Hyundai reveals Genesis G90

Hyundai has officially issued a picture and detailed specifications for its Genesis flagship, the G90.

Four years in development and effectively a successor to the Hyundai Equus, the Genesis G90 is around the same size as the Mercedes S-Class, measuring 5205mm in length, 1915mm in width, 1495mm high, and riding on a 3160mm wheelbase. Three engines will power the G90, a 3.3-litre turbo V6, a 3.8-litre naturally-aspirated V6 and a 5.0-litre V8. Power and torque figures are 272kW/510Nm for the turbo V6, 231kW/397Nm for the atmo V6 and 312kW/520Nm for the V8. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.2 seconds (turbo), 6.9 seconds (atmo V6) and 5.7 seconds (V8).

All three engines drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, with all-wheel drive as an option. The G90 runs on multi-link independent suspension for all four wheels and the steering is by means of electric power assistance. Wheels and tyres range in size from 8.0x18-inch and 245/50 R18 to 9.5x19-inch and 275/40 R19.

Among the advanced safety features to be introduced with the G90 are Highway Driving Assistance (for Korea only), Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance System. Other safety features will include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Active Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Driver Attention Alert, Smart High Beam Assist and an Around View Monitor.

And comfort and convenience features will include what Hyundai describes as "the world's first clinically-validated Smart Posture Caring (SPC) System." According to the company's press material, SPC is a Korean-market-only item that automatically adjusts seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and Head-Up Display to suit the driver. Further luxury items to be available in the G90 comprise three-zone climate control and a Lexicon sound system that is claimed to offer "concert hall-like experience".

Hyundai, in the guise of its new luxury/prestige brand Genesis, has gone to great lengths building a car to rival the traditional prestige models out of Europe, even sourcing semi-aniline leather for the seats from an Italian supplier.

In addition to its home market of South Korea, the Genesis G90 is slated for introduction in other markets around the world, including the USA, China, Russia and the Middle East. Hyundai Australia says that a decision is yet to be made as to whether the G90 will be built in right-hand drive. That will be the first hurdle to overcome in bringing the large limo to Australia. The importer may opt not to bring it here, even if the G90 is available in RHD.