2017 Genesis G90

2017 Genesis G90

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia

Overview:
This is the 2018 Genesis G90. A friend bought a Hyundai Equus, a then new luxury brand and dumped his top of the line Lexus. He has the money to own any car in the world so I had to ask why Hyundai Equus? “… because I’ve done a lot of research and the Toyota Lexus was way more expensive to buy and own so I wanted a change”. It reminds me of the adage that “it isn’t what you make, it’s what you spend that is important, and my friend was always conscious of cost which explains why he is super wealthy.

So, the story continues because I was in the Genesis badge this week I called my friend to see if he had looked at the new Genesis G90. After all it is the replacement for the Equus. “I’m still driving the Equus after several years, but I will take a look at the G90 as it may be time to move to a newer model year. Thanks”.

Me, I said, I feel it is an improvement if only because of the many innovations the years bring. Surely this is ‘as good as it gets’ in luxury cars, and let’s face it, the price is right to boot. Hyundai / Kia products are still the hottest brands for today’s car buyer, in my opinion. When my friend and I worked together I drove a Mercedes-Benz 450 SL and in retrospect the Genesis is as sophisticated for far less money.

Last year when I reviewed the G90 I alluded to the thought that, if you are not stinking rich or don’t have a need to try to impress others you’ll want to consider Hyundai products like this Genesis. Yes, 99% of the population are like you and me, and that’s who should be test driving Hyundai and Kia Cars. My ownership of an automotive repair business in La Canada for several decades was a great lesson on the real world of cars and what to buy and what NOT to buy.

“It’s costly wisdom that’s bought by experience, and experience is the name everyone gives their mistakes”. . . a quote worth considering.

General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 2%, Korea 82%; Engine and transmission – Korea;Classification is Large Cars. Cars from Genesis: G80, G90.

 Opinion:

Last year I reflected on Electric Cars – and it is worth repeating this year. My opinion has not changed. My prediction is that ‘all electric’ is NOT the answer to our transportation needs short of some miraculous breakthrough that is not likely for at least the next 20 years.

Yes, I beat up on Tesla and other electric car enthusiasts who would try to make us believe an electric car is the answer, because it is NOT! And yes, it is my opinion. But I got that from observing the market and more importantly from test driving electric cars for many years and seeing no significant change for more than 100 years. And yes one only needs to look at history to gain a keen sense of the obvious.

You may recall reading a couple of my columns where I discussed Hydrogen Fuel Cell options available. First, about 11 years ago I test drove GM’s Hi-Wire Fuel Cell concept car, and more recently I teamed up with a lessee of a Hydrogen powered SUV. It reminded me why I was excited about the concept. And now as recently as the latest LA Auto Show, that excitement was reinforced. A lot was being said about Hydrogen cars with elaborate mock ups and cut-away’s to show how it all works. If you must be adventuresome the Hydrogen option is worth your time to consider. (note: if you have had an experience with Fuel Cell cars please email me).

I repeat, history tells us that in over 100 year’s electric cars have done precious little to improve on the then range of 100 miles. Fuel Cell propulsion continues to stay alive for good reason and it supports my prediction that battery powered cars just have too many limitations.

Handling & Performance:

Special.

Styling:

The cat’s meow and it lights my fire – how about you?

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding.

Cost:

Affordable luxury. Similar competitors will set you back double the cost of this gem.

Conveniences and comfort:

All the bells and whistles.

Consumer Recommendations:

Try a test drive if this is in your budget. I believe you’ll be as impressed with the product as I am.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Fun, fast, luxurious class act that is priced well.

Bad News:

n/a

Standard Equipment:

5.0 liter 420 horsepower GDI Twin Turbo V8 engine, 8-speed auto transmission, intelligent drive mode, adaptive control suspension with elect. Damping control, 19-inch allow wheels, stability management system, electronic stability and traction controls and ABS brake assist, 9-airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and lane departure alert, smart cruise control with stop/start feature, multi view camera, front and rear parking sensors, electronic parking brake with auto vehicle hold, rain sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield, pre-active seatbelt with anti-whiplash front head restraints, proximity key with push button start, auto headlights and high beam assist, LED headlights with Dynamic bending light, Leather seating, sport front seats and steering wheel with contrast stitching, leather wrapped power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 22 way power driver seat and 16-way power passenger seat that are heated and ventilated, 14-way power rear seats heated and ventilated, climate control, full color heads up display, 7” color LCD multi-information display, 12.9” HD Navigation with multi-media controller, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, 17-speaker audio system, AM/FM/XM/HD radio/ CD/MP3 with SiriusXM radio, rear seat entertainment system with 10.3” HD monitors, Wireless charging pad in front, power rear side sunshades, hands free Smart power trunk lid.

Gas Stats:

$3.35-Gal avg. March 24, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

18 City and 24 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $71,890.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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