Hyundai Unveils First Genesis Luxury Model

Hyundai Motor Co. took the wraps off the all-new Genesis G90 sedan on Wednesday at a media event in Seoul. The flagship model is the first of six Genesis vehicles Hyundai plans to launch by 2020 for its new luxury sub-brand.

Other Genesis models in the pipeline include the smaller G80 and G70 sedans, a coupe, midsize crossover vehicle and a larger crossover/SUV. Timing for these models hasn’t been announced.

Essentially replacing the six-year-old Hyundai Equus, the G90 features an understated design and a host of advanced technologies. Sales will begin early next year in South Korea, where the car will be known as the EQ900, followed a few months later by launches in the U.S., China, Russia and the Middle East.

The G90’s “athletic elegance” design language is inspired by this year’s Vision G concept vehicle and will be used throughout Hyundai’s Genesis lineup. Styling cues include a new front fascia and LED headlights, hexagonal grille, pronounced wheel arches, chrome trim, short overhangs and a long sculpted hood.

The rear-wheel-drive G90 measures 205 inches long—with a 124-inch wheelbase—75 inches wide and is nearly 59 inches tall. Depending on configuration, the car’s weight varies from 5,335 lbs to 5,720 lbs.

Buyers will have a choice among three engine, ranging from a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 to a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 and a 5.0-liter V-8. The latter makes 418 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. All three powerplants will be mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.

Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance with automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian detection, 360° surround view monitoring and a driver attention alert system.

The all-new G90 also will be the first Hyundai model outfitted with the company’s new “smart posture caring system” that automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, head-up display and rearview mirrors based on a driver’s size to improve ergonomics and reduce stress. There also are 22 ways for drivers to electronically adjust their seats and 14 ways to tweak the passenger’s seat, according to the carmaker.

Other goodies include a multi-link suspension with high-performance dampers, a three-zone climate control unit and wireless chargers for smart phones. Hyundai says the car has best-in-class noise, vibration and harshness characteristics thanks to the use of laminated glass for side windows and extensive use of sound-absorbing materials throughout the interior.