2023 Genesis G90 First Drive: Benchmarks, Consider Yourself Marked
A relative newcomer, Genesis has been staking its claim in the luxury arena with bold designs and fresh takes on traditional segments. The South Korean automaker—it's the luxury arm of Hyundai—launched its first nameplate with the full-size G90 in 2017 and impressed us right out of the gate, winning a comparison test on the strength of its well-appointed cabin and high-tech features.
Since then, Genesis has fleshed out its lineup with a stable of sedans and crossovers. The G70 sport sedan won our 2019 Car of the Year, and the GV70 compact SUV took home our Golden Calipers as the 2022 SUV of the Year. Sales have reflected the brand's overall excellence, as well; Genesis managed to move nearly 50,000 units in 2021—more than double its previous best and more than a third as many as Cadillac despite that brand's century-plus head start. The G90, however, had merely been face-lifted since it arrived. It remained a strong value in terms of features and comfort but lacked the stateliness of newer versions of long-running nameplates.
Now, the 2023 Genesis G90 is all-new and ready to challenge the full-size luxury sedan establishment once more, boasting a fresh exterior design, gorgeous interior, and new mild hybrid drivetrain.
A Striking Sedan
We were intrigued by the 2023 G90 as soon as the first images of the new luxury sedan emerged online. Genesis calls its design language "athletic elegance," which is apparent in its mixture of organic and straight lines. Additionally, Genesis uses a two-line graphic for the LED headlights and twin taillight bars to give the G90 instantly recognizable front and rear visages; we particularly like how the lighting elements flow into the wheel wells and reappear just ahead of each front door.
The signature "crest grille" mimics the shape of the shield at the center of the Genesis logo, a motif also reflected in the shape of the exhaust finishers. Both the grille and available 21-inch wheels make use of a layered design, with tiers of texture for additional nuance and depth. The result is a vastly more elegant car than the outgoing model, with the style and presence necessary to sit at the top of the Genesis lineup.
First-Class Cabin
The improvements extend to the G90's interior, which both looks and feels the part of a contemporary luxury flagship. High-quality leathers, metals, and other trim materials are on display, while exposed plastics are few and far between. Twin 12.3-inch displays include a fully digital instrument cluster that's configurable to a variety of styles, as well as a main infotainment display with gorgeous graphics and quick responses to inputs. However, scrolling through the horizontally aligned thumbnails can get frustrating if a menu item happens to be at the end of the list. Otherwise, the interior layout is very user friendly for the driver.
Unfortunately, buyers who only drive their G90 won't experience one of its finest points, the incredible back seat. Like other executive sedans from the long-benchmarked German and Japanese brands, Genesis generously equips its second row. Features include heated, massaging, and ventilated seats; the best spot in the entire car is the passenger-side rear seat, which can be fully reclined and offers a motorized leg rest. The front passenger seat folds away, as well, to open enough space for most adults to stretch out and wiggle the tips of their toes. Button-activated power soft-closing front and rear doors add to the overall feeling of opulence.
G90 variants equipped with this feature also receive a Chauffeur mode, which alters suspension damping for maximum comfort for rear passengers. When we arrived in Miami, Genesis sent a driver in a G90 to pick us up from the airport. With all the rear shades up to block out the hot Florida sun, the ventilated seats activated, and a massage cranking away, this felt like a serious upgrade from flying coach. All these features can be controlled via a display on the rear middle armrest. This small screen is easy to navigate and is positioned next to a large volume knob. Genesis told us its home market in South Korea will take advantage of this setup at a much higher rate than U.S. consumers will, as even wealthy Americans tend to drive their own cars.
First Drive Impressions
Since most American owners will find themselves in the driver's seat, the G90's road manners really matter. Fortunately, Genesis offers two powerful drivetrain options that provide ample grunt to haul around this large sedan and its occupants. The base engine is Genesis' familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The top-spec car that we drove makes use of an upgraded version of that powerplant. Genesis equips the most powerful drivetrain option with an electric supercharger powered by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Total output increases to 409 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, with the torque curve improving dramatically because the electrically driven supercharger doesn't need to be spun by the engine itself. In fact, its battery is recharged via brake-based regeneration.
On the road, this engine is responsive yet relaxed. The unstressed nature of the drivetrain lends itself to an overwhelmingly calm driving experience. Shifts are smooth and fade into the background as the eight-speed automatic transmission, standard for both engines, shuffles through gears. All-wheel drive is standard on all G90s, as well. If you end up in a hurry, the big sedan feels brisk from a standstill. There's no sporty character whatsoever, but that speaks to the focus Genesis had in making this sedan feel as luxurious as possible. That's evident in the unobtrusive engine stop/start feature, as well. However, even when the V-6 is actively idling, it's nearly imperceptible; the engine turns at just 500 rpm when the G90 is stationary.
On our top-trim test car, adaptive air suspension with adjustable ride height gives the G90 a cushy feel over most road surfaces. When the pavement gets gnarly, the electronically controlled multilink system does a great job of blunting the impact of bumps or ruts. The steering is numb, as one might expect from a car like this, but it's accurate and rear-wheel steering provides uncanny nimbleness in parking lots.
Highway stability was excellent, too, and the G90 simply crushed miles of Florida's arrow-straight highways. Sport mode firms everything up, most notably adding heft to the steering, but had little effect on the way the G90 comported itself. Ultimately we preferred Comfort mode for the majority of our test drive, because of course.
We did find a couple roads and as many freeway ramps as possible with enough curves to get a sense of the G90's handling. Its body, which is said to be 12 percent more rigid than the outgoing G90's, felt well-controlled as we slithered through the bends. Even with the car softened in Chauffeur mode, our rear passenger reported feeling totally at ease during brisk runs onto the highway outside of Miami Beach. It's truly impressive the progress made to this flagship in just one generation.
High-Tech Appointments
The G90 comes equipped with the latest versions of almost all of Genesis' technology. Genesis partnered with Apple and Samsung to allow drivers to use their phones as a remote key. Seven ultra-wideband sensors allow the car to detect a mobile device as one approaches the G90, triggering the greeting procedure that includes a light show and extending door handles. A total of four digital keys can be active at one time, and the vehicle's owner can share keys with friends and family on demand with the Genesis Connected Services app. This same software allows the G90 to perform functions like flashing its lights, honking its horn, and starting or stopping the engine, as well. For this test drive, Genesis sent us a digital key via text message. We added it to our Apple Wallet and had no issues using it to lock, unlock, and start the car throughout the day. Two traditional key fobs are included with every G90, but it was surprisingly easy to get used to simply using your phone instead.
Genesis equips all versions of the G90 with a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Base models receive a 15-speaker setup, while top-trim versions have a premium 23-speaker arrangement. One of the car's party tricks is a configurable soundscape that uses seven microphones in the cabin to help emulate large and small spaces, such s Boston Symphony Hall or a living room.
A plethora of safety features are also included with every G90. Genesis equips the latest versions of its highway driving assist semi-autonomous technology, hands-on detection warning, advanced rear occupant alert, forward collision avoidance assist, reverse collision avoidance assist, and remote smart parking assist on the entire range.
Buyers may miss a few features they expect on a pricey luxury sedan, though. Genesis's Face Connect facial recognition, which is available on the GV60 electric crossover, is not being offered on the 2023 G90. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are absent, as well. When pressed, a representative from Genesis said this was done because the wired versions of these phone connectivity systems are so much more responsive and stable than their cord-free alternatives, but we think it should be up to the buyer to choose how they connect their device to the car. Wireless charging, on the other hand, is available in both the front and second rows. Otherwise, the G90 is as tech laden as flagship vehicles come, especially as over-the-air updates are standard for all G90 models and included for the entire lifetime of the car, even as it passes to new owners.
Should I Buy a Genesis G90?
Historically, the G90 was something of a value play within the full-size luxury sedan segment. It offered impressive materials and comfort at a far lower price than the competition. That's changed some with this new generation. The 2022 G90 started at $74,950; the base 2023 G90 3.5T AWD starts at $89,495. The version we drove, which Genesis calls the G90 3.5T E-SC AWD, starts at $99,795. As equipped, our car stickered at $100,370, factoring in the $575 metallic Saville Silver paint. Matte paint colors add $1,500.
That pricing puts the G90 above the 2022 BMW 740i, which starts at $87,795, as well as the 2022 Lexus LS500, which starts at $77,175. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $112,150, however, which still makes a fully loaded G90 a deal in comparison.
Although the Genesis G90 doesn't exhibit better, more engaging driving dynamics than most of its rivals, the South Korean luxury automaker's hyperfocus on luxury and interior appointments make this sedan stand out in its segment, and it's leaps and bounds ahead of the first-generation model in terms of refinement, opulence, and—most crucially—presence. With incredible attention paid to the smallest details, Genesis just may have another winner on its hands.
Looks good! More details?2023 Genesis G90 AWD Specifications BASE PRICE $89,495-$99,795 LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINES 3.5L/375-hp/391-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6; 3.5L/409-hp /405-lb-ft twin-turbo and electrically supercharged DOHC 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSION 8-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 4,850-5,200 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 125.2 in L x W x H 207.7 x 76.0 x 58.7 in 0-60 MPH 5.0-5.3 sec (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 17-18/24-26/20-21 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 386-405 miles ON SALE August 2022 Show AllYou may also like
High-performance SUVs are a thing. Or just ask Ford, Jeep, Dodge, Acura, virtually all the European luxury brands, and now Cadillac. The 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V is the first and seemingly least-likely Cadillac SUV to wear the V-Series badge. But, with the brand focusing on expanding its high-performance V sub-brand—and on the heels of the launch of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing—the humongous Escalade-V starts to make sense. Why not combine your most recognizable product with the V treatment you're hoping to make more recognizable, even if that product is a full-size, three-row SUV seemingly antithetical to V's athletic aspirations?And it's not like we didn't see the Escalade-V coming. We've seen it in spy photos and teasers. Cadillac now is sharing the first pictures of its massive performance SUV. All the pertinent details, however, are being reserved for a later date this spring. But with the pictures and video below, we can at least see how it will look like and gather some hints about what lies beneath.To the surprise of no one, the Escalade-V looks pretty much like the regular Escalade with V-Series badges and quad exhaust tips. Sporting a black grille and black details on the lower door panels, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V rides on unique wheels and high-performance Bridgestone tires. Big red brake calipers can be spotted peeking through those rims, and likely are sourced from Brembo. Expect GM's Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension to come standard, too.To address the elephant in the room, yes, the Escalade is gigantic. Any other smaller, lighter Cadillac SUV would have made more sense as a V-series. But remember, GM's chassis engineers are magicians, as evidenced by Cadillac's other V-series models' fine handling. While they'll have their work cut out making the tall and heavy Escalade dance, we can't wait to see what they've done.The big question is what will be under the Escalade-V's massive hood. Based on the exhaust sounds in video released by Cadillac, we're expecting the supercharged LT4 V-8. This engine also is used to power the CT5-V Blackwing sedan, where it makes 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers might not be the same in the Escalade-V—Cadillac will probably sacrifice some horsepower for greater torque lower in the rev range to help git this beefcake moving—though no matter what we'll see more than the 420 hp in the regular gas-fed Escalade. As far as the transmission goes, expect the 10-speed automatic to stick around, albeit retuned for snappier shifts and more eager gear selection.Inside, things should remain pretty much the same. A V-Series logo can be seen on the steering wheel, and we will perhaps see it on the headrests, too. Cadillac only revealed one picture of the interior, so we can only guess it will incorporate more carbon fiber trim and contrast stitching. But the 38-inch curved OLED dashboard screen should remain and perhaps will include the Performance Traction Management system that the CT5-V and Chevrolet Corvette have, which lets the driver adjust the stability control's settings for more performance.Although Cadillac is referring to this SUV as a V-Series model, it looks like it will officially bear the name of Escalade-V and not Escalade-V Blackwing. But that info and all the details are reserved for the spring when Caddy plans to share more with the world, after which time expect the 2023 Escalade-V to arrive at dealerships on the second half of this year.
It's finally happening: The iconic Meyers Manx is being reborn for a third time, now as a pure electric vehicle. No, it's not the ID Buggy concept Volkswagen cruelly teased us with a few years ago before crushing our dreams, it's an all-new model from the original outfit. Meet the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric.Real DealLest you think this is another one of those startups that has nothing to do with the original, the EV dune buggy is being produced in California by the Meyers Manx company in partnership with "a U.S.-based manufacturing entity." Manx fans will know that founder Bruce Meyers died in February 2021 at age 94, and a year prior had sold his eponymous company to Trousdale Ventures to ensure its continuation after his passing. Trousdale founder and Meyers Manx chairman Phillip Sarofim hired legendary car designer Freeman Thomas, who penned the Volkswagen New Beetle among other notable projects, to create this next-generation Manx EV.Thomas' work is refreshingly true to the original while incorporating modern components and working around a wildly different drivetrain. Even so, it likely has more in common with the original Manx than the later models you know. The first Manx featured a custom fiberglass monocoque body with embedded steel mounting points and reinforcements. Too expensive to mass produce, Meyers switched to using a shortened Volkswagen Beetle platform with a fiberglass body after 12 unprofitable cars were built.Small Battery, Lightweight, And Plenty Of RangeThis new model utilizes an aluminum monocoque covered with a body made of an unspecified material. Indeed, a number of technical details are unclear or unannounced at this time. Regardless, hidden somewhere under the retro body work is a choice of two battery packs, one 20 kWh and one 40 kWh. Those are small by EV standards, but unlike a Tesla, the Manx 2.0 Electric only weighs an estimated 1,500 to 1,650 pounds depending on battery size.Thanks to its low weight, Meyers Manx estimates the buggy will go 150 miles with the small battery and 300 miles with the big battery. A Level 2 (6 kW) onboard charger is standard and DC Fast charging capability is optional, though only at 60 kW. Here again, the stats are unimpressive for a road-going EV, but the Manx 2.0 Electric's batteries are so small they shouldn't take too long to charge even at those speeds. We can't say for sure, though, because the company has not shared charging times.Regardless of battery size, power will be sent to a pair of electric motors mounted on the rear axle, one driving each rear wheel for precise traction control and torque vectoring. Meyers Manx doesn't have specs on the motors paired with the smaller 40 kWh battery but says that model buggy will hit 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 seconds. Go for the big battery and the motors will put out 202 horsepower and "up to" 240 pound-feet of torque. The company didn't provide a zero-to-60 estimate for that model but it'll certainly be quicker.Ready To Go Off-RoadLike the original, the Manx 2.0 Electric will feature independent front and rear suspension, but we don't have any details on the design used. Photos indicate a trailing arm front suspension like the original air-cooled Beetles and the original Manx. The rear, however, appears to be a modern multi-link design rather than old swing arm setup. Both look to have plenty of travel as an off-roader should, but the company hasn't provided those specs or official ground clearance.Unlike the old Beetle-based kit car, this new one features disc brakes all around instead of drums and also adds regenerative braking on the rear axle, not to mention an electric parking brake. Up front, the Manx 2.0 Electric gets electric power steering and even windshield wipers.In all the most important ways, though, it's true to the original. It's rear-wheel drive, has knobby off-road tires, seats two, and the roof comes off. Inside, the seats appear to be wrapped in a vintage tweed pattern and the minimalist dashboard features a single retro-modern round gauge. The roof appears to be one piece that lifts off the car and gets left in the garage. Like the old days, there are no doors. We hope there's more lockable storage in the front and rear now that there's no engine or gas tank in those spots.No Price Yet, But You Can Be An Early AdopterThe biggest unanswered question we have is what the price tag will be for this adult-sized beach toy. Meyers Manx says they haven't set one yet, but if you don't care and want to get your name on the list now, reservations will open on the company's website after the car's public debut at The Quail show on Friday, August 19, during Monterey Car Week. Deliveries will begin in 2024.If you want to be a real early adopter, though, 50 buyers will be selected to participate in a beta program in 2023. In return for special access, you have to agree to provide feedback to the company while they work out the final kinks before full production begins.
Pebble Beach Car Week has come and gone. This year's festivities marked my 12th in a row, and the world's biggest automobile bash/gala/jubilee felt more lively and comprehensive than ever. I went as a guest of Cadillac, which was celebrating the brand's 120th birthday. Caddy showed off its Project GTP Hypercar, a stealth-fighter-esque concept that previews the upcoming third-generation prototype race car that will eventually contest the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours. But the belle of Cadillac's current ball remains the Celestiq, the upcoming hand-built electric supersedan. How big a deal is this thing? GM CEO Mary Barra was at the Celestiq reveal party; I saw her with my own two eyes as I stuffed my maw with caviar-covered tater tots (fat and salt plus fat and salt is delicious—who knew?). Before the beef wellington and lobster were served, I got a long, hard look at the Celestiq and asked a whole mess of questions. Not to be one who bites the hand that feeds me foie gras, but I have some concerns.Can Cadillac Really Sell $300K Cars?First, though, it's important to consider whether the Cadillac brand is strong enough to support a $300,000 car. My take: Absolutely, yes. Even more so than Maybach, I feel Cadillac could compete on equal footing with Bentley and Rolls-Royce should GM ever choose to fully embrace that route. Yes, the Celestiq is being built to go toe to toe against both British brands' upcoming EV entrants. And in more ways than either Bentley or Rolls will ever publicly admit, the Escalade is a true competitor to both the Bentayga and Cullinan. I'll always remember former head of Rolls-Royce design Giles Taylor telling me the Cullinan had to be made much larger after American Rolls-Royce owners were shown a proposal and said something to the effect of, "You call that an SUV? I have an Escalade at the ranch that's three times as big!"Obviously, the Celestiq's success is not a fait accompli. Everything can still go wrong. But for whatever reason, and aside from all the "Standard of the World" sloganeering, Americans simply have a soft spot in our hearts for great Cadillacs. But the XT4? Uh, no. It's a bad little thing our Buyer's Guide has ranked fifteenth in its segment. Fifteenth! Cadillac needs to make sure this sort of product is dead and buried by the time the Celestiq (pronounced "sell-EHS-tick," not "sell-ess-TEEK") shows up in 2024. And, hey, as a sign of good faith to those you're asking to plonk down three big bills, why not kill the XT4 now? "But they sell," I can hear someone all the way in Michigan saying back to me. As Dan Ammann, GM's former CFO, said when Cadillac briefly moved to New York City, "It's easy to look out your window in Detroit and think Cadillac's a success." A rising tide lifts all ships, while anchors do the opposite. If Cadillac wants the Celestiq to succeed, it has shed the dead weight.It Needs to Be Truly Special and BespokeI raised the following several times at the Celestiq party: "I've been to Crewe. I've met the woman who takes 13 hours to hand-stitch every single Bentley steering wheel. And if a Bentley owner hasn't also been to Crewe and met her, they've seen the video. I've also met the guy at Goodwood who hand-paints every single pinstripe on every single Rolls-Royce. Do you have them? Have you hired these people?" I was not thrilled with the answers. I heard that, no, there's no one in-house right now to do those things on the production vehicle, but members of the design team are capable. Narrator's voice: No one on the design team will be doing anything like that on production Celestiqs. I kept pressing and heard a worse answer: The plan is to let items like this be handled by suppliers. Who, Johnson Controls? That's simply not an acceptable answer.I'm not being snobbish for the sake of being snobbish. People who spent $300,000 on an automobile do so because they want to. It's an unneeded, wholly unnecessary luxury. You can't outsource the little things. You have to sweat 'em, which is why Bentley has a guy named Clive (or something similarly British) and his chisel handling the wood. To be fair to Cadillac, and seeing as how I received several different, uncoordinated answers, I don't think the brand has all the answers just yet. The car is still two years away from production. Everyone I spoke with did explain how the level of customization and individual personification will be tops in the industry. Have a guitar string that means something to you? Cadillac will incorporate it into the interior. Same goes for the guitar itself or Granny's dentures—whatever you desire. As one of those Americans with a soft spot in my heart for great Cadillacs, I want nothing more than for GM to get the Celestiq right. But you must at least rise to the level of the competition before you can beat them.What About the Car?I still can't figure out the design. The size is right—read: massive—but I neither love it nor hate it. I think that means I haven't gotten a great look at it yet. Yeah, there were the mediocre press photos, and I saw the car at night in a crowded party, but I still don't feel like I've really seen the thing. The front end is imposing but eyeless, like a blind shark. The hard side is different to the point that I'm not sure what to make of it. I see an Audi concept car mixed with SUX 6000 from Robocop. The rear glass needs a tint, and I'd love to see a Celestiq in a color other than gray. The rear end is the most successful part of the design to my eyes, but still there are angles—much like the new Nissan Z—that make me suddenly go, "Hmmm." I think the actual production version needs to be a grand slam knockout. Nothing should be able to be questioned.The interior is commodious, a true four-throne luxury villa. Although, boy, it would have been cool to have seen a themed interior, one showing off the customization Cadillac kept bragging about. Caddy, I have one of Billie Joe Armstrong's guitar strings from a Green Day show in 1992 (before they sold out!) in a box somewhere if you need it. Speaking of cool, the interior felt a bit frore, like sitting in a robot's lap. Cadillac's design team kept stressing that, "Everything that looks like metal is metal." Indeed, but how about some leather and/or wood?The most troubling thing about the interior is the massive screen that spans from one A-pillar to the other. Why's that a problem? Well, unless Cadillac has the software engineers on hand to make sure the screen is constantly filled with car-appropriate stuff, you're instead going to have a big, empty screen. That ain't world-class luxury. I asked if there's a way for the screen to go away, pointing out that in both Bentleys and Rolls-Royces there are ways to hit a switch and the screen is suddenly replaced or covered by wood. Cadillac's answer was no. But what if a customer doesn't want to see the screen? The key to cars like this is being able to answer yes, almost no matter the request.PostscriptThere was much sarcastic chatter about Cadillac's plan to fly customers to GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, when it's time to begin customizing the car. 'Thank you for your $300K, here's your ticket to Detroit.' And, 'where is Cadillac going to hotel these well-heeled customers, downtown at the Book Cadillac?' Mind you, these were dudes from Detroit making these cracks. I've always admired the Tech Center from afar—it's a mid-century architectural masterpiece—though I've never visited. I have been to Crewe and Goodwood, Maranello and Sant'Agata Bolognese, and Porsche's Exclusive Manufaktur showroom in Zuffenhausen, all places where people visit in order to customize cars at this price point. Making this sort of visit a positive one is vital. I think Cadillac's on the right track here.The night after the Cadillac Celestiq party, I attended the annual Bentley Signature Party where Bentley's CEO Adrian Hallmark took the wraps off the brand's not very good-looking Batur. (It looks like it could be the 2028 Infiniti Q60.) Once inside the fabulous house on Pebble Beach's 17th fairway that Bentley rents year after year, I noticed the whole team from Crewe was dressed like dandies. Rule Britannia and all that, but my word, did the Bentley team look well tailored. Classy, high end, like the sort of people who might know a thing or two about selling you a $300,000 car. Team Cadillac? Far too many white T-shirts from multipacks worn under dress shirts. It's a Midwest thing, I get it, but come on.But let's back up, all the way to the night before the Celestiq party. That evening, I attended the Land Rover party where we were shown the Range Rover Carmel Edition. It's going to be the rarest Range Rover ever built, limited to just 17 units (one for each mile of 17-Mile Drive), has a pretty nifty interior, and stickers for $345,000. Yes, I spit my champagne out when the price was revealed. However, Joe Eberhardt, the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, did mention that the only people being invited to purchase a Carmel Edition were standing right there. I heard the car sold out later that weekend. Perhaps that means $345,000 ain't what it used to be. Maybe Cadillac knows exactly what it's doing. Check back here in 2024.
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