NAIAS 2016: Genesis G90 launched by Hyundai, takes aim at S-Class

Hyundai’s premium sub-brand, Genesis, has pulled the covers off their latest flagship model, called the G90 at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. 

Hyundai may not be a big name when it comes to premium car marques, but the company hopes that its new Genesis sub-brand can change that. The G90 is Genesis’ first model, which will sit above the G80, previously the Hyundai Genesis.

A flagship is nothing if the engine that powers the car isn’t up to scratch, but Hyundai has the solution for that. From launch, the Genesis G90 is available with two petrol engines. First up is a 3.3-litre direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine which produces 365 hp at 6,000 rpm and 510 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. The second is a larger 5.0-litre direct-injected V8 engine pushing 420 hp at 6,000 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Both engines feature electric thermostats and mid-position-lock Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for enhanced responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

An eight-speed transmission comes as standard for both engines, though buyers can opt for the advanced H-TRAC AWD system.  This system features an electronic transfer case with active torque control and offers dual-mode Sport or Normal calibrations that are linked to the Intelligent Drive Mode. The system can send up to 40 percent of available torque to the front axle, for enhanced traction in snowy or slippery conditions. In normal mode, up to 90 percent of torque is distributed to the rear wheels, thanks to the H-TRAC Sport calibration. If the driver selects Economy mode, 100 percent of the torque is sent to the rear wheels for maximum driveline efficiency.

Hyundai expects the Genesis G90 to achieve a 5-star safety rating (NHTSA), and a Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS), based on preliminary internal crash tests, while all individual crash scenario classifications are expected to receive a Good rating or above. This is because the body structure has been strengthened with a dual-layer member connection design and a newly optimized load-dispersion structure for the small overlap crash test. The Gensis G90 also hosts a full suite of advanced safety features, like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Blind Spot Detection (SBSD), Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Dynamic Bending Light headlights with High Beam Assist, and a 360-degree Multi-view Monitor. Furthermore, the G90 also features Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start capability. For enhanced visibility for the driver, the Heads-up Display has been increased from 7.4 inches to 9.7 inches with enhanced illumination.

Chassis technology and safety aside, the Genesis G90 also aims to transport its passengers in maximum comfort. The front seats are electronically-controlled, 22-way power driver’s seat including power bolsters, cushion extension and shoulder adjustment, was approved by the German campaign for healthier backs, Aktion Gesunder Rücken, while the passenger seat offers 16-way adjustment for optimal comfort. All front seat positions, side mirrors and steering column position features an integrated memory system. Up front, both seats offer both heating and ventilation.

Entertainment is provided by a 12.3-inch widescreen LCD display on the centre stack, which can be controlled via the DIS control knob. The integrated reverse camera is hooked up to a high-resolution 360-degree Multi-view monitor with steering guidelines. Audio is courtesy of a Lexicon Premium Sound System with QuantumLogic Surround sound with 17 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. On the 5.0-litre V8 model, the rear seats feature dual rear monitors with 9.2-inch, segment-first high-definition screens that can be controlled from the rear seat Driver Information System  (DIS) controller.

Lastly, engineers worked on the Genesis G90’s Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), making sure that the flagship sedan had the segment’s lowest NVH. Firstly, the G90 features special sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin. Secondly, the new Genesis G90 has specially laminated acoustic film glass on every window, which promises an excellent environment for its passengers. Road noise was further minimized through the development of a specialized Helmholtz design, with hollow, two-piece wheel construction, and an integral sound absorption chamber for the 19-inch alloy wheels.

Customers in North America can choose their Genesis G90 is five colours, namely Casablanca White, Caspian Black, Manhattan Brown, Santiago Silver and London Gray.

Genesis G90 Photo Gallery