<p><img class="lead-image-large" src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f4bde805001980c58d-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL23.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_23" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p>Chauffeuring executives around used to be a job for the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-sedan-debut-specs-horsepower-dealerships-2020-9">Mercedes-Benz S-Class</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bmws-7-series-high-tech-surprises-2015-6">BMW 7 Series</a>, and Lincoln Town Car.</p><p>But now that Hyundai's new(ish) luxury brand, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/genesis-quest-to-win-buyers-from-mercedes-benz-and-bmw-2020-10">Genesis</a>, is more firmly than ever on the radar, the full-size G90 sedan wants to give buyers a plush alternativeand it certainly looks the part.</p><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7edbde805001980c581-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL21.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_21" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">A limo needs to fulfill a few things; namely, have understated but executive looks and a sophisticated interior. The G90 embodies these traits exactly right, leading me to spend my weekend with it driving family around.</p><p>By the end of it, I kind of wished I'd been the one in the back seat.</p><h2><strong>The 2020 Genesis G90: It looks better now</strong></h2><p>This is the only generation of the Genesis G90 so far and it's been in the United States <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/genesis-g90-hyundai-drive-2016-8">since 2016</a>. When unveiled, it was reasonably nice inside, if not a little bland on the outside. With a 2018 face-lift, the G90 now wears Genesis' striking corporate face that you can also find on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2021-genesis-gv80-review-price-specs-horsepower-interior-hyundai-suv-2020-10">the GV80 SUV</a>.</p><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f3d184b30018aae440-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL19.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_19" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">How that horizontally themed face will age remains to be seen, but as such, Genesis managed to pull off a big, modern-looking sedan that makes everyone around it feel like they'd find someone important in the back seat.</p><p>As an added bonus, my loaner came in a gorgeous and sparkly deep plum color and an ivory-toned interior.</p><h2><strong>Details and safety ratings: A Top Safety Pick Plus winner</strong></h2><p>The face-lifted G90 comes with two engine options: either a 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V6, good for <a href="https://media.genesis.com/NEWS/2020-genesis-g90--a-full-model-change-at-mid-cycle/s/56e82b9a-8680-49f4-9168-0aab4a79d68c">a claimed</a> 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.0-liter V8, good for a claimed 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.</p><p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f9d184b30018aae44a-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL48.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_48" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Rear-wheel drive is available as standard but all-wheel drive is an option. All G90s are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.</p><p>The car is 17 feet long, 6.3 feet wide, and 4.9 feet tall. It has 15.7 cubic feet of cargo room. Fuel economy for the V6 is an estimated 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.</p><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7efd184b30018aae439-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL16.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_16" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Though it's not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2020 G90 earned a Top Safety Pick Plus award from the <a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/genesis/g90-4-door-sedan/2020">Insurance Institute for Highway Safety</a>the agency's highest safety award.</p><h2><strong>What stands out: Legroom for days</strong></h2><p>Peer at the G90's backseat and the first thing you'll notice is how much legroom there is. It's first-class legroom! Like, first class on international flights. The <em>good</em> first class, not just the one that's glorified economy.</p><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f8d184b30018aae447-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL41.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_41" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">The seats just don't fold down flat, though they do recline. Sitting back there, I had no problem crossing and uncrossing my legs and without worrying about whether I'd kick the front seat.</p><p>I put taller people back there, too. They also remarked on the expansive legroom.</p><p><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f8d184b30018aae446-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL33.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_33" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">As a final test, I was able to fit a whole wedding cakein its boxsnugly in the rear footwell.The cake was delicious, in case anyone was wondering.</p><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdd85ec8408b0019bd41a1-2400/20201127155435.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90." data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."></p><p>The rest of the car's interior quality impressed as well. Soft leathers, brushed aluminum switches, and open-pore wood all added to the cabin's sense of unobtrusive serenity. Within and without, the G90 wore interesting patterns and textures on every surface that it could, including its speaker design and daytime running lights.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation=""><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had the Genesis G90 recently and I have to say, the little musical chime when you turn the car off was one of my favorite features. Wholly unnecessary but absolutely pleasant all the same. <a href="https://t.co/a320Wr7bl1">pic.twitter.com/a320Wr7bl1</a></p> kristen (@KristenLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1349043063897915392'ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>It was even aurally pleasing. Every time you turned the car on or off, the action was followed by a charming little musical chime. We should style all waiting rooms after the inside of the G90.</p><p><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7fcd184b30018aae44e-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL31.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_31" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Tranquility is the top priority here. That much is obvious. Climbing into the G90 is like walking into a spa, unbothered by uncivil potholes or cracked pavement thanks to the G90's superior suspension.</p><p>Even on the most pockmarked of Manhattan cobblestone streets, the system soaked up road imperfections like a sponge. Like they weren't even there. Like magic.</p><h2><strong>What falls short: Needs rear-axle steering</strong></h2><p>I couldn't understand why the G90, of all cars, came with a sport modeespecially when said sport mode made no discernible difference to the way the car drove.</p><p>The steering became just a smidge more weighted, but it was already fine to begin with. The mode just seemed so at odds with a car that was decidedly against sporty driving.</p><p><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7eebde805001980c584-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL40.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_40" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."></p><p>There's also no getting around the fact that the G90 is a large car, and large cars can be a pain to navigate around tight parking lots. Thousand-point turns, cutting the wheel back and forth hundreds of times, the works.</p><p>Here, the Genesis could have really benefited from rear-axle steering. Rear-axle steering works wonders to tighten turning radiuses of large cars, making them feel much smaller than they are. It made even the gargantuan <a href="https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-mercedes-amg-gt-63-s-is-a-panserbjorn-1840346130">Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S feel petite</a>.</p><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f9d184b30018aae449-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL38.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_38" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Finally, half of the passengers I chauffeured reported feeling slightly carsick after experiencing the G90's floaty ride quality. While I'll admit that motion-sickness does run in my family, I've also heard no such complaints when shuttling them around in other cars.</p><h2><strong>How the G90 compares to its competitors: Thousands of dollars cheaper</strong></h2><p>Prices for the 2020 G90 start at $72,200, and the 2021 model will cost you $72,950. My loaner (which was incredibly well optioned just with its standard features) came to $73,195 after a $995 destination and delivery fee.</p><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f6d184b30018aae442-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL34.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_34" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">It's not a particularly cheap car, but you do get an awful lot of car for the money.</p><p>The G90's competitors include the Audi A8 (<a href="https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/models.html'bytype=Sedans%20and%20Sportbacks">$86,500</a>), BMW 7 Series (<a href="https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7-series/sedan/pricing-features.html">$86,800</a>), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (<a href="https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/s-class/sedan#models">$94,250</a>), Lexus LS (<a href="https://www.lexus.com/models/LS">$76,000</a>), and Acura RLX (<a href="https://www.acura.com/rlx">$54,900</a>).</p><p><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb800d184b30018aae456-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL43.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_43" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Save for the Acura, the Genesis undercuts all of its competition by thousands of dollars (and in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars). On top of that, Acura has plans to <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a32494052/acura-rlx-discontinued-killed/">cancel the RLX after the 2020 model year due to poor sales</a>, so it won't be a competitor for much longer.</p><p>There's no denying that big, executive sedans don't sell like SUVs and crossovers, but for certain buyers who prefer to outsource the driving, they're perfect. And as long as you're in the market for one, why not consider the Genesis and save a little money'</p><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f1d184b30018aae43b-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL9.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_9" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">I wouldn't call the G90 a super direct BMW, Audi, or Mercedes competitor, though.</p><p>The European sedans have always exuded a sense of sportiness beneath their luxurious exteriors. The Genesis rides much more softly. It's not wanting for more power, but also, power isn't the point.</p><p><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7fdd184b30018aae451-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL22.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_22" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">If you want a heavyweight engine in a dignified suit that'll outrun small planes taking off, look elsewhere. The svelte G90 is more concerned with delivering a ride that won't upset your drink onto your lap.</p><h2><strong>Our impressions: Better to be driven in than to drive</strong></h2><p>It was abundantly clear that the focus here, above all else, was smoothness. Everything about the G90 was smooth as oiled glass. Or butter.</p><p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f8d184b30018aae444-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL27.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_27" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">The steering is consistently weighted throughout turns and across all speeds. You can barely feel the transmission shifting. The brakes don't grab rudely at the beginning of the pedal travel. The acceleration, though present, pulls the car up to speed in a completely drama-free manner.</p><p>And that floaty suspension, man. I couldn't get over that. It worked miracles over crappy pavement.</p><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7ffd184b30018aae454-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL50.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_50" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">But it was also the only time a suspension system has ever made me quite that aware of my own driving. I found myself looking even further ahead in traffic, trying to anticipate my next move more than usual, because any sudden movementa jab of the brakes, a jerk of the steering wheelwas amplified throughout the rest of the car, sort of like rolling around on a water bed.</p><p>As a car for the driver, the G90 didn't do it for me. The front row materials were just as nice as the ones found in the back row, but it's not like I can fully appreciate them while I'm driving. I didn't particularly appreciate how even the smallest sudden movement resulted in body wobble. I felt bad that my family got carsick.</p><p><img src="https://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7ebd184b30018aae433-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL4.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_4" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90.">Or maybe I'm just a terrible chauffeur! There's a high likelihood that this is the case.</p><p>Regardless, I envied my family in the back of the G90, and wished to be there as wellrear seats reclined and privacy shades pulled up. The back of the car is calm. It encourages relaxation. You feel important back there.</p><p>Genesis put most of the G90's focus on the rear seat, making it <em>the</em> place to be. But for the love of the driverwhether they be paid or volunteerit could have used a bit more engagement in its step.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7fdd184b30018aae452-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL52.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_52" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7eebde805001980c583-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL26.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_26" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7ecbde805001980c580-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL6.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_6" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7ffd184b30018aae453-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL47.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_47" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7efbde805001980c586-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL32.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_32" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f9d184b30018aae448-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL42.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_42" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7edd184b30018aae436-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL1.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_1" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f7bde805001980c591-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL20.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_20" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f0d184b30018aae43a-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL3.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_3" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7efd184b30018aae438-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL15.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_15" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7f5d184b30018aae441-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL13.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_13" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7ffd184b30018aae455-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL36.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_36" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb7eebde805001980c582-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL28.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_28" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5ffdb800d184b30018aae457-2400/2020%20Genesis%20G90KL56.jpg" border="0" alt="2020 Genesis G90_KL_56" data-mce-source="Kristen Lee" data-mce-caption="2020 Genesis G90."></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kia-hyundai-genesis-hottest-automakers-to-watch-telluride-veloster-k5-2020-9" >The Telluride SUV proves Hyundai and Kia are no longer underdogs in the US. But there's still work to do.</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2020-genesis-g90-review-sedan-hyundai-interior-price-technology-features-2021-1#comments">Join the conversation about this story »</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-symphony-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-deals-with-waste-2020-3">How waste is dealt with on the world's largest cruise ship</a></p>
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