[Taboleo] A Different Level of Ride Quality... Test Driving the Genesis Flagship G90

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Cadillac Presidential Limousine (USA), Hongqi L5 (China), Toyota Century (Japan), Audi A8L (Germany). These are the models used by heads of state around the world as official protocol vehicles. These models also represent the flagship vehicles symbolizing the leading automakers of each country. The representative model for Korea is undoubtedly the flagship Genesis G90. Domestically, President Moon Jae-in has been using the 3rd generation electric model (Genesis EQ900L) as his official vehicle since 2017, and many prominent business leaders also use it as their work car. It is nicknamed the “Chairman’s car.” The Genesis G90 has now released its 4th generation model. Despite its high price of around 100 million KRW, it seems to have succeeded in popularity, achieving 12,000 pre-orders on the first day alone. On the 11th, I drove the G90 on an approximately 80 km round trip route between Suwon and Icheon in Gyeonggi Province.

How was the interior and exterior design?

The first impression of the 4th generation Genesis G90 was the substantial weightiness befitting a flagship premium sedan. The G90’s length, width, height, and wheelbase measure 5275 mm, 1930 mm, 1490 mm, and 3180 mm respectively. At the front, the new crest grille and sleek dual-line lamps are arranged, and at the rear, dual-line rear lamps provide a unified look, strengthening Genesis’s brand image while giving a sense of stability. Additionally, the hood and fenders are composed as a single panel, enhancing visual simplicity with the ‘clamshell hood,’ and the ‘guilloch? pattern emblem,’ which reduces thickness by nearly 80%, adds a touch of luxury.

Inside, the interior reflects the Genesis brand’s design concept of ‘beauty of blank space,’ combining clean simplicity with analog warmth. The next-generation infotainment system (ccIC), which connects the cluster and navigation into a panoramic display, seems to add a sense of advanced technology along with the overall interior design.

What is the ride comfort like in the “Chairman’s car” front seat?

During the test drive, on the approximately 10 km section from Suwon to Yongin in Gyeonggi Province, I sat in the second-row front seat (behind the passenger seat) instead of driving myself. This was to experience the special features of the G90 as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The first noticeable feature was the ‘Easy Close’ function. By simply pressing a button on the armrest or door trim, the door opens smoothly without the chauffeur needing to come out. Considering the heavy weight of each door typical of large sedans, this is a very convenient feature.

As expected from a car nicknamed the Chairman’s car, various features for the comfort of second-row passengers are equipped. Pressing the recliner button on the door causes the front passenger seat to move forward and fold, expanding the space for the front seat, while the rear leg rest rises to provide a reclining, comfortable seating experience. Additionally, the ergo relaxing seats applied to all seats provide massages for the whole body, waist, pelvis, and upper body.

The second row also features a large 10.2-inch rear monitor and an 8-inch armrest touch display. The ‘Mood Curator’ function stood out on the rear monitor. Composed of four modes?Vitality, Delight, Care, and Comfort?this function activates lamps, interior scents, curtains, sound system, and massage functions according to the mood. Reflecting the interests of chairmen, the rear monitor also allows searching for golf course and real estate information. Furthermore, the armrest display controls air conditioning, seats, massage, curtains, and lighting, enhancing convenience.

The new sound technology named ‘Virtual Venue’ also provides satisfaction. Through Bang & Olufsen’s premier 3D sound system (23 speakers), it reproduces the acoustic characteristics of spaces optimized for music listening, such as the ‘Boston Symphony Hall’ and ‘Bang & Olufsen Hall,’ creating a virtual 3D surround sound experience. I listened to classical music on the radio, and it was so excellent that it felt as if I were at a concert hall. Overall, the ride comfort lived up to the nickname of the Chairman’s car and left an impression comparable to flagship models of imported brands.

How is the driving experience?

On the approximately 70 km route from Yongin to Icheon and back to Suwon, I moved to the driver’s seat and drove. Overall, it felt like the weighty driving experience befitting a flagship premium sedan. This is due to the new suspension and technologies applied to the Genesis G90. The G90 is equipped with a ‘Preview Electronic Controlled Suspension’ as standard, which recognizes road surface information ahead through a front camera and navigation data and optimally controls the suspension. Additionally, it applies a ‘Multi-Chamber Air Suspension,’ which adjusts the stiffness of the air springs in three stages according to driving conditions and drive mode, enhancing ride comfort and driving safety. For example, when a speed bump is detected ahead, the front wheel height is raised by 10 mm 100 meters before entering, and the preview electronic controlled suspension optimally controls the system to reduce impact when the front wheels hit the bump.

Noise insulation was also satisfactory. Even on the Jungbu Expressway section where large trucks passed by quickly, soundproofing was considerable. This is thanks to the ‘Active Road Noise Control’ applied as standard on the G90, which emits sound waves with opposite phase frequencies of road noise through speakers to enhance interior quietness while driving. Additionally, the use of sound-absorbing materials and double-glazed soundproof glass throughout the body also contributed significantly.

What about the price?

The Genesis G90 is equipped with a 3.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum output of 380 horsepower and a maximum torque of 54.0 kgf·m, with a combined fuel efficiency of 9.3 km/l. The price starts at 89.57 million KRW based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax rate. The long-wheelbase model is priced at 165.57 million KRW. The model I rode in was the G90 base model 3.5T-GDi AWD 20-inch Built-in Cam, with a total price of 128.887 million KRW.