

As I had the pleasure of experiencing in South Korea, it is far more enjoyable to be driven in a G90 than to drive it yourself. It all begins with the wide-opening door, which is already very long. Comfort is princely, especially in the diagonal position behind the driver. In this configuration, you can fully enjoy the forward position of the front passenger seat to stretch your legs onto an electric footrest, recline the seatback, and live an experience worthy of first class on a long-haul aircraft.

Passengers enjoy as many adjustments as those in the front for maximum comfort. Obviously, it is preferable to sacrifice the third seat in the rear bench to deploy the central armrest, which integrates the control screen for all available features.

Not Quite There Yet

Although the G90 is significantly more luxurious than the vast majority of cars, you do not feel the same level of luxury and prestige as in an S-Class or a 7 Series. For example, it is not possible to have rear entertainment screens. BMW offers a 31-inch 8K screen that folds down from the ceiling, while Mercedes-Benz provides one integrated into each seatback.

Less Powerful, But More Than Enough

Unlike German manufacturers that offer a range of powertrains, Genesis is conservative. There is only one engine: a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric supercharger. It produces 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Everything is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that naturally favours rear-wheel drive.

This places it below what the competition offers, even with their base engines. However, the contribution of the electric supercharger helps limit turbo lag and provides smooth, lively acceleration without being brutal.

Driving without a soul

On the road, the G90 offers a satisfying driving experience, but again, it is not as sharp and precise as the Germans. The driving feel is more isolated and less communicative. Even when selecting “Sport” mode, performance and driving pleasure remain secondary. The G90 maintains a certain ease thanks to its adaptive suspension, which absorbs most road imperfections. For urban driving, the addition of rear-wheel steering improves manoeuvrability and agility.

In terms of fuel consumption, you pay for the technological gap compared to the competition. While the S500 and 750e are significantly more powerful, they achieve better average consumption. During my test, I recorded over 14 L/100 km without driving aggressively. One could argue that someone buying a car at this price point can also afford the fuel bill, but a touch of hybridization would help bring consumption down to a more acceptable figure.

Things to Watch

The sample size of the Genesis G90 is very limited. It is therefore difficult to comment on reliability. However, looking at previous generations, its record is nearly impeccable. There are minor electronic glitches, but significantly fewer than the competition.

Genesis Recalls its G90 Sedan for a Problem as Bizarre as it is Incredible

Financially, caution is required. The G90 is noticeably less expensive than other large luxury sedans, but like them, it loses value quickly. In fact, the lack of brand aura costs it even more than the already depreciation-heavy BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. If you want a G90, there are two options to consider: leasing or keeping it for the very long term to reduce the financial impact over time.

One of the other major advantages of the G90 is its cost of ownership. The manufacturer comprehensively includes maintenance as well as valet service for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km. Unlike others, there is no need to pay extra to benefit from these services.

Conclusion

The G90 is very well executed in almost every respect. It is not as refined as the German rivals, but it is also much less expensive at equivalent equipment levels. It proves significantly less temperamental than the others, but also makes some concessions in technological refinement. What you lose in one area, you gain in another. The tested version carried a price of $122,118, nearly $30,000 less than a base S-Class. The gap is enormous, and even larger when compared to BMW. Only the Lexus LS 500 comes close, at $135,850.

The G90 is a good choice, but you must plan to keep it for the long term. The other option is to wait a little and find one used after depreciation has done its work — and then it truly becomes a golden opportunity.

Model	Genesis G90	Mercedes-Benz S500	BMW 750e
Base price	121 500 $	149 100 $	158 248,00 $
Engine	V6 3.5T SC Elect-assist	L6 3.0T Elect-assist	L6 3.0T/Elect-motor
Power	409 ch.	442 ch	483 ch.
Torque	405 lb-ft	413 lb-ft	516 lb-ft
Transmission	AT8	AT9	AT8
0-100km/h	5,1 sec	4,9 sec	4,8 sec
Fuel cons (City)	13,6	11,2	9,9
Fuel cons (HWY)	9,6	7,7	8,8
Fuel cons (Combined)	11,8	9,6	9,4
Trunk	312 liters	550 litres	525 litres