[TEST DRIVE] G90 massages, disinfects phones and drives like a dream

Industry

Published: 17 Jan. 2022, 16:57

[TEST DRIVE] G90 massages, disinfects phones and drives like a dream

Genesis' fully revamped G90 sedans are on the road [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

YONGIN, Gyeonggi — Stretch out your legs and get a massage while listening to orchestra music. Pop your smartphone into a sterilization box underneath the armrest.

These are just a few functions offered by the G90, the latest Genesis sedan, which has been fully revamped since the 2018 version. For many Koreans, Mercedes-Benz's S-Class has long been the standard for luxury. Genesis is trying to break Merc's grip on the imagination of the high-end Korean consumer with what has become known as the CEO car.

With the five-plus-meter vehicle, the company is focusing especially on the long-overlooked possibilities for luxury for passengers riding in the rear seats.

It comes in two options. The standard and a long-wheel-base version 190 millimeters (7.5 inches) longer.

The exterior was made to look sharper with the slimmest signature two-line headlamps ever.

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently got behind the wheel of a standard G90 model to test on a 120-kilometer (75-mile) round-trip route between Yongin and Gonjiam, Gwangju in Gyeonggi.

The beginning was a chauffeur-driven experience, and G90 surprised this reporter from the start with an "Easy Door" button that closes the doors for the rear passengers.

A 10.2-inch touchscreen on the back of the front seat offers many options in four categories: Vitality, Delight, Care, and Comfort. Pressing the massage image in the Comfort section, a curtain came down to cover the window, and the backseats started moving slowly for the massage. Three pressure levels were available.

Changing to a Rest mode, the seat reclines while the front seat moves forward and folds to offer a footrest.

The inside of the G90 [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

An ultraviolet light sterilization box is installed underneath the armrests, allowing the passengers to sterilize items like smartphones. Genesis says it can reduce viruses and bacteria by up to 99.9 percent in only about 10 minutes.

Many functions, such as the air purifier and lighting, can be controlled through the touchscreen.

Under the spell of the massage chair, this reporter almost fell asleep during the 20-minute chauffeur-driven ride.

Taking the wheel, the first impression was that the car is too big for a 5-feet-3-inch driver. The seat had to be adjusted upwards just to see the road.

With a maximum 380 horsepower and up to 54 kilogram-meters in torque, the acceleration was strong but still smooth. When the vehicle was traveling on rough roads, its Multi-Chamber Air Suspension system automatically raised the car's front and rear wheels to protect the undercarriage. On smooth roads, the vehicle lowered itself for speedier driving.

When a reporter got lost and had to drive on a narrow street and make a U-turn, the tightest turns were possible as the Rear Wheel Steering turned the rear wheels to help in tight spaces.

The engine sound and tire noise were barely noticeable at speeds above 100 kilometers per hour.

It felt like the partially autonomous driving system guaranteed safety, as whenever the vehicle was about to move out of a lane, it automatically detects the lane and moved itself back.

The vehicle will be offered in 12 exterior color options, including Hallasan Green, Capri Blue, Bariloche Brown, Valencia Gold, and Maui Black, all exclusive to the G90. Hallasan Green is named after Mount Halla on Jeju Island.

The sticker price of the G90 sedan begins at 89.6 million won ($75,130), while the long-wheel base model starts at 166 million won.

Genesis aims to sell around 20,000 G90s this year. It received more than 18,000 orders in Korea as of Jan. 12.