(Below: Video Walkaround of The Genesis G90 with General Manager Erwin Raphael And Jeff Fortson)
*A Little Know Fact: As we reported in Ebony magazine in February and discussed on our automotive radio show, “Auto Trends with JeffCars.com,”Andre Hudson, the Korean’s first black designer, is the lead exterior designer of the all-new Genesis G90.
The Mission: Not since the late eighties, when the Lexus, Infiniti and Acura brands were launched, has an all-new luxury car line hit the scene. We could include Tesla in the mix, but it is an-all electric luxury vehicle, which caters to high-end consumers totally dependent on an electric charge.
Unlike the Tesla brand, the all-new Genesis luxury brand will follow the theme of its mainstream older sibling, Hyundai, offering a well-contented, value-packed vehicle that runs off of gasoline.
Yes, just like its luxury competitors, electric plug-ins and hybrids are slated to be a part of the brand’s DNA too.
When Available: Two vehicles will kick-off the limited product line. The upscale Bentley-like flagship, the Genesis G90, which replaces the aging Hyundai Equus, and the Genesis G80, which is formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis sedan, is on sale now.
Where Available: As of now, Genesis vehicles can be purchased and serviced at select Hyundai store. Because of strict customer service requirements, the all-new Korean brand will only be available in about 350 of its 800 Hyundai stores.
The Challenge: Genesis is entering into a market that has shifted from cars to crossovers, SUVs and trucks due to the low gas prices. So, with that said,the Genesis brand is going to have to establish itself via cheap leases and extraordinary personalized customer service to woo persnickety customers who are brand loyal to Lexus, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
One of the ways Genesis executives hope to break into the luxury market is by offering personalized services, such as the ability to schedule appointments using an App. Genesis dealer network also plans to cater to the needs of their luxury car customers, too, by bringing loaners to one’s work or home.
Future Plans: By 2020, the brand should carry a full range of models, mixing it up with two crossovers and four cars. The new Korean luxury brand could also be sold in a separate facility, too, breaking away from its mainstream established sibling, Hyundai.
Genesis G90 (First Drive): We were highly impressed with the capabilities of the big body flagship, which was equipped with 19-inch Continental tires.
It’s obvious that the vehicle has been vetted prior to us taken the keys. Infact, the Genesis engineering team performed rigorous performance testing at the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany, as well as Mojave Desert test center in California.
The all-new engaging G90 we reviewed, which was equipped with its powerful six-cylinder engine, with its seamless shifting transmission, quietly soaked up every bump in the road, while it glided down the curvy and hilly highways of Canada.
Also all of the interior controls are thoughtfully laid out, designed with the driver in mind in for the front (and the rear occupants, too). During our time behind the wheel, we were able to adjust the suspension system on-demand by cycling through a variety of driving modes: eco, smart, sport and individual.
We even had an opportunity to utilize the radar-activated, all-speed cruise control system, too.
And, unlike some of its competitors, while the G90 is outfitted with the latest safety technology and electronic applications, it does not require an advanced technology degree to operate the controls. Overall, the commanding presence of the vehicle shows that the G90 is quite agile and easy-to- maneuver, despite its prominent hood.
Yes, the Koreans are serious about competing in the luxury segment. Fit and finish seems to be the consistent overall theme of the vehicle, making sure it plays well with such established brands as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
Standouts: Here are just a few. The G90 is equipped with self-sealing doors that closes automatically. The rear seats have double window switches that allow the rear occupants to control both sets of rear windows. And unlike the midlevel Genesis G80, the front occupants will not confuse the audio and ventilation controls.
Moreover, in a day and time where CD players are obsolete or an added high dollar accessory, its standard on the G90.
Quirks: Some of the interior controls such as the map light were reminiscent of what could be found in the value oriented Hyundai Elantra and Sonata. And we wanted a little more padding in the bottom layer of the
form fitting front seats that were dripping in the finest grade of Italian
leather.
Lastly, rear heated seats should be available on the 6-cylinder model, as is the case with the luxurious cabin space in the 8-cylinder model.
Genesis G90
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 17-speaker Harmon Audio AM/FM/CD/Satellite
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes, front and rear
Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Bumper-to- Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage:
17-city/24- hwy…6-cylinder
16-city/24- hwy…8-cylinder
(Source: Fueleconomy.gov)
Pricing: The flagship G90 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder rear wheel drive models are $69,059 and $70,650, respectively. For the all-wheel drive models, add $2,500.
The BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have starting prices of $82,495 and $96,575, respectively. Pricing for the new G90 is more in line with the aging Lexus LS, which is due for a major redesign next year.
And pricing for the G80 was recently announced. To check out the pricing,
click here.
Verdict: For luxury and near luxury car buyers in the market for something fresh and new and are yearning to save several thousand dollars, shifting their savings to other financial investments, the Genesis brand is definitely worth checking out.
Furthermore, the new Genesis brand, more specificall the flagship G90,can also serve as a step-up vehicle for buyers of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, too. The well-equipped Genesis G90 is the perfect vehicle for those who do not want to be nickel and dime for every add-on.
G90 Competition: Lexus LS, BMW 7-Series, Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while also grabbing customers from Cadillac, Infiniti and Acura, too.
About Jeff Fortson and JeffCars.com:
Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and the editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. His weekly 30-minute consumer-oriented auto show,“Auto Trends with JeffCars.com” airs every Saturday on Phoenix’s 1280-AM at 3:15 p.m. EST/12:15 p.m. PCT.
The show not only highlights the latest recalls, but its keeps consumers informed about the auto industry via in-depth conversations with today’s leading auto industry influencers and trendsetters.
Smartphone users can access the show using the KXEG or Tunein Apps, while desktop and laptop users can click on www.1280kxeg.com.
To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.
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