Hyundai Shows Off New Genesis Flagship

The Genesis G90/EQ900 fullsize luxury car is so important to Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo that he did the public unveiling at its sales launch today, a highly unusual move.

The successor to the ʼ15 Hyundai Equus and the first new model under Hyundai’s plan to take its Genesis line to full luxury-brand status will be called EQ900 in Korea and G90 in certain export markets, including the U.S.

The sedan hits domestic showrooms at a price range of 73 million-117 million won ($61,900-$99,000), including 5% consumption tax. U.S. prices are expected to be comparable.

The G90 will go on sale in the U.S. and Middle-Eastern markets in 2016. It also will be exported to China and Russia, but no dates have been released for launches there.

In its preorder run-up that began Nov. 23, dealers took in more than 10,000 sales contracts for the EQ900.

Assembled at a plant in Hyundai’s Ulsan complex the Genesis G90/EQ900 has all the upscale appointments of its predecessor, with an anticipated array of additional advanced performance, safety and comfort features.

Two of the three engine options are carryovers. The 3.8L GDI V-6 delivers 315 hp and can hit 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. The Tau 5.0L GDI V-8 produces 425 hp and reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.

The third engine, the all-new 3.3L T-GDI twin-turbo V-6 gets its first application ever in the G90/EQ900. It puts out 370 hp and does the 0-62 mph run in 6.2 seconds.

Dimensionally the new model is a bit bigger than its predecessor, increasing 1.8 ins. (45 mm) in overall length to 204.9 ins. (5,205 mm) and 1 in. (25 mm) in width to 75.4 ins. (1,915 mm). Height remains the same at 58.9 ins. (1,495 mm). Wheelbase is extended 4.5 ins. (115 mm) to 124.4 ins. (3,160 mm).

The G90/EQ900 has multilink suspension front and rear with high-performance dampers on the adaptive suspension system.

Performance and safety features include automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian-detection feature, active blindspot detection, driver attention alert, smart high-beam assist and cameras that provide full all-around viewing.

In Korea, some of safety features are combined in a semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system that integrates smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist and other advanced technologies.

Also only in Korea the EQ900 version is available with Smart Posture Caring. It automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, outside mirror and heads-up display to the best position for the driver’s size and stature.

A 17-speaker Lexicon Sound System with Quantum Logic also is available.