When the Genesis brand was rolled out in 2016, Americans responded with a polite, but low-energy clap. The new luxury division of parent company Hyundai didnt have much to sell, and what it was selling was, frankly, leftovers.
In a market driven by demand for crossovers, Genesis launched with the G90, an update of the Hyundai Equus large sedan, and the G80, an update of the Hyundai Genesis midsize/large sedan.
While both models were more than competent, they failed to generate any serious excitement. Both featured smooth drivetrains and nice cabins, but the styling was derivative, and the ride and handling relatively unsophisticated. What the G80 and G90 were, however, were bargains. Unfortunately, selling cars at a discount does little to burnish a brands luxury credentials, and both the 80 and 90 sold poorly at first.
Jump ahead just six years, and Genesis is an entirely different marque. Not only has the lineup increased from two models to sixincluding full-electric optionsbut the vehicles available are light years ahead of the launch products in terms of design and engineering.
For 2023, Consumer Guide included four Genesis models on its Best Buy list, including the G90 flagship sedan seen here.
Funny thing about luxury, you cant really sell it at a discount. By definition, anything easily attained isnt special, and true to that that axiom, Genesis vehicles are no longer bargains, nor should they be.
With its most-recent generation of vehicles, Genesis has attained premium stature arguably equal to that of BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. And while Genesis prices look inflated relative to the brands product of just a few years ago, each car in the lineup looks like a pretty good deal compared to similar models sold by other luxury carmakers. Indeed, while Genesis cars and crossovers are no longer bargains, they are still strong values.
You can read our full review of the 2023 Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharged here. Today lets look at just one element of the Genesis revolution: attention to detail. Collected here is a relatively random collection of control and switchgear images. Were mostly impressed by the materials quality and attention to detail demonstrated in each case.
For the record, our test car is outfitted in Verbier White Matte paint with Bordeaux cabin trim. If youre of the mind, tell us what you think of the G90 design. The place to leave comments is down below.
The Jewelry of the 2023 Genesis G90
Test Drive: 2023 Genesis G80 Electrified
2022 Los Angeles Auto Show: Genesis X Convertible Concept
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 146: The American Motors Saga; 2023 Genesis G90
Test Drive: 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance
Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige
Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige
Test Drive: 2022 Genesis GV70 2.5T Advanced
Quick Spin: 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced
Test Drive: 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Advanced
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
The Jewelry of the 2023 Genesis G90
(Click below for enlarged images
