Genesis G90, The Next Korean Luxury Car

Published on December 10, 2015 in New Models by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
Genesis G90

A while ago, Hyundai announced that they would launch a new sub-brand called Genesis (and rebrand the sedan that currently used this name). We now discovered the first vehicle of this line-up: the G90, which was previously known as the Hyundai Equus.

Known in South Korea as the EQ900, the large sedan is quite big. With a length of 5,205 mm, a height of 1,495 mm and a wheelbase of 3,160 mm, it will look right at home next to a 7 Series BMW or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Three different powertrains will be available: the base version will get Hyundai’s 3.8-litre V6, generating 315 horsepower. Further up in the range is a new 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 good for 370 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Finally, the most luxurious G90 will come with a 5.0-litre V8 developing 425 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, enough to sprint to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Whatever the engine, an eight-speed transmission comes standard, as does a rear-wheel drive layout; an AWD setup is optional.

On the options list is an adaptive suspension, a Lexicon sound system and rear VIP seats adjustable in 14 positions, among other things. A 360-degree camera comes standard, and the one-megapixel rearview camera should be enough to see whatever is behind. Hyundai also boasts that the G90 will be among the quietest in its segment; when the competition is named Audi and Mercedes-Benz, this is a bold claim.

The Korean EQ900 will be sold in the second half of 2016; as for the North-American version of the G90, we should learn more shortly.