One-Day Drive
First Drive Review: 2020 Genesis G90 is everything the Lincoln Continental should be
The Genesis G90 is completely new on the outside except for its roof and doors.
It hasn't been three full years since the first Genesis G90s were delivered to their U.S. owners, but a lot has changed for the company since then. It hasn't been an easy go for the Korean luxury automaker. As an arm of Hyundai, there was a fair amount of stigma to overcome at launch, even as they proved time and time again that the focus on budget-friendly top-tier elegance was worth a cross shop.
The rear of the G90 is designed to show its width and curvature.Photo courtesy of Genesis
The 2020 Genesis G90 has evolved right alongside its parent company. It is a study in the company's new design mantra, "athletic elegance." The large sedan body features a fair amount of novelty on the exterior from fancy new wheel designs to a large grille and unique headlights and taillights.
When equipped with the spirited turbocharged 3.3.-liter V6, the G90 is at its best. Though it has less horsepower and torque than the larger 5.0-liter V8, it's 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque deliver refined acceleration. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Wheel controls are easy to use.Photo courtesy of Genesis
Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.
While testing the model on the winding roads of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, the car's athleticism shown through when flipped into the Sport drive mode not just because of throttle response but also because of the more pointed steering.
Switching into the Comfort drive mode in anything but a parking situation made steering the car sloppy. Eco was a test of patience that was counterintuitive to the power Genesis has backed the sedan with in either engine option.
The cabin of the G90 is noted for its serenity. Sounds from the road aren't passed on, and even the noise of the V8 stays away thanks to active noise cancelling technology.
The G90 has abundant passenger space.
Photo courtesy of Genesis
Mindful innovations fill the interior of the G90, which remains as plush as it was in the previous iteration, complete with authentic and attractive materials. A new 12.3-inch touch screen sits in the center of the dashboard offering high resolution graphics and an appearance much more befitting the Genesis branding than what was found in the previous model. A knob can assist in screen navigation if users choose.
New seating technology allows a driver to input their height, weight, and inseam in the infotainment system then positions the driver's seat in chiropractor-friendly style. However, company representatives admit that the computer-suggested position usually comfortable to drivers.
The G90 comes equipped with a long list of standard and available, active and passive safety and driver assistance technology. As tested in its most premium grade, none of the systems were obtrusive or annoying in their operational function.
The car's appointments are rich though not as luxe as what you'll find in an Mercedes S-Class.Photo courtesy of Genesis
The G90 excels where the Lexus LS fails – passenger space. The cabin is spacious and its back seat has the controls and legroom usually reserved for higher priced Mercedes, BMW, and Audi models, often when equipped with executive packages.
When combined with the large trunk, It's an ideal airport transportation car in an industry still holding fast onto the Lincoln MKT.
With this latest generation of its G90, Genesis has delivered the car that Lincoln should have with the Continental. It's finely appointed and positioned for buyers who want a luxurious sedan without spending near the $100,000 that is required to get the large German models.
The rear seats feature executive style seating without having to add an executive package to the purchase.
Photo courtesy of Genesis
The 2020 Genesis G90 is more impressive than the 2019 G90 and the Lexus LS. It's not quite as nicely appointed or filled with high-tech goodies as top trims of the Germans in its class, but it's also slated to be tens of thousands of dollars less. That's something that can't go unnoticed, and shouldn't.
The G90 is expected to go on sale soon and be priced in the $70,000 range, right near where the 2019 model sat.
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