The Genesis G90, specifically the facelifted first generation produced from 2018 to December 2021, represented Hyundai’s ambitious foray into the luxury sedan market. This variant, equipped with the 3.3 T-GDi V6 engine producing 370 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, was positioned as the mid-range offering in the G90 lineup, slotting between the base 3.8L V6 and the flagship 5.0L V8 models. Initially marketed as the EQ900 in South Korea, the G90 aimed to compete with established German and Japanese luxury brands, offering a compelling blend of technology, comfort, and value. The 2018 facelift brought revised styling, enhanced safety features, and refinements to the powertrain.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Genesis |
| Model | G90/EQ900 |
| Generation | G90 I (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.3 T-GDi V6 (370 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | December, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.3 l/100 km (16.4 US mpg, 19.8 UK mpg, 7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.1-10.3 l/100 km (23.3 – 22.8 US mpg, 28 – 27.4 UK mpg, 9.9 – 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.3-12.5 l/100 km (19.1 – 18.8 US mpg, 23 – 22.6 UK mpg, 8.1 – 8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 214-217 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 370 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 110.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 510 Nm @ 1300-4500 rpm (376.16 lb.-ft. @ 1300-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Lambda II |
| Engine displacement | 3342 cm3 (203.94 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.8 l (10.36 US qt | 8.62 UK qt) |
| Max. weight | 2185 kg (4817.1 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 83 l (21.93 US gal | 18.26 UK gal) |
| Length | 5205 mm (204.92 in.) |
| Width | 1915 mm (75.39 in.) |
| Height | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3160 mm (124.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1630-1640 mm (64.17 – 64.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1639-1659 mm (64.53 – 65.31 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Wheel rims size | 18; 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this G90 variant is the Lambda II 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine, a cornerstone of Hyundai Motor Group’s powertrain strategy, utilizes direct injection and a sophisticated multi-point injection system to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery. The twin-scroll turbochargers minimize turbo lag, providing a more responsive driving experience. The engine’s architecture is a 60-degree V configuration, contributing to a smoother power delivery and reduced vibrations. Paired with this engine is Hyundai’s eight-speed automatic transmission, known for its smooth shifts and wide gear ratio spread. This transmission is designed to balance fuel efficiency with performance, offering both manual shift control and adaptive learning capabilities. The all-wheel-drive system employs a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.3 T-GDi G90 delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The 370 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque provide ample power for effortless acceleration and confident highway cruising. While not as overtly sporty as some of its European rivals, the G90 prioritizes a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering seamless gear changes and contributing to the overall sense of refinement. Compared to the base 3.8L V6, the 3.3T offers a significant performance upgrade, with noticeably quicker acceleration. However, it doesn’t quite match the raw power of the 5.0L V8. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced grip, particularly in inclement weather, but adds some weight compared to rear-wheel-drive configurations.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2018 facelifted G90 3.3 T-GDi came standard with a generous array of features, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included a rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display, and upgraded leather trim. The interior design emphasized luxury and spaciousness, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Trim levels were relatively streamlined, with most options packaged into specific packages rather than offering a wide range of standalone choices.
Chassis & Braking
The G90 utilizes a multi-link suspension system at all four corners, designed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems work in conjunction to enhance safety and stability. The steering is power-assisted and offers a comfortable weight, providing a confident feel on the road.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the G90 3.3 T-GDi for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and comprehensive feature set. However, some reviewers noted that it lacked the brand cachet of its established European competitors. Fuel economy, while respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance, was not a standout feature, averaging around 19 mpg combined. Compared to the 3.8L V6, the 3.3T offered a significant performance boost, justifying the price premium for buyers seeking more power. Against the 5.0L V8, the 3.3T represented a more balanced option, offering a good compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Genesis G90, including the 3.3 T-GDi variant, played a crucial role in establishing Genesis as a legitimate luxury brand. While not a massive sales success, it demonstrated Hyundai’s ability to produce a world-class luxury sedan. On the used car market, the 2018-2021 G90 3.3 T-GDi offers a compelling value proposition, providing a significant amount of luxury and technology for the price. The Lambda II engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although regular maintenance is essential. The G90’s legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of the Genesis brand and its demonstration of Hyundai’s commitment to challenging the established players in the luxury automotive segment.
