2020 Genesis G90 5.0 V8 Review - Sounds great! Loud, Bold & Luxury Sedan from Genesis.

[leggy]

I don't know if Hyundai has that program

 

[EdP]

Does Hyundai?

I'd certainly ask the salesman that want to sell my next car. Tell him if he can't help you are going to Brand X down the street.

 

[Gunny]

Will do, positive or negative. I really wanted to see the 2020 G90 up close before making a decision, but ...

This will be long and may not be interesting to everyone but here are my initial impressions of my 2018 S450 after about a month of ownership.

The Deal:
I bought my car from a Jeep dealer. It had the Premium package [massaging seats, perfumed air conditioner, etc] and was in near perfect condition. There was a MB dealer right across the street and the equivalent car would have been 10K more. I know because I checked. My 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Ultimate got me an $18K trade-in offer. I had done my homework and knew it was worth at least 20K. The dealer showed me a Manhiem [auction site] printout but I knew a car like mine would never see an auction. I presented my evidence and insisted on nothing less. I had to walk out once to get this deal but I knew I was well within reasonable boundaries. I monitored the dealers web site after my purchase. My Genesis sold for $21,500 within 3 weeks. I was fine with that. Dealerships can't exist if they can't make a profit.

The Car:
I know this is a Genesis forum but I'll be honest. This car is exquisite!!! It is meticulously designed to the point of almost being ridiculous. It includes...

1) Unbelievable Attention To Detail.

> The dual 12.5 digital instrument clusters are sublime. They are perfectly positioned and, along with the rest of the cars aesthetics, provide an experience nothing short of a cockpit. In fact, I think that's what MB calls their cabin. You have full control and can put the data you want where you need it to be. Want Nav on the main [or entertainment system] display? No problem. Want music on either display? Also no problem.

> Air Freshener - Also included with the Premium package is the air purifier [and ionization] system.
My car did't have the perfume reservoir but I found one on eBay for $80.00. With this I can now turn on the heater or the AC and have my favorite scent distributed via the vehicles ventilation system. When it's empty I can simply refill it with whatever fragrance I choose.

> "Semi" Autonomous Parking - My car can do this according to its documentation but I haven't been able to make it work just yet. There are many other features I am forgetting at the moment. I may list them later if requested. For now let's move on.

As stated in previous comments, there is some strangeness, actually, quite a bit of it. I don't know in what order I should list these comments so I'll just go random.

> You can't truly turn off the radio or any other media source. You can, but if you do it also turns off the infotainment screen. If you want that screen active [as most would] yet don't want to hear sound you have to accept muted sound as being the equivalent to actually turning the system off. I found this very strange and had to confirm it from reliable sources but it is true.

> Tires
My 2015 Genesis had staggered tires and I wanted to avoid that if possible with my next car since I spent hundreds replacing them as I encountered potholes here and there. The S450 came with 18 inch wheels [remember, I bought it used] but the car can also be equipped with either 19's or 20's. In most cases these would be staggered run-flats. I didn't want run flats because they generally suck. Before I understood this I ordered 19 inch wheels and later learned that some shops [Costco, Sam's Club etc.] would not even install them, claiming they weren't OEM equipment. "If the car is spec'd for run flats then that's what we have to sell you." They also refused to install the staggered options for this car because [according to them] the car was spec'd for 18 inch run-flats. This is not the fault of the car of course. It can accommodate all of those sizes. Since I abandoned the run flat option I've been looking for a donut-type spare I can store in my trunk. Haven't found one yet. Most newer luxury level cars are coming with run flats and without spares so this one [I think] is a draw. From what I've heard, the 2020 G90 will also be sans spare. I hate this and will continue looking for a suitable spare for my vehicle.

Compared to Genesis Models:

My 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 had radar-guided cruise control and a Heads-Up Display. I bought it brand new and paid a lot less than what I paid for the Mercedes S450. My Benz lacked these features, [they call the former Distronic] listing them as options that new car buyers could have purchased at the time of manufacture. Of course we all know most cars sitting on dealer lots are equipped with "typical" options. I'm still scratching my head on this one as I just assumed Distronic would be standard on any near $100K vehicle today. In this case Genesis definitely wins with their simple "base or ultimate" model pricing.

Ease of Use:

While the 2018 Mercedes Benz S450 is something to see and drive, it is not an intuitive machine. I poured through the manuals for hours and still couldn't figure certain things out. By contrast, my [full featured] 2015 Genesis was much easier to get used to. I still read the manuals but only for my edification. The basics of the car were intuitive. I haven't owned an Equus or a G90 but I still believe the higher end Genesis vehicles will be more intuitive than anything MB has to offer.


SUMMARY:

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 is an amazing machine in all aspects but it is also a different car than you're probably used to. If you've owned recent MB models you may not be as intimidated. My last MB was a C32 AMG back in 2001. Today's offerings are whole different animals. You can't just get in this one and drive. You need to take some time to understand the car first. The learning curve is probably most similar to that of driving a Tesla Model S. I drove one of these a few years ago and decided NOT to buy.

Conclusion:
If your ultimate concern is value then I would recommend the 2020 G90, assuming the wheels and other factors we've discussed here don't bother you too much. The 2020 G90's interior [while quite nice, especially the seats] cannot compete with even the base S Class] but you will get standard features with the Genesis platform that will cost thousands more with the S Class. If you're coming off lease and have a decision to make I wouldn't rule out the S Class. I'm getting used to mine and coming to love it more each day.

Hyundai has been a difficult company for me to comprehend. They gave their Kia K900 better aesthetics and tech than the G90 at the time. They did the same thing back in 2015 when I bought my first Hyundai Genesis. At that time the older Equus had better tech.

Meanwhile I just saw this. It appears to be the much-awaited Hyundai version of the K900 but when and where will it even be available?

 

[Goaterguy]

Thanks for the review, I appreciate all points of view. The cheapest S450 on cars.com with 23k miles is listed for $58k. Based on your experience, is that a good deal? Is there good room for negotiation?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/795336065/overview/

 

[Gunny]

Thanks for the review, I appreciate all points of view. The cheapest S450 on cars.com with 23k miles is listed for $58k. Based on your experience, is that a good deal? Is there good room for negotiation?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/795336065/overview/

That sounds like a good deal but with these cars you have to be VERY careful about the included options as that can significantly affect the price.

 

[Cactus99]

The Hyundai Grandeur video posted above is NOT the Hyundai version of the K900. The Grandeur is the Hyundai Korean market vehicle of what used to be known as the Azera in the United States, but is no longer sold here. The Hyundai vehicle niche, represented through the Genesis brand for the KIA K900, or vice versa, is in fact, the Genesis G90.

 

[Gunny]

The Hyundai Grandeur video posted above is NOT the Hyundai version of the K900. The Grandeur is the Hyundai Korean market vehicle of what used to be known as the Azera in the United States, but is no longer sold here. The Hyundai vehicle niche, represented through the Genesis brand for the KIA K900, or vice versa, is in fact, the Genesis G90.

Right. That comment wasn't meant to be taken literally. I confirmed the same with a little research today yet this is the only Hyundai vehicle I know of that places the rear view camera in the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. This is a cool feature yet I wasn't willing to buy a Kia K900 to get it. I test drove one and found it about on par with my previous 2015 Hyundai Genesis, which I would classify as "sport" luxury at best. This time around I wanted "absolute" luxury, something more akin to the G90. I think the 2020 G90 will also do the camera thing but will project each image in the center of the main cluster.

 

[Toadfrog]

agree with savardlb, i searched long and hard for a 2019 with low mileage and options I wanted because the new 2020 outside appearance and wheels just kill the car for me. Found a 2019 1500 miles from me and drove to pick it up, that is how much I love this car! Quite an enjoyable drive home too!

yes I know this is 2021 now and I just purchase a 2019 less than a week ago, and probably could have talked some dealer down about the same for a left over 2020, but again the outside of the car is just not my cup of tea!

I feel Ike the lines and other features of the 2017-2019 will age much better.

 

[Toadfrog]

This will be long and may not be interesting to everyone but here are my initial impressions of my 2018 S450 after about a month of ownership.

The Deal:
I bought my car from a Jeep dealer. It had the Premium package [massaging seats, perfumed air conditioner, etc] and was in near perfect condition. There was a MB dealer right across the street and the equivalent car would have been 10K more. I know because I checked. My 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Ultimate got me an $18K trade-in offer. I had done my homework and knew it was worth at least 20K. The dealer showed me a Manhiem [auction site] printout but I knew a car like mine would never see an auction. I presented my evidence and insisted on nothing less. I had to walk out once to get this deal but I knew I was well within reasonable boundaries. I monitored the dealers web site after my purchase. My Genesis sold for $21,500 within 3 weeks. I was fine with that. Dealerships can't exist if they can't make a profit.

The Car:
I know this is a Genesis forum but I'll be honest. This car is exquisite!!! It is meticulously designed to the point of almost being ridiculous. It includes...

1) Unbelievable Attention To Detail.

> The dual 12.5 digital instrument clusters are sublime. They are perfectly positioned and, along with the rest of the cars aesthetics, provide an experience nothing short of a cockpit. In fact, I think that's what MB calls their cabin. You have full control and can put the data you want where you need it to be. Want Nav on the main [or entertainment system] display? No problem. Want music on either display? Also no problem.

> Air Freshener - Also included with the Premium package is the air purifier [and ionization] system.
My car did't have the perfume reservoir but I found one on eBay for $80.00. With this I can now turn on the heater or the AC and have my favorite scent distributed via the vehicles ventilation system. When it's empty I can simply refill it with whatever fragrance I choose.

> "Semi" Autonomous Parking - My car can do this according to its documentation but I haven't been able to make it work just yet. There are many other features I am forgetting at the moment. I may list them later if requested. For now let's move on.

As stated in previous comments, there is some strangeness, actually, quite a bit of it. I don't know in what order I should list these comments so I'll just go random.

> You can't truly turn off the radio or any other media source. You can, but if you do it also turns off the infotainment screen. If you want that screen active [as most would] yet don't want to hear sound you have to accept muted sound as being the equivalent to actually turning the system off. I found this very strange and had to confirm it from reliable sources but it is true.

> Tires
My 2015 Genesis had staggered tires and I wanted to avoid that if possible with my next car since I spent hundreds replacing them as I encountered potholes here and there. The S450 came with 18 inch wheels [remember, I bought it used] but the car can also be equipped with either 19's or 20's. In most cases these would be staggered run-flats. I didn't want run flats because they generally suck. Before I understood this I ordered 19 inch wheels and later learned that some shops [Costco, Sam's Club etc.] would not even install them, claiming they weren't OEM equipment. "If the car is spec'd for run flats then that's what we have to sell you." They also refused to install the staggered options for this car because [according to them] the car was spec'd for 18 inch run-flats. This is not the fault of the car of course. It can accommodate all of those sizes. Since I abandoned the run flat option I've been looking for a donut-type spare I can store in my trunk. Haven't found one yet. Most newer luxury level cars are coming with run flats and without spares so this one [I think] is a draw. From what I've heard, the 2020 G90 will also be sans spare. I hate this and will continue looking for a suitable spare for my vehicle.

Compared to Genesis Models:

My 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 had radar-guided cruise control and a Heads-Up Display. I bought it brand new and paid a lot less than what I paid for the Mercedes S450. My Benz lacked these features, [they call the former Distronic] listing them as options that new car buyers could have purchased at the time of manufacture. Of course we all know most cars sitting on dealer lots are equipped with "typical" options. I'm still scratching my head on this one as I just assumed Distronic would be standard on any near $100K vehicle today. In this case Genesis definitely wins with their simple "base or ultimate" model pricing.

Ease of Use:

While the 2018 Mercedes Benz S450 is something to see and drive, it is not an intuitive machine. I poured through the manuals for hours and still couldn't figure certain things out. By contrast, my [full featured] 2015 Genesis was much easier to get used to. I still read the manuals but only for my edification. The basics of the car were intuitive. I haven't owned an Equus or a G90 but I still believe the higher end Genesis vehicles will be more intuitive than anything MB has to offer.


SUMMARY:

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 is an amazing machine in all aspects but it is also a different car than you're probably used to. If you've owned recent MB models you may not be as intimidated. My last MB was a C32 AMG back in 2001. Today's offerings are whole different animals. You can't just get in this one and drive. You need to take some time to understand the car first. The learning curve is probably most similar to that of driving a Tesla Model S. I drove one of these a few years ago and decided NOT to buy.

Conclusion:
If your ultimate concern is value then I would recommend the 2020 G90, assuming the wheels and other factors we've discussed here don't bother you too much. The 2020 G90's interior [while quite nice, especially the seats] cannot compete with even the base S Class] but you will get standard features with the Genesis platform that will cost thousands more with the S Class. If you're coming off lease and have a decision to make I wouldn't rule out the S Class. I'm getting used to mine and coming to love it more each day.

Hyundai has been a difficult company for me to comprehend. They gave their Kia K900 better aesthetics and tech than the G90 at the time. They did the same thing back in 2015 when I bought my first Hyundai Genesis. At that time the older Equus had better tech.

Meanwhile I just saw this. It appears to be the much-awaited Hyundai version of the K900 but when and where will it even be available?

Looks like this post was a little over a year ago, 12-2019. I would be curious of your cost in that year for maintenance and/or repair?

 

[XXX]

As a noob here I’m exploring posts to continue my learning curve. What interests me about this thread is the similarity to other car forums. My current car (soon to be sold Monday) is a 2014 Lexus LS460 F Sport. The good folks over at Club Lexus had the same type comments about the 2018 LS500. Those who don’t like it have either stuck with the 13-17 or gone away. Those who have it, either love it and still drive it or sold it and went on to something else. For me, after my 5th Lexus, it’s time for a change. I’m sticking to the 17-18 G90 years for my next car. The new refresh is fine by me. Stop a great car.

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Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Toadfrog]

As a noob here I’m exploring posts to continue my learning curve. What interests me about this thread is the similarity to other car forums. My current car (soon to be sold Monday) is a 2014 Lexus LS460 F Sport. The good folks over at Club Lexus had the same type comments about the 2018 LS500. Those who don’t like it have either stuck with the 13-17 or gone away. Those who have it, either love it and still drive it or sold it and went on to something else. For me, after my 5th Lexus, it’s time for a change. I’m sticking to the 17-18 G90 years for my next car. The new refresh is fine by me. Stop a great car.

RonL. I do not think you will be disappointed in the G90!

I was dead set on a 2015-2017 LS460 for a couple of years, drooling over the few that would show up at car lots around me, until I was finally ready to purchase and started driving them.

Sadly it was not the dynamic driving experience I was looking for!

I am sure I will most likely spend a little more in Maintenace long term for my G90, compared to the Lexus, (maybe not), but the driving experience, in my opinion, is no comparison!!

Just yesterday I took my daughters out for a drive in Dad’s “Old Person Car” and scared the $&@! out of them when I switched to Sport mode and started driving like I did in my 20’s, all the while feeling completely in control

Then just as quickly switched everything back to Comfort and slowed down to 20 over the speed limit to a completely serene and relaxing drive.

Sadly, I think the girls enjoyed the amazing sound system more than the drive, but honestly this car has it all like no other car I have been able to drive in any price range I could afford!

Yes, a 12 cylinder Bentley is way more car than both the Lexus and the Genesis, but as I read about up to $20K in possible annual Maintenace, I have to chuckle knowing I have close to the same experience and comfort with none of the trips to the mechanic!! Ironically, one of my girls guessed the G90 was a Bentley!

You may have already driven a G90, but if not you need to!

Take a G90 on an extended test drive for at least 30+ minutes. Ditch the sales guy and ask for a drive alone. Try some back roads with curves in sport mode, and then the interstate in comfort, let me know what you think! Drive it like you would if you owned it and compare.

Let me caution you that you may experience a little more tire noise than you are used to in the Lexus, but look at the width of the tires at 275 and height of 40 for the rear tires, compared to your 245/45 for your Lexus, and then take a corner at speed and you will see the handling difference. Also make sure the tires on the G90 you test drive are inflated properly. To me the trade off is worth it.

At the end of the day for me, after about three years of research and 6 months of test drives, I just don’t think there is a better car for this price anywhere when all things are considered!

So glad I bought the Genesis instead!!

 

[XXX]

RonL. I do not think you will be disappointed in the G90!

I was dead set on a 2015-2017 LS460 for a couple of years, drooling over the few that would show up at car lots around me, until I was finally ready to purchase and started driving them.

Sadly it was not the dynamic driving experience I was looking for!

I am sure I will most likely spend a little more in Maintenace long term for my G90, compared to the Lexus, (maybe not), but the driving experience, in my opinion, is no comparison!!

Just yesterday I took my daughters out for a drive in Dad’s “Old Person Car” and scared the $&@! out of them when I switched to Sport mode and started driving like I did in my 20’s, all the while feeling completely in control

Then just as quickly switched everything back to Comfort and slowed down to 20 over the speed limit to a completely serene and relaxing drive.

Sadly, I think the girls enjoyed the amazing sound system more than the drive, but honestly this car has it all like no other car I have been able to drive in any price range I could afford!

Yes, a 12 cylinder Bentley is way more car than both the Lexus and the Genesis, but as I read about up to $20K in possible annual Maintenace, I have to chuckle knowing I have close to the same experience and comfort with none of the trips to the mechanic!! Ironically, one of my girls guessed the G90 was a Bentley!

You may have already driven a G90, but if not you need to!

Take a G90 on an extended test drive for at least 30+ minutes. Ditch the sales guy and ask for a drive alone. Try some back roads with curves in sport mode, and then the interstate in comfort, let me know what you think! Drive it like you would if you owned it and compare.

Let me caution you that you may experience a little more tire noise than you are used to in the Lexus, but look at the width of the tires at 275 and height of 40 for the rear tires, compared to your 245/45 for your Lexus, and then take a corner at speed and you will see the handling difference. Also make sure the tires on the G90 you test drive are inflated properly. To me the trade off is worth it.

At the end of the day for me, after about three years of research and 6 months of test drives, I just don’t think there is a better car for this price anywhere when all things are considered!

So glad I bought the Genesis instead!!

I have driven a 17 G90 identical to the one I hope to own this Monday or Tuesday. First I have to finalize the sale of my car to Carvana Monday. Don’t know if I just drop the car off for a check or if they check out the car first to decide. So once I put that past me, then it’s on to the G90. Hopefully it will all fall into place this week. I really loved the ride and it was super quiet.