MotorWeek Quick Spin: 2017 Genesis G90 🚗

Launching a new car is one thing…but how about a new car brand? Or even a new car company? That’s not easy, but Hyundai is doing it…but just don’t call it a Hyundai.

The 2017 Genesis G90 is a car made by Genesis Motors! And, our first impressions are extremely positive.

In reality a descendant of the Hyundai Equus, the Genesis G90 is a full-size luxury sedan about the size of a Mercedes-Benz S-class. It also targets the LS from Lexus, a brand they hope to emulate, the BMW 7 series, and Audi A8.

The G90 looks like a luxury liner, mixing cues from German rivals outside, and nearly matching the material quality inside. In and out, top to bottom, it’s plush and smooth.

Power comes from a 3.3 liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower, fed through a rear drive eight speed automatic. Its delivery is also smooth; never overbearing, but enough to keep up with the pack. A 420 horsepower V8 is available, as is all-wheel drive.

So those are the facts...but just how does it drive, especially considering the steep competition?

“...that’s not competition you take lightly. And the G90 certainly does not surpass them - it’s not there yet...but it does a fairly solid job of keeping up with them...you would not be able to tell that this is a Hyundai product, the caliber is so much higher than anything they’ve ever done…""

The G90 checks all the boxes for full-size luxury: premium audio, 22-way power driver’s seat, real wood inlays, and yes, lots of soft touch materials.

Safety tech runs the gamut, from auto emergency braking, to smart adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist.

On sale now, the 2017 Genesis G90 keeps it simple, with all features standard. The only choices are V6 or V8, and rear or all-wheel drive. Pricing begins around $65,000.