Photo: Hyundai
South-Korean carmaker Hyundai has unveiled the first model of its newly established premium division, the Genesis G90.
We're writing about Hyundai's first premium-only division, and the G90 will be the first model of the newly founded Genesis brand. In years to come, the company plans to develop an entire luxury model range that will bear the Genesis name. Until now, Hyundai used this designation for a premium model in its range, the first of its kind for the South-Korean carmaker.
The new Genesis G90 will be sold as the EQ900 in South Korea, and sales will begin in 2016. On an international level, the sales and distribution of the Genesis G90 will start in the second half of next year.
Regarding design, the new G90 looks better than expected but still doesn't give us that "I want it NOW" feeling. Instead, Hyundai designers went for a rather understated and elegant approach to the full-size luxury sedan segment.
The Genesis G90 is available with a 3.8 liter V6 GDi, a 3.3 liter V6 T-GDi, and a 5.0 liter V8 from the Tau series. The car has Hyundai's H-Trac permanent all-wheel-drive system as an option, but the rear-wheel-drive is standard.
The turbocharged 3.3-liter engine develops 370 horsepower and can take the G90 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The NA 3.8 liter GDI engine offers 315 horsepower and is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds. Finally, the 5.0 liter V8 makes 425 horsepower and achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. The standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic with a lock-up torque converter.
Platform-wise, the Genesis G90 is the replacement of the Equus. This decision implies that Hyundai will stop selling its premium sedan so as not to confuse its customers. We must note, though, that the G90 isn't a rebadged Equus, the new model being longer (wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches).
The exterior dimensions of the new premium vehicle announce an overall length of 5,205 millimeters. The overall width is of 1,915 millimeters, while the wheelbase is a massive 3,160 mm. The gross vehicle weight is between 2,420 and 2,595 kilograms. Keep in mind that we're talking about gross weight and not curb weight, so the sedan should tip the scales at less than 2,000 kg.
Despite its size, the trunk only has a capacity of 484 liters. The figures stated above belong to the South-Korean Domestic Market version of the Genesis G90, called the EQ900, but we don't expect them to change dramatically in other markets.
Hyundai couldn't afford to launch a premium brand without luxury features, so the new Genesis G90 comes with all the best gadgets the South-Korean carmaker has to offer. A quick view shows the world's first clinically-validated Smart Posture Caring System.
The innovative system is only available in the company’s home market (sadly) and it's special because it automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors and the head-up display to suit the driver's optimal position. The car's passenger seats bear approval by Germany's Aktion Gesunder Rücken, the campaign for healthier backs.
Regarding active safety, the car comes with smart cruise control, lane keep assist and several other systems of the semi-autonomous kind. Like, for instance, the innovative driver's seat adjustment system and a Highway Driving Assistance system that promises an almost autonomous driving experience.
Back when Hyundai launched the Equus on the market, the car wasn't received as well as expected because of its roots and the badge on the front grille. Even Volkswagen suffered the same fate with its Phaeton, in spite of the fact that the car was hand-built in Germany.
By establishing a premium brand, the Hyundai Motor Corporation is trying to pull off what Toyota and Nissan did when they launched their premium divisions, Lexus and Infiniti, respectively, which are now respected and established on the market.
At first, the two Japanese brands destined for the North American market were met with skepticism, but the quality of the products and the customer care provided slowly helped them make a name for themselves. Back then, the United States of America was the world's number one car market. Now, China is number one concerning sales, but the USA is still going strong despite being in second place.
The new Genesis G90 will be sold as the EQ900 in South Korea, and sales will begin in 2016. On an international level, the sales and distribution of the Genesis G90 will start in the second half of next year.
Regarding design, the new G90 looks better than expected but still doesn't give us that "I want it NOW" feeling. Instead, Hyundai designers went for a rather understated and elegant approach to the full-size luxury sedan segment.
The Genesis G90 is available with a 3.8 liter V6 GDi, a 3.3 liter V6 T-GDi, and a 5.0 liter V8 from the Tau series. The car has Hyundai's H-Trac permanent all-wheel-drive system as an option, but the rear-wheel-drive is standard.
The turbocharged 3.3-liter engine develops 370 horsepower and can take the G90 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The NA 3.8 liter GDI engine offers 315 horsepower and is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds. Finally, the 5.0 liter V8 makes 425 horsepower and achieves a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. The standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic with a lock-up torque converter.
Platform-wise, the Genesis G90 is the replacement of the Equus. This decision implies that Hyundai will stop selling its premium sedan so as not to confuse its customers. We must note, though, that the G90 isn't a rebadged Equus, the new model being longer (wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches).
The exterior dimensions of the new premium vehicle announce an overall length of 5,205 millimeters. The overall width is of 1,915 millimeters, while the wheelbase is a massive 3,160 mm. The gross vehicle weight is between 2,420 and 2,595 kilograms. Keep in mind that we're talking about gross weight and not curb weight, so the sedan should tip the scales at less than 2,000 kg.
Despite its size, the trunk only has a capacity of 484 liters. The figures stated above belong to the South-Korean Domestic Market version of the Genesis G90, called the EQ900, but we don't expect them to change dramatically in other markets.
Hyundai couldn't afford to launch a premium brand without luxury features, so the new Genesis G90 comes with all the best gadgets the South-Korean carmaker has to offer. A quick view shows the world's first clinically-validated Smart Posture Caring System.
The innovative system is only available in the company’s home market (sadly) and it's special because it automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors and the head-up display to suit the driver's optimal position. The car's passenger seats bear approval by Germany's Aktion Gesunder Rücken, the campaign for healthier backs.
Regarding active safety, the car comes with smart cruise control, lane keep assist and several other systems of the semi-autonomous kind. Like, for instance, the innovative driver's seat adjustment system and a Highway Driving Assistance system that promises an almost autonomous driving experience.
Back when Hyundai launched the Equus on the market, the car wasn't received as well as expected because of its roots and the badge on the front grille. Even Volkswagen suffered the same fate with its Phaeton, in spite of the fact that the car was hand-built in Germany.
By establishing a premium brand, the Hyundai Motor Corporation is trying to pull off what Toyota and Nissan did when they launched their premium divisions, Lexus and Infiniti, respectively, which are now respected and established on the market.
At first, the two Japanese brands destined for the North American market were met with skepticism, but the quality of the products and the customer care provided slowly helped them make a name for themselves. Back then, the United States of America was the world's number one car market. Now, China is number one concerning sales, but the USA is still going strong despite being in second place.
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