This Is Why We'd Rather Buy A Genesis G90 Than A German Luxury Car

Ask any European gearhead how they feel about American muscle cars, and you won’t find too many kind answers, but the situation is very different if you inquire about Japanese and Korean vehicles. For years, Japanese and Korean car manufacturers have produced reliable, durable vehicles that use innovative technologies and prioritize safety. Lately, these automakers have begun competing even in the luxury segment thanks to incredible full-size luxury sedans like the Lexus LS400 and the Genesis G90.

Since Genesis released the G90 in South Korea in December 2015, buyers have learned that Asian automakers can compete with German luxury automakers on an equal footing. Genesis introduced the G90 to the American market at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, and North American gearheads could buy the 2017 model year already since September. In contrast to the 782 units that were sold in the fourth quarter of 2016, American consumers began to accept the G90 in 2017; thus, Genesis boosted sales to 4,398 units that year. In the upcoming years, sales declined again, falling to 1,559 units in 2020 and 1,821 units in 2021, but this is only because consumers are not aware of the advantages of this amazing luxury sedan. So, let's explain why we'd rather buy a Genesis G90 than a German luxury car.

Competitive Pricing For A Luxury Sedan

Luxury cars are expensive – that’s an indisputable fact. European premium and luxury brands are even more pricey because overseas buyers associate them with engineering prowess, luxury, and performance. Thus, finding a luxury vehicle that is reasonably priced is as delightful as opening gifts on Christmas day.

Despite the various standard safety and driver assistance features, the Genesis G90 remains a fairly priced luxury full-size sedan. The MSRP for the 2022 model year is $74,950, while the 2023 model year has a starting price of $88,400. Just to put this into perspective, the 2022 BMW 7 Series has an MSRP of $86,800, while the 2023 model year comes with a starting price of $93,300. Meanwhile, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class costs from $111,100 upwards and the 2023 model has an MSRP of $114,500. As for the Audi A8, the 2022 model has a starting price of $86,500 and the 2023 model starts at $87,595.

The Genesis G90 Has A Comfortable And Large Cabin That Has Several Bespoke Options

The Genesis G90 has many standout features. MotorTrend named it the 2023 MotorTrend Car of the Year. The automotive publication even mentions the “extraordinarily comfortable and quiet” cabin as one of the many advantages of this vehicle.

Year after year, the automaker has improved the beautiful cabin, while prioritizing comfort, safety and emotional wellbeing. For the 2023 model, the high-end materials used on every detail leave the impression that this is more the cabin of a private jet or limousine than the one of a luxury sedan. There are elegant and sophisticated quilted Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces, while the “ergo-relaxing” seat feature (standard for the front seats and available as an option for rear seating) comes with four different kinds of massage.

There are ten air cells in each seat back and a two-cell seat cushion, providing different levels of calming massage pressure. Meanwhile, the cockpit is embracing a distinctly minimalist aesthetic despite the vast cabin space. Probably one of the coolest features of the 2023 model is the Mood Curator, which adjusts the ambiance of the car to the driver’s emotional condition. The passenger can select between four modes: Vitality, Delight, Care, or Comfort.

“Choose your mode, and Mood Curator does the rest. It adjusts everything from the ambient lighting color and seat massage intensity to power sunshades, an audio soundtrack – even an onboard fragrance system – at the press of a button,” says Genesis.

Various Driver-Assist And Safety Standard Features

Study after study showed that buyers have an interest in safety and advanced driver assistance features. According to a Consumer Reports car safety survey, vehicle buyers prefer cutting-edge safety technologies that prevent collisions, but they are less excited about autonomous technology. As such, 51 percent of American drivers who planned to purchase a new or used car in the next two years deemed a rearview camera or backup warning system essential. Meanwhile, 45 percent of respondents desired a blind-spot warning system. Comparatively, 11 percent of respondents want a vehicle with autonomous acceleration, braking, or steering technology.

The Korean automaker perfectly adapted the G90 to market demands; thus, the 2023 model comes equipped with “one of the most advanced protection systems ever offered in an automobile,” according to Genesis. A new function called Hands-On Detection assesses whether the driver is grasping the steering wheel when systems like Highway Driving Assist are subsequently engaged, delivering warnings as necessary. Additionally, the G90 has forward collision-avoidance assist, surround view monitor, which uses four distinct cameras, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and parking collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitor, rear occupant alert and safe exit assist, and highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control.

Sources: Car Sales Base, MotorTrend, Consumer Reports, and Genesis.