If you’re familiar with Hyundai’s Equus, you won’t recognize it anymore. In 2017, the Korean carmaker eliminated the Equus and replaced it with an entirely different vehicle: the Genesis G90; a luxury sedan that packs fresh style in a sleek car. Though it bears some resemblance with the original Genesis and Equus models previously produced by Hyundai, the G90 carries its very own design from grill to trunk and everything in between.

With a quiet engine, a luxurious, large interior and a host of standard features that puts lesser cars to shame, there’s little a G90 driver will want for. Although this is the first year the G90 will compete against the traditional European luxury cars already dominating the market, it’s a sedan that’s come prepared.

This brand-new make of car marks a big change in Hyundai’s lineup. In addition to the automaker’s splash into the luxury market, all G90s will also be sold under the Genesis name, not Hyundai. Genesis is set to become an entirely new standalone luxury automotive brand, and the 2017 G90 is making its mark already.

However, there are always a few kinks to work out with the very first model year of a car, and the G90 does have a few adjustments to make before it topples its competition. Yet the one area in which the G90 and Genesis brand already excels is comfort – if you want to drive or ride surrounded by options at your fingertips, this car provides everything necessary to settle in with ease.

Which G90 Options are Best?

The 2017 G90 comes with a lot of different options. Those options, however, aren’t between different trim options or variances in G90 types; they’re in the “creature comforts” waiting inside every vehicle. Each G90 is loaded with details meant to make every driver happy. So, there aren’t many reasons for Genesis to offer its customers a wide range of different trim levels for the G90.

The only real choices to make lie in the mechanical aspects of the car. Drivers can choose their paint job, drive type, and engine. The 3.3T Premium features a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine and an MSRP of $69,050. Or, customers can upgrade to the 5.0 Ultimate, with a 5-liter V8 engine, for $70,650 MSRP. Both options feature an eight-speed automatic transmission; there’s no option to swap in a manual. The G90 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but both the Premium and Ultimate can come with all-wheel drive if desired for an additional $2,500.

Beyond the differences in drive and engine, the Premium and Ultimate options are nearly identical. Even the standard option, the Premium, is loaded with just about everything a driver could desire. Adaptive automatic headlights, LED running lights, auto-dimming mirrors, and even heated and power-folding side mirrors are all the norm for G90 drivers.

But the list of what’s standard doesn’t end there. From adaptive suspension and cruise control to keyless entry and ignition, to a 22-way power adjustable driver’s seat, there’s no shortage of incredible convenience add-ons. Sitting in the driver’s seat – or the passenger seat – of a G90 is equivalent to the ultimate in driving luxury that’s already on the market.

Features

As mentioned above, the 2017 Genesis G90 is chock full of features both in regards to its driving and its interior. The G90 is also well stocked with safety features meant to keep the driver and passengers safe in any instance.

With nine airbags surrounding the front half of the car and the sides, driver attention alerts to keep eyes on the road, and automated emergency braking, Genesis makes safe add-ons standard in this vehicle. The G90 also has pedestrian detection and braking, a forward collision warning, and front and rear parking sensors. A multi- and surround-view camera is included – and so too is a drowsy driver monitor.

Any time a safety alert is triggered by driving patterns, the G90 vibrates the steering wheel to make certain the driver knows what’s happening on the road. Hyundai, who will in the future not be directly connected with the Genesis line, is also rolling out Highway Driving Assistance, which is expected to be programmed into the G90 when it’s ready for release.

Beyond the comforts of the G90’s many tech-savvy safety features, the interior of the car is a beneficial feature itself. Experts note its interior cabin is surprisingly quiet, and very little engine or exterior noise is heard once the G90 is in motion. Additionally, there’s plenty of room for passengers to stretch out on the heated backseat.

With room for two up front and three passengers in the back, the 2017 G90 adds 4.5 inches to the old Equus body. Though the larger seats lost an inch of backseat legroom, there’s still 37.8 inches of room for second row passengers to relax. Every seat is adjustable, ensuring there’s no more fighting to avoid sitting in the backseat.

Competition

The Genesis G90 burst onto the 2017 market aware of its competition – the car was made with the intent of competing against Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and the like. Hyundai hopes to sway buyers to the G90 instead of pricier luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-class, BMW 7-series, and Lexus LS with its increased size and slightly lower price point.

While the future of the G90 beyond its first 2017 model may make greater waves among the competition, little is known currently about how it stacks up in reliability and long-term investment compared to other luxury sedans. Currently, the Audi A7 features more cargo space and an interior cabin that’s five inches bigger than the G90. Even the Kia K900, which is considerably lower in base price and not part of the luxury tier, features a more spacious backseat and some of the same standard features as the G90.

A bigger problem with the 2017 G90, according to experts, is that this make gives car shoppers no reason to switch from their current luxury brand to Genesis. Though its interior is filled with features and quality details, there’s considerably more plastic hiding in the G90’s interior – while its competitors opt for metal and wood. Many luxury vehicles also offer the chance for greater customization. With choices only available for the G90’s exterior color and engine power, there simply isn’t a way for big spenders to put their mark on this brand new car as they can with the competition’s many options.

Fuel Efficiency

The G90, in its debut year, places its biggest consumer choice in the engine of the car – and the type of engine you choose determines fuel efficiency. The V6 engine, both in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, clocks in at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The V8 engine isn’t much different; with 15 mpg in regards to city driving and 23 mpg out on the highway, the Genesis G90 is certainly consistent regardless of customers’ preference.

Unfortunately, there’s not anything drivers can do to alter their mpg. Hyundai produces the 2017 G90 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Manual is currently not an option at all. Fortunately, gear changes are smooth in the G90, and test drives report the 5,000-pound car as responsive and quick to accelerate.

Pros

  • The interior cabin is both spacious and silent, easily fitting passengers in a backseat with comforts like heated seats that match those in the front
  • No matter the engine you choose, the G90 comes fully loaded with impressive safety considerations such as multi-way cameras, emergency automatic braking, and driver alerts to prevent distraction and drowsiness
  • Luxury details are the norm, with advantages like heated mirrors, automatic headlights, hands-free trunk operation, and more included as standard features

Cons

  • Because 2017 is the G90’s first year, there’s limited information about how this model will hold up as a luxury brand in terms of reliability
  • Pieces of the interior design feature plastic rather than higher-quality wood or metal
  • Drivers can’t customize or personalize their G90 in any way beyond engine choice and exterior paint job
This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.