CARS.COM — The Hyundai Genesis is no more; it has become the Genesis G80, and the Hyundai Equus has transformed into the flagship 2017 Genesis G90. The G90, revealed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is tasked with launching Hyundai's luxury brand as a separate entity, one that will eventually encompass a G70 rear-wheel-drive sport sedan and at least one SUV.
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The G90 is a perfectly nice luxury sedan, but not a particularly exciting one. Exterior styling is attractive, but more formal than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. There's more than a passing resemblance to the Cadillac CT6 in the roofline and taillights, but obvious nods to the S-Class as well.
2017 Genesis G90 Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
Inside is an interesting mixture of high-tech digital display technology a la Mercedes-Benz, and luxurious materials that wouldn't be out of place in a Jaguar or Bentley. The leather upholstery on the seats is some of the finest I've ever felt in an automotive application. Its buttery-soft feel makes the hides in a high-level BMW seem questionable.
2017 Genesis G90 Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
There's a ton of space inside the G90, both front and back. Supportive seats with aggressive adjustable bolsters are fitted up front, while the long wheelbase gives backseat passengers plenty of room to stretch out. The V-8 models get some rear seat controls to up the ante in terms of luxury content, creating an even more posh experience. As luxury flagships go, this one gives the Germans some legitimate competition, and it makes the Cadillac CT6 feel like it needs an interior update before it's even gone on sale.
2017 Genesis G90 Cars.com photo by Evan Sears
The Genesis G90 seems to have the luxury side of the equation handled quite well, and now the proof of whether the Genesis brand deserves to be considered alongside the industry's best is up to how it drives.
The Equus was not known for being a featherweight, splitting the difference between the 4,300-pound BMW 7 Series and the 4,800-pound Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Genesis has not provided any weight specs for the new model, but neither did it emphasize any weight reduction efforts or lightweight materials in its construction. If the brand can finally deliver a car as dynamically good as its competition, then Genesis may be considered a viable competitor in the luxury class.
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