Hyundai Launches First Luxury Sedan Under Genesis Badge Named G90

Last month, Hyundai provided renderings of the forthcoming Genesis G90, the first vehicle under the new Genesis luxury-brand spinoff.

Reports revealed that Genesis’ first model will be made available in Korea before the current year ends.

Pre-orders of the G90 is already reported to have crossed the 10,000 mark in South Korea where the sedan goes on sale in January.

According to Hyundai, the V8 can propel the sedan from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.7 seconds.

Global sales of the G90 will start next year, and by 2020, Genesis plans to release 5 more models, ranging from the a sports coupe to an SUV. There’s also spectacular legroom since the wheelbase sits at a neat 124.4 inches (3160 mm).

The EQ900 is 5,205 millimeters long and 1,915 mm wide, stands at 1,495 mm and has a wheel base of 3,160 mm.

Power to the new Genesis G90 comes from a 3.8 liter Lambda V6 GDi generating 231 PS and 396 Nm.

The 2017 Genesis G90 will offer three powertrain choices, including a new 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with 364 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque that pairs with an eight-speed automatic and either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Despite its size, the trunk only has a capacity of 484 liters.

The unveiling event of the first model of Genesis has been anticipated since Hyundai Motor vice chairman Chung Eui-sun ― the chairman’s only son and his heir apparent ― led the launch of the carmaker’s first premium brand and its growth vision on Nov 4.

Catering to comfort and convenience, Hyundai is deploying what it calls a world-first “Smart Posture Caring System” in the seating. This is central to the Genesis brand’s character, with development teams carrying out rigorous performance testing of the G90 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany and the Mojave test center in the U.S. Despite the car’s sporty and responsive characteristics, the interior environment remains refined with all of the three available gasoline powertrains: V6 3.3-liter T-GDI, V6 3.8-liter GDI or V8 5.0-liter GDI.

The G90 will be packed with the latest safety and autonomous driving tech dubbed Genesis Smart Sense, a suite of features like Highway Driving Assist, smart cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Back when Hyundai launched the Equus on the market, the auto wasn’t received as well as expected because of its roots and the badge on the front grille.

And if Toyota managed to make Lexus work in Europe, it would take a fearless man to bet against Hyundai doing the same with Genesis – in time. Specifications for the United States will be announced closer to the market launch in 2016.