Hyundai Reveals Its S-Class Rival, the 2017 Genesis G90

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis surprised many. It wasn’t some poorly executed copy of a European model like many Hyundais of the past. Instead, it had it’s own style and drove with real, defined class. In fact, it was one of the best new entries to the luxury market, and that success helped spawn the Genesis’ own subdivision.

What you see here is the Genesis G90, revealed today at the Detroit auto show. It joins the lineup as its premium luxury flagship, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival that will likely save customers at the bank.

Exactly how much remains to be seen. What we do know is that up close, the G90 looks every bit the luxury car Hyundai promises it to be. Two engine options are available: a 3.3-liter twin turbo V-6 and a 5.0-liter direct-injected V-8, the latter good for 420 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Both motors link to an 8-speed automatic transmission, a gearbox Hyundai says is 18 lbs. lighter than the one it replaces.

According to the Korean automaker, U.S. G90s will be tailored for highway driving, which is in-line with the base Genesis. Body rigidity has also increased, boasting overall bending that is 6-percent stiffer than a Mercedes S550, Hyundai says. As a front engine, rear drive sedan the G90 boasts the right ingredients, with an available all-wheel-drive system that can route up to 40-percent of power to the front wheels.