Is the 2025 Genesis G90 a Worthy Luxury Flagship? An In-Depth Car and Driver Analysis

In the rarified air of the full-size luxury sedan segment, where established German titans have long reigned supreme, a distinct challenger from Korea has not only entered the arena but has begun to truly shine. The Genesis G90, MotorTrend’s 2023 Car of the Year, carries over into 2025 largely unchanged, a testament to its compelling blend of sophistication, comfort, and unexpected value. It stands as an unusual yet thoroughly enjoyable option for discerning buyers, daring to redefine what a luxury flagship can be.

This isn’t just another contender; it’s a vehicle that embodies Genesis’s ambitious vision, challenging the very notion of badge cachet with an undeniable prowess. As we delve into the intricacies of the 2025 G90, we’ll examine whether this stately sedan, which confidently squares off against formidable rivals like the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, truly holds its own. Our comprehensive analysis will unpack its core attributes, evaluating everything from its curb appeal and interior lavishness to its refined performance and commitment to passenger serenity.

Prepare for an in-depth exploration that goes beyond superficial aesthetics, offering a candid look at what makes the 2025 Genesis G90 a vehicle worthy of serious consideration in a segment often dictated by heritage alone. We will scrutinize its design philosophy, its material excellence, the sheer comfort it offers, and the robust powerplants that propel it, all through the rigorous lens you’ve come to expect from Car and Driver. Join us as we ascertain if the G90 is indeed the luxury flagship that not only competes but truly elevates the driving and riding experience.

“Genesis G90 (RS4) MYLE Festival 2025 DSC 9420 (cropped)” by Alexander Migl is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

1. **The Genesis G90’s Flagship Status and Value Proposition**

The Genesis G90 emerges as a true outlier within the traditional luxury sedan market, earning accolades such as MotorTrend’s 2023 Car of the Year, a significant achievement that underscores its inherent quality and appeal. While many are still familiarizing themselves with the Genesis brand, perhaps still associating it with its Hyundai origins, such an oversight would mean missing out on a genuinely exceptional vehicle. The G90 is not merely a car; it’s a statement, proving that true luxury transcends long-held perceptions and brand history.

This grand sedan directly targets the established German luxury triumvirate—the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series—along with innovative electric rivals like the Lucid Air. What sets the G90 apart right from the start is its astonishing value proposition. Fully loaded, it typically undercuts some of its rivals by tens of thousands of dollars. Prices for the G90 start at around $90,000, and while that is by no means a budget price, considering its competitors can easily cost upward of $20,000 more, the Genesis begins to look like a genuine bargain.

Yet, this competitive pricing doesn’t come at the expense of quality or elegance. Genesis has demonstrably raised the bar on both exterior and interior design, meticulously squeezing a ton of value into their vehicles. The G90’s accommodations consistently out-punch its price class, effectively challenging the status quo among its competitors. It’s a vehicle that provides most of the power and performance that shoppers in this demanding segment are looking for, wrapped in a package that includes virtually all the comfort considerations one could ever ask for.

More than simply a proper value buy, the G90 is unequivocally equipped to go head-to-head with the top choices in its segment. It looks and feels every bit as premium as any of its more expensive rivals, providing a hushed interior and an excellent ride quality that many established players would be hard-pressed to match. For the discerning buyer, the G90 is not just an alternative; it’s a legitimate, top-tier luxury offering that compels a re-evaluation of what constitutes a true luxury flagship.

Car Model Information: 2018 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate
Name: Genesis G90
Manufacturer: Genesis Motor
Production: 2015–present
ModelYears: 2017–present
Class: Full-size car,luxury car
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Hyundai Equus
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles containing Korean-language text, Articles with short description, CS1 Korean-language sources (ko), Cars of Russia
Summary: The Genesis G90 (Korean: 제네시스 G90) is a full-size car manufactured since 2015 by the South Korean company Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai Motor Company. It is the flagship model of the Genesis lineup. A four-door sedan, the G90 is the successor of the Hyundai Equus and was known as the Genesis EQ900 in South Korea from 2015 to 2019. The G90 is the first flagship sedan introduced by the Genesis brand. The first generation was released in December 2015, and it went on sale in North America, Russia, and the Middle East in the second half of 2016. It began development in 2012, and was developed over a period of four years, with approximately 1,200 dedicated researchers working on the design and mass production stages. In November 2018, the facelifted EQ900 went on sale in the Korean market, and from this model onwards, it was also sold in Korea under the name G90. The current model is the second generation released in 2021. In order to reduce the thickness of the headlamps and the size of the low beam lamps, the micro lens array (MLA) technology was introduced to cross-arrange the low beams, daytime running lights, turn signals, and high beams. The second generation is divided into a regular model and a Long Wheelbase (LWB) model, and the G90L has not currently been released.

Get more information about: Genesis G90

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

“Genesis G90 (RS4) MYLE Festival 2025 DSC 9438” by Alexander Migl is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **Striking Exterior Design and Road Presence**

From the moment you lay eyes on the 2025 Genesis G90, its stunning beauty, both inside and out, becomes immediately apparent. It truly stands as an outlier in the sedan market, presenting a visual narrative that speaks volumes about modern luxury. The designers in Seoul have crafted a vehicle that possesses all the style and gravitas one could desire from a plush four-door sedan, and it is dressed impeccably to match its opulent interior, creating a harmonious aesthetic from every angle.

This is a car designed to make a statement, confidently asserting its presence without ever trying too hard. Its massive shield grille, a signature element, is flanked by the distinctive two-line lamps that have become synonymous with the Genesis brand, collectively creating an impression that is less “city traffic appliance” and more “rolling sculpture.” This bold front fascia is undoubtedly a head-turner, capable of making the G90 feel perfectly at home alongside the most grandiose and ritzy modes of transportation at any exclusive event.

The G90’s profile further enhances its commanding presence, featuring an extended hood and short overhangs that sculpt a classic, powerful three-box silhouette. This design language unmistakably screams grand touring, hinting at effortless long-distance comfort and performance. Subtle chrome accents, judiciously applied, along with the availability of striking 21-inch rims, provide just the right amount of bling to elevate its premium appeal without descending into ostentation.

It is, unequivocally, a range-topping four-door that owns its visual impact. The overall execution reflects a careful balance between contemporary elegance and a timeless, authoritative stance. While some might caution against opting for a matte paint job—a general recommendation not specific to the G90 itself due to maintenance considerations—the inherent beauty and thoughtful design of the G90’s exterior ensure that it will always command attention and respect, regardless of its finish. It’s a design that signifies arrival, both for the car and for the brand.

3. **Sumptuous Interior Materials and Craftsmanship**

Stepping inside the 2025 Genesis G90 is an experience akin to entering a meticulously curated VIP lounge. The immediate impression is one of overwhelming opulence, with sumptuous materials greeting you at virtually every touchpoint. This isn’t merely a cabin; it’s a bespoke environment crafted to make your daily commute, or indeed any journey, feel like an elevated, first-class travel experience. The attention to detail and the quality of finishes are truly exceptional.

The luxurious materials and eye-catching body style work in concert to create an overwhelmingly upscale feeling. Standard buttery Nappa leather covers nearly every major surface within the G90’s cabin, meticulously put together with exquisite stitching patterns that flow gracefully across the seats and panels. This meticulous craftsmanship is a hallmark of Genesis’s commitment to premium quality, easily rivaling the interior appointments found in vehicles costing significantly more.

Beyond the pervasive Nappa leather, the G90’s interior delights with a host of other high-quality appointments. Matte-finish wood panels add a touch of understated elegance, while microfiber suede on the pillars contributes to the plush, hushed atmosphere. Aluminum door sills provide a sophisticated entry and exit, all feeling genuinely high-quality and robust. The G90 does not skimp on the details; rather, it celebrates them, ensuring that every element contributes to an overarching sense of luxury and refinement.

Functionality meets elegance within this space. The cabin, in many ways, serves as a technology showcase, subtly integrating advanced features without overwhelming the serene environment. The available Bang & Olufsen audio system, for instance, is a worthwhile upgrade, delivering crisp and clear sound that transforms the listening experience. This seamless blend of technology and tactile luxury, all wrapped in an aesthetic of refined composure, gives off a level of refinement that even enthusiasts familiar with the balanced chassis dynamics of performance cars often admire.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

“Genesis G90 (RS4) Retro Classics 2025 DSC 7752” by Alexander Migl is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

4. **Unparalleled Comfort and Serene Ride Quality**

When it comes to comfort, the 2025 Genesis G90 establishes a benchmark that is as high as anything else in its segment. From the very first moments behind the wheel or settled into the rear, it’s evident that this vehicle prioritizes passenger well-being above all else. The ride quality is profoundly plush, deliberately eschewing any impression of overt sportiness in a relentless pursuit of outright smoothness. This singular focus on serenity is what truly distinguishes the G90 from many of its rivals, which often attempt to blend luxury with a performance edge.

This serene demeanor was a key factor that endeared the G90 to us during its tenure in our long-term review fleet. For over a year, it proved to be a sumptuous and surprisingly versatile daily driver, consistently delivering a level of comfort that made every journey, long or short, an absolute pleasure. The G90 remains smooth and composed across various road conditions, ensuring an even and undisturbed ride, even over the most broken or imperfect surfaces. Its extended wheelbase allows it to gracefully shrug off speed bumps, maintaining cabin composure as you glide through urban environments.

Advanced features further enhance this exemplary ride quality. The E-Supercharger trim, for example, incorporates a sophisticated Bump Control system that preemptively adjusts the adaptive air suspension as the vehicle approaches a speed bump. This intelligent anticipation significantly reduces the impact felt within the cabin, transforming what would typically be a jarring experience into a mere ripple. Furthermore, the G90’s height automatically adjusts based on the selected drive mode and prevailing road conditions, optimizing stability in corners and maximizing comfort on the highway.

Crucially, despite its plushness, the G90 never feels floaty or overly soft, nor does it veer into a territory that is too stiff or overtly sporty for its luxury leanings. It strikes a remarkable balance, promising that you could drive this vehicle coast to coast without ever experiencing discomfort. For those with corporate clients seeking a tranquil environment for an audiobook on serenity, the G90’s back seat stands as the perfect, undisturbed sanctuary, truly underscoring its chauffeur-focused capabilities while still offering a magnificent experience for the driver.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

“Genesis G90 3.5T 48V E-Supercharger RS4 Uyuni White (1)” by Damian B Oh is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

5. **Standard Twin-Turbo 3.5L V6 Powertrain**Powering the 2025 Genesis G90 is a choice of two formidable powertrains, both meticulously paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and delivering power to all four wheels via standard all-wheel drive. The foundation of the lineup is the standard twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a highly capable unit engineered to provide a sophisticated and relaxed driving experience. This powerplant generates a robust 375 horsepower and an impressive 391 lb-ft of torque, ensuring that the G90 always feels confident and composed on the road.

Powering the 2025 Genesis G90 is a choice of two formidable powertrains, both meticulously paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and delivering power to all four wheels via standard all-wheel drive. The foundation of the lineup is the standard twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a highly capable unit engineered to provide a sophisticated and relaxed driving experience. This powerplant generates a robust 375 horsepower and an impressive 391 lb-ft of torque, ensuring that the G90 always feels confident and composed on the road.

This standard V6 delivers its power in a particularly relaxed and unhurried way, perfectly aligning with the G90’s overarching philosophy of plush comfort and serene travel. It’s a powertrain designed for effortless cruising and confident acceleration, rather than aggressive, neck-snapping starts. Despite its refined demeanor, the G90 with this engine certainly feels quick when called upon. As one reviewer noted, “Fill your right shoe with lead and the big Genesis heads towards the horizon with real purpose,” indicating a strong, linear power delivery that belies its quiet operation.

In terms of its market positioning, the MSRP for the base version of the G90, equipped with this potent standard engine, starts at $90,950, which includes a $1,250 destination fee. This pricing strategy immediately places the G90 in a highly competitive light against its European rivals, many of which offer less power in their base configurations at a higher price point. For instance, while some competitors might offer more powerful options at higher trims, the G90’s standard V6 already delivers a significant punch, especially when compared to a comparably priced Audi A8, which is actually down on power.

This engine choice provides more than enough performance for the vast majority of luxury sedan buyers, offering a seamless blend of power and refinement that contributes significantly to the G90’s flagship credentials. The G90 is built to coddle, and its standard powertrain ensures that this coddling extends to the driving experience, providing ample reserves for merging onto highways or executing smooth overtakes without ever feeling strained. It’s a testament to Genesis’s engineering prowess that such a potent and refined engine is offered as the standard bearer.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

“Genesis G90 3.5T 48V E-Supercharger RS4 Uyuni White (4)” by Damian B Oh is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

6. **E-Supercharger Enhanced Hybrid Powertrain**

For those seeking an even more dynamic and authoritative driving experience from their luxury flagship, the 2025 Genesis G90 offers an optional performance-enhancing hybrid system. This sophisticated setup integrates a 48-volt E-Supercharger with the standard 3.5-liter V6, significantly boosting output to a formidable 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade transforms the G90’s performance profile, delivering a more immediate and compelling surge of power.

With this enhanced powertrain, the G90 demonstrates truly impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size and luxurious appointment. In MotorTrend testing, the E-Supercharger variant completed the 0–60-mph sprint in a brisk 5.4 seconds, showcasing its capability to swiftly cover ground. This isn’t merely about raw speed; the E-Supercharger’s primary benefit is a substantial increase in low-end torque compared to the standard model, which translates into significant thrust right off the line and a remarkable ability to maintain momentum up long, steep inclines with minimal need for downshifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s important to note, however, that unlike many mild-hybrid systems primarily focused on efficiency, the G90’s E-Supercharger is specifically tuned for performance. Consequently, this more powerful engine is, perhaps surprisingly, less efficient than its standard counterpart, returning an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 city/24 highway mpg (based on 2024 figures). This trade-off underscores Genesis’s commitment to offering a distinct performance variant for those who prioritize power and immediate response.

Opting for this upgraded powertrain will add an extra $10,400 to the G90’s price, bringing the total MSRP for the E-Supercharger version to $101,350, including a $1,350 destination fee. However, this investment brings more than just raw power. This trim also includes key chassis upgrades such as rear-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension, components that significantly enhance both the handling capabilities and the ride quality of the G90. These additions truly justify the extra spend, transforming the G90 into an even more capable and refined luxury touring machine, confidently pulling strong through the quarter-mile and always feeling responsive.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

7. **Sophisticated Driving Dynamics**

The G90, despite its outward appearance as a chauffeur-focused machine, surprisingly excels in driving dynamics for its class, offering an engaging experience for the person behind the wheel. The engineering team in Seoul has managed to infuse this apex saloon with a nuanced agility that defies its substantial size and long 125.2-inch wheelbase. It’s a compelling juxtaposition: a serene VIP lounge that can also hold its own with remarkable composure when the road takes an unexpected turn.

Underneath its elegant sheet metal, the G90 boasts impressive torsional rigidity and an adaptive air suspension with adaptive damping. This sophisticated setup allows it to effortlessly soak up potholes, delivering a ride quality that borders on spooky in its serenity and quiet isolation, further aided by active noise cancellation. The suspension effectively filters out road imperfections, ensuring an even and undisturbed ride even over the most broken surfaces, transforming what would typically be a jarring experience into a mere ripple.

Yet, when you engage the tighter settings of Sport drive mode and truly push it, the sedan responds with a composure and agility that many might not expect from such a luxurious cruiser. Body lean is remarkably well-controlled, instilling confidence, and the steering feels appropriately weighted, communicating enough road feel without being overly communicative. This makes the G90 surprisingly capable on a mountain road, feeling buttoned down despite its size.

The inclusion of rear-wheel steering, particularly on the E-Supercharger trim, plays a crucial role in enhancing this unexpected nimbleness. While smaller Genesis models like the G80 have experienced some odd slow-speed behavior with rear-steer, the G90’s longer wheelbase and heavier curb weight seem to be a much better match for the system. This synergy makes the G90 feel surprisingly agile and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, even offering a self-parking system that is relatively easy to use, further proving its versatility beyond mere straight-line comfort.

While it may not be a dedicated canyon carver in the vein of some overtly performance-oriented German sedans, the G90 offers a thoroughly respectable and engaging experience when the tarmac gets twisty. Its braking distance is also shockingly short for a vehicle of this heft, adding another layer of confidence. It’s a testament to its balanced chassis dynamics that it can be both a serene highway cruiser and a confident, poised performer when spirited driving is desired, effectively carving up a mountain pass with surprising ease.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

a close up of a tire on a car — Photo by RanaMotorWorks on Unsplash

8. **Comprehensive Safety Features**

In the realm of passenger protection, the 2025 Genesis G90 truly shines, reinforcing its flagship aspirations with an extensive array of safety technologies that come standard. Its commitment to safety has been independently recognized, with the 2024 G90 earning the prestigious 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, the agency’s highest possible accolade. This robust rating provides significant peace of mind for both drivers and passengers, affirming Genesis’s dedication to occupant well-being.

True to Genesis’s brand philosophy, the G90 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and active safety features as a fundamental part of its package, rather than costly optional extras. This generous offering includes critical systems like front and rear automatic emergency braking, which can preemptively intervene to prevent or mitigate collisions. These are not merely optional amenities but essential components of the G90’s protective framework, a thoughtful inclusion that often comes as an upcharge in competitor vehicles, highlighting the G90’s inherent value proposition.

Further enhancing situational awareness and accident prevention are camera-based blind-spot monitoring and side cross-traffic alert, invaluable tools for navigating busy urban environments and multi-lane highways where unseen vehicles pose a constant threat. Lane keep assist diligently helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance and can recover speed effectively, reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys. Automatic high-beams intelligently adjust lighting for optimal visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic, contributing to safer night driving.

This exhaustive list of standard safety technologies underscores Genesis’s unwavering dedication to providing a secure and confident driving experience for everyone on board. While some rivals might offer similar features, the G90 distinguishes itself by including them universally across all models, making a compelling argument for its inherent value and its position as a truly safe and protective luxury vehicle. It ensures that every G90 driver and passenger benefits from the highest level of protection available in the segment.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

9. **Interior Technology and Infotainment**

Stepping into the G90’s cabin, drivers and passengers are greeted by a sophisticated technological showcase, though one that presents a nuanced blend of modern convenience and areas poised for future enhancements. The dashboard is notably defined by dual 12.3-inch digital displays, which seamlessly integrate both the instrument cluster and the central infotainment interface. While these screens are crisp, responsive, and perfectly functional for most daily interactions, they do reveal a slight generational gap when compared to the very latest offerings from Genesis itself.

Indeed, the G90, for the 2025 model year, currently lacks the enormous, singular 27-inch dashboard display that its smaller, refreshed counterpart, the G80, now proudly features. This means that while the G90’s dual screens are perfectly adequate and aesthetically pleasing, they might feel a touch less contemporary or “down market” to those who have recently experienced the G80’s more expansive and integrated system. This difference clearly highlights an area where the G90 could significantly benefit from a technology update in the near future, ideally incorporating the larger display along with fully wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which the G80’s new system proudly boasts.

Currently, the G90 offers wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, accompanied by built-in navigation and standard Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, ensuring continuous connectivity on the go. Both rows of seats are thoughtfully appointed with multiple USB charge ports and a convenient wireless charging pad, ensuring all personal devices remain powered throughout any journey. A standard head-up display offers exceptional clarity, projecting vital driving information such as adaptive cruise control indicators and blind-spot monitoring alerts directly into the driver’s line of sight, significantly enhancing both safety and overall convenience without requiring the driver to look away from the road.

Furthermore, the cabin meticulously integrates advanced features designed to elevate the sensory experience. The available Bang & Olufsen audio system, offered in either a 15-speaker or a premium 23-speaker configuration, delivers crisp and immersive sound that transforms the listening experience within the hushed cabin. While some unique features like phone-as-key functionality and the fingerprint scanning system are present, the G90’s approach to technology is one of subtle integration and functionality, aiming to complement the serene environment rather than overwhelm it. However, an updated interface with wireless smartphone mirroring would undoubtedly elevate the user experience further, keeping pace with contemporary luxury expectations.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

a white car parked in front of a fence — Photo by RanaMotorWorks on Unsplash

10. **Practical Considerations: Cargo Space and Interior Room**

As a truly grand, full-size luxury sedan, the 2025 Genesis G90 naturally excels in providing an expansive and supremely comfortable interior environment, particularly for its esteemed passengers. The back seat is genuinely cavernous, offering generous headroom and legroom even for taller adults, and it is designed to comfortably accommodate bulky child car seats without compromise. In the top-tier E-Supercharger trim, the rear seats transcend mere seating, offering not just heating and ventilation but also a sophisticated massage function and the ability to recline into a full “legs-up” mode. This suite of amenities underscores its chauffeur-focused capabilities and makes even the longest cross-country journeys feel like a first-class private jet experience.

This unwavering commitment to expansive passenger comfort and an unparalleled in-cabin experience, however, necessitates a slight practical trade-off, specifically concerning cargo capacity. While the G90’s trunk is certainly adequately sized for most daily needs and typical luxury sedan usage, it is not as capacious as one might anticipate from a vehicle of its imposing exterior dimensions. The trunk offers 10.6 cubic feet of storage, a figure that places it somewhat behind when benchmarked against key rivals in the highly competitive luxury segment.

For context, direct competitors such as the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class typically provide slightly more accommodating cargo spaces, with volumes of 12.5 and 12.8 cubic feet respectively. The truly practical Lexus LS 500, in particular, offers a significantly more expansive 17.0 cubic feet of trunk space, demonstrating a different design priority. Furthermore, the G90’s trunk opening, while perfectly functional, can feel a little narrow compared to some rivals, potentially complicating the loading and unloading of larger or more awkwardly shaped luggage and items.

Despite these acknowledged limitations in overall cargo volume, the sheer comfort, meticulous craftsmanship, and extensive adjustability of the G90’s cabin, especially the lavish rear passenger amenities, remain unequivocally beyond reproach. It is abundantly clear that Genesis conscientiously prioritized the occupant experience within the luxurious confines of the interior, delivering a VIP lounge atmosphere that ensures every journey, whether for crucial business or leisurely travel, is supremely comfortable and refined. For discerning buyers who prioritize unparalleled passenger coddling over maximum cargo hauling, the G90 presents an exceptionally compelling and well-justified case.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

a black mercedes benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz benz — Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash

11. **Fuel Economy Estimates and Real-World Numbers**

When evaluating a luxury flagship sedan, fuel economy, while perhaps not the singular deciding factor for every buyer, nonetheless remains an important practical consideration. The 2025 Genesis G90, with its choice of two potent twin-turbo V6 engine options, offers efficiency figures that are respectable within its segment but do not necessarily lead the class. The standard twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, capable of generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, is rated by the EPA at an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, culminating in a combined figure of around 21 mpg.

The more powerful E-Supercharger variant, which ingeniously integrates a 48-volt mild-hybrid system primarily for an immediate performance boost rather than enhanced efficiency, sees a marginal but notable dip in these numbers. This performance-oriented version is rated at an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, for a combined 20 mpg (based on 2024 figures). During extensive real-world testing that encompassed a diverse mix of highway cruising, city driving, and challenging mountain roads, the E-Supercharger model consistently averaged around 19 mpg, closely aligning with its official estimates and demonstrating consistent performance.

Comparing these fuel economy figures to its direct rivals within the full-size luxury sedan segment reveals a competitive yet not exceptional position for the G90. The Audi A8, for example, checks in with an EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined, showcasing a slight edge. The base-trim BMW 740i, on the other hand, offers a more impressive 28 mpg combined (dropping slightly to 27 mpg with all-wheel drive), setting a higher benchmark for efficiency. Lexus’s hybrid LS 500h is a bit further up the ladder with 25 mpg combined, though non-hybrid Lexus LS models offer numbers quite similar to the G90. Some V8-powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class variants, with their larger engines, can even drop slightly below the G90’s efficiency figures.

Ultimately, while the G90’s fuel economy is certainly not abysmal for a vehicle of its substantial heft, robust power, and standard all-wheel drive, it’s also not its strongest suit, especially when contrasted with some of the more frugal or dedicated hybrid options available from its key competitors. For luxury buyers who prioritize every last mile per gallon above all else, there are undoubtedly more fuel-efficient sedan alternatives available. However, for a grand touring driver’s car that seamlessly blends its high level of performance with opulent luxury, its efficiency figures remain well within a reasonable and acceptable expectation for the demanding segment.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

“Genesis G90 RS4 3.5T AWD Valencia Gold (14) (cropped)” by Damian B Oh is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

12. **Compelling Value Proposition**

After a thorough week behind the wheel and an in-depth analysis of every facet, the 2025 Genesis G90 unmistakably solidifies its position as a truly compelling luxury flagship, offering a value proposition that is exceedingly difficult for its established rivals to match. Even with a few acknowledged minor drawbacks, such as its somewhat dated infotainment interface (lacking wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the larger G80 screen) and its middling fuel economy relative to some competitors, the G90 stands as an excellent and highly recommended choice in its class, daring to challenge established norms without sacrificing an iota of premium feel or substance.

For several thousand dollars less—and in some cases, a significant $10,000 to $20,000 less—than comparably equipped European competitors, the G90 delivers an impressive breadth of power and performance that discerning shoppers in this demanding segment are looking for. Beyond its capable dynamics, it wraps this performance in a package that includes virtually all the comfort considerations one could ever ask for, from standard heated, ventilated, and massaging seats to a plush, serene, and almost eerily quiet cabin experience that consistently out-punches its price class.

The upgrade to the E-Supercharger trim level, though adding an extra $10,400 to the starting price, is not just recommended but unequivocally justifies the additional investment. This option doesn’t merely boost horsepower and torque; it brings crucial chassis enhancements like rear-wheel steering and an adaptive air suspension. These components significantly elevate both the handling dynamics and the exceptional ride quality, transforming the G90 into an even more capable and exquisitely refined luxury touring machine. For those who can, taking the “go all out” approach with this trim proves to be a remarkably sensible and rewarding decision.

What truly sets the G90 apart, compelling buyers to reconsider traditional loyalties, is its ability to go head-to-head with the top choices in its segment, not just on a spec sheet but in tangible, real-world experience. It looks and feels every bit as premium as its more expensive rivals, boasting an excellent ride quality and a hushed interior that few can genuinely surpass, especially when considering the significant price advantage. It’s a vehicle that effectively compels a re-evaluation of badge cachet, proving that true luxury is ultimately about the experience, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the overwhelming sense of well-being it provides, rather than solely the emblem on the hood.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: G90
Price: $21,000 Mileage: 89,328 mi.

The 2025 Genesis G90 represents an incredibly well-rounded and deeply satisfying package in the competitive full-size luxury sedan market. While some competitors might indeed offer a wider array of powertrain options, larger cargo spaces, or a sharper, more overtly sporty performance edge, the G90 consistently delivers an exquisite blend of opulent comfort, unexpected agility, and undeniable value. It is simultaneously a grand touring driver’s car and a sophisticated VIP lounge all in one, proving definitively that you truly can have your cake, indulge in its luxurious delights, and enjoy every moment of the journey.