2020 Genesis G90: Korea's Flagship Tries a Bolder Look

Representing a good value among the premium full-size sedan set, the Genesis G90 remains thin on the ground — and not just because of America’s fondness for crossovers and SUVs. As it begins its roll-out of standalone Genesis stores, the fledgling brand planned to kick off the new dealer strategy by fielding only 2019 model-year vehicles. That meant a sell-down of existing stock throughout the summer and fall.

For the 2020 model year, the second model launched by Hyundai’s luxury division, the G90, undergoes a significant refresh, though the marque’s future hinges on a trio of yet-to-be-seen crossovers.

Unveiled today in Seoul, the second-generation G90 dons a new face and taillights, with its grille now sweeping south to touch the bumper’s lower lip. A little Acura-esque, in this writer’s view. Headlights are now bisected, a la Volvo, and a newly carved fender port carries on this motif.

Out back, the previous model’s staid, vertically oriented taillights transform into two decks of LEDs, splayed out horizontally across the rear fascia and trunklid. Character lines and formal roofline carry over unchanged. Two additional changes can be found in the extra hood creases and the “Genesis” lettering replacing the brand’s logo on the trunk.

The 19-inch lace alloy wheels seen above are optional units meant to mimic the light reflected by a cut gemstone, Genesis tells us. Inside, things remain pretty much the same, though a new interface for the 12.3-inch touchscreen allows users to zoom in and out.

What Genesis doesn’t tell us is what to expect under the hood. The previous U.S.-spec model saw a 5.0-liter V8 and twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic, in either rear- or all-wheel-drive guise. It’s hard to imagine the top-flight motor disappearing. That tranny, it should be noted, was exceptionally smooth, as was the model’s Adaptive Control Suspension. Sound insulation was also top notch.

That said, it’s a difficult feat to enter a pricey segment as a new brand and sell cars, even if quality is up to snuff. Between the G90’s launch in September 2016 and the end of October 2018, just 7,269 examples found U.S. buyers. Last month’s tally amounted to 104 vehicles.

[Images: Genesis Motors]