Genesis G90 3.3T HTRAC: Luxurious new beginning

By Ghaith Madadha - Oct 25,2016 - Last updated at Oct 25,2016

Photo courtesy of Genesis

Established late last year, Hyundai’s premium Genesis sub-brand has been a long anticipated and open secret. Seemingly inevitable when the second generation Hyundai Genesis executive model arrived in 2014, bearing a unique be-winged badge, the Genesis brand is Korea’s first dedicated luxury automaker. Separated its mother brand, Genesis is intended as Hyundai’s bona fide presence in the lucrative premium automotive segment.

Hyundai’s answer to what Infiniti is to Nissan or Lexus to Toyota, Genesis’ first full-size luxury G90 saloon offering is a thoroughly updated, re-worked, re-styled and re-badged successor to Hyundai’s outgoing and proven Centennial flagship. Offered with three engine options, the G90 line-up includes a new powerful and efficient twin-turbo 3.3-litre T-GDI V6 engine and optional four-wheel drive, as driven at the brand’s and model’s recent Middle East debut in Dubai.

Stately proportions

A longer, more luxurious and better appointed car with more advance technology than the Hyundai Centennial, the Genesis G90’s design as a more stately and statuesque quality to it. Incorporating more defined character lines along the flanks, the G90 has a greater sense of presence, with more harmonised convex surfacing, including bulging rear haunches reflecting the rear lights’ curvature. Seemingly more upright from side views, the G90’s rear side windows both run along the door width, while the C-pillar is thicker.

Similar to its direct predecessor with high upright boot-lid contrasting with curved shoulders at the rear, the G90’s front fascia and corporate face, is inspired by the last Hyundai Genesis executive saloon, which itself soon re-launches as the Genesis G80. Conservative and more upright, the G90 vast horizontally slatted chrome grille is flanked by slimmer deep set headlights with LED elements, and a more formal and assertive sensibility. However, one feels that the bonnet tip emblem could be re-located to add feature to the grille’s vast landscape.

Confident delivery

Available with familiar entry level 3.8-V6 and range-topping 5-litre V8 naturally aspirated engines, the G90’s new mid-range twin-turbocharged direct injection 3.3-litre V6 engine offers efficiency and mid-range performance benefits. Utilising integral turbo and exhaust manifolds and an electronic wastegate for reduced eight and enhanced responses, the G90 3.3T launches off the line with almost imperceptible lag — often expected of turbocharged engines. Fitted with larger stickier 275/40R19 rear tyres and optional HTRAC four-wheel drive providing added traction, the G90 3.3T pounces confidently and quickly from standstill.

Developing 365BHP at 6000rpm and abundant 375lb/ft torque throughout a broad and versatile 1,300-4,500rpm range, the G90 3.3T accelerates through 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and 80-100km/h through gears in 13 seconds in standard rear drive guise, with similar figures expected — but currently undisclosed — for the HTRAC version driven. Smooth and muscular in mid-range, the G90 pulls hard and flexibly when cruising, while power accumulation is eager and progressive through revs and until 6,000rpm, before tailing off if held in gear or landing in its torque-rich sweet spot when the next gear is engaged.

Smooth, stable and supple

Driven through a smooth and slick 8-speed automatic gearbox, the G90’s HTRAC four-wheel drive sends 90 per cent power to the rear wheels in default mode. Subtle and smooth operating, HTRAC’s electronic differential can divert up to 40 per cent to front wheels when additional traction, grip or stability is required. Meanwhile, three preselected and one customisable driving modes alter gearbox, throttle and stability control responses and suspension firmness for more comfortable or sportier driving — in Eco mode, HTRAC sends 100 per cent power rearwards for added efficiency.

Riding on sophisticated adaptive multilink air suspension, the G90 is a smooth and supple drive, forgivingly soaking up road texture imperfections despite large wheels and low profile tyres. Dynamically, the G90’s handling sharpens somewhat in Sport mode, with better lateral weight and body lean control and tidier turn in. Adept and balanced the G90’s dynamics are an improvement on its predecessor, with Sport mode serving to subtly but effectively focus its comfortably wafting ride quality rather than attempting to alter the G90’s core characteristics.

Generous Genesis

Refined, smooth, stable and quiet at speed, the G90 benefits from low CD 0.27 aerodynamics, rigid structure and noise, vibration and harshness isolation optimisation features, including sound absorbent wheels, double sound proof glass insulation, three layer door seals, thicker carpets and headliner, and enhanced sound absorption materials. Spaced in all directions, despite seats being slightly high set, the G90’s generously proportioned cabin also benefits from a 115mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Comfortable and highly adjustable, the G90 provides a good driving position, and even features reclining rear seats.

Classy and comfortable inside, the G90 features high quality leathers, materials and textures and a warm inviting ambiance. Instrumentation and controls are user friendly and include a wide deep set 12.3-inch HD infotainment screen. Convenience, luxury, infotainment and safety features are exhaustively comprehensive, and include around view monitor, Lexicon sound system, three zone climate control and Smart Posture Caring, which can automatically determine a driver’s ideal seat position. Driver assistance systems include adaptive stop/start cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot detection and lane keeping assistance.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 3.3-litre, all-aluminium, twin-turbo V6 cylinders

Valve-train: 24-valve, DOHC, variable valve timing, direct injection

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 365 (370) [272] @6,000rpm

Specific power: 109.2BHP/litre

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 376 (510) @1,300-4,500rpm

Specific torque: 112.5Nm/litre

0-100 km/h: 6.2 seconds*

80-100km/h: 13 seconds*

Fuel capacity: 83 litres

Length: 5,205mm