Genesis Strikes Again, new G90 to Compete in Flagship Class
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good or bad, genesis is (for the time being) going to be stuck with "best bang for buck" labeling.
cuz if ur about to spend close to 100k, ur clearly not hurting in your wallet...and therefore, why not at that point just go top tier.
I will say, having driven Lexus LS sedans in the $80-90k range for a long time and jumping to the S Class at $120k...don't get me wrong I love my S Class but there is very little to "substantiate" that jump in price, I would say my LS sedans were 90% as great, maybe even 95%...there are things I even miss about them. This G90 will be too.
Now that I have *had* the S Class, I don't know that I will spring for another one, especially if I don't love it over something like this G90.
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…………….I will say, having driven Lexus LS sedans in the $80-90k range for a long time and jumping to the S Class at $120k...don't get me wrong I love my S Class but there is very little to "substantiate" that jump in price, I would say my LS sedans were 90% as great, maybe even 95%...there are things I even miss about them. This G90 will be too……….
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Between 1993 & 2011, I had 8 new LS sedans, all top of the line models with air suspension. I loved those cars, but could not get behind the “Spindle Grill” design and jumped to a new S550 in 2013. Right now, I would just love to buy a new RX350, but Lexus has found it necessary to push the ugliness envelope to the max and no matter how great the vehicle may be, I can’t drive something that looks like it was designed by a cartoon artist. It really is a shame that they let their design people get so absolutely nuts. Pretty much the whole Toyota & Lexus lines look truly horrid to me these days. Oh well.
As for the Spindle Grill, I feel it works on the new ES, IS, and LC, but on other cars is a bit much, such as this RX. Looks like during the EV Era in which Toyota just announced that Lexus will be EV only by 2030 yesterday, along with 15 new concept cars, the spindle grill will evolve into something new.
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The RX is just a raised Camry. It doesn't even remotely compare to a X5 or GLE in drive, tech, engine, interior, anything but it will be dead reliable for more years than you'd care to drive/keep it.
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
For what it's worth my mother drivers a 2012 RX350, and the ride is sublime. It is not a driver's car, but it literally feels like you are floating down the road. The X5, Q5, GLE, GLS, etc are not nearly as soft of a ride. Not sure if the newer RX with its larger wheels is quite as comfortable.
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Haven't followed Acura much in the past 10 years but I was browsing the internet and just realized they don't even have a flagship sedan anymore (Legend, RL, etc.). They pretty left that scene altogether.
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I hope whomever came up with the idea to drop the “Legend” nameplate, was banished from Japan for the high crime of being brain dead. Legend’s were beautiful, affordable, rock solid cars for the times. I had three, two sedans and a coupe. Buyers didn’t make the transition to the “RL,” and the legend of the “Legend” died an unceremonious death over several years. Too bad.
Last edited by Streamliner; Dec 17, 2021 at 12:15 AM.
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
Yep dropping the Legend name was one of the biggest automotive blunders ever. It didn't even matter how good or bad the RL was no one cared either way, though it was just a continuation of the same theme/type of car.
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From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Yes, if wanting a brand new luxury sedan do test drive the G90. I was impressed by the last iteration and did not hesitate considering owning a new one as there are many Genesis dealers near me willing to negotiate price and plenty of service centers.
Then test drive the new Mercedes S-Class similarly equipped. My thoughts are if you can't do the $30K+ higher price tag for a new one, go the new G90 route.
The G90 feels more exclusive on the road visually. No hesitation of folks noticing it's something different that's for sure. The new S-Class seems to blend in with all the other newer MB models and other makes for that matter, not that its a bad thing at all IMO if you don't want to get noticed too much.
One of the reservations I had on purchasing the G90 was future parts availability and cost. I tend to keep vehicles for long time and repair them myself. The world-wide aftermarket parts manufacturers tend to support popular MB models as they age, especially the E-Class taxi and S-Class livery businesses. G90, who knows yet.
Then test drive the new Mercedes S-Class similarly equipped. My thoughts are if you can't do the $30K+ higher price tag for a new one, go the new G90 route.
The G90 feels more exclusive on the road visually. No hesitation of folks noticing it's something different that's for sure. The new S-Class seems to blend in with all the other newer MB models and other makes for that matter, not that its a bad thing at all IMO if you don't want to get noticed too much.
One of the reservations I had on purchasing the G90 was future parts availability and cost. I tend to keep vehicles for long time and repair them myself. The world-wide aftermarket parts manufacturers tend to support popular MB models as they age, especially the E-Class taxi and S-Class livery businesses. G90, who knows yet.
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I like the new G90, my issue with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis right now is I don't like some of their detailing choices inside. For instance, I don't like all the weird rounded pill shaped displays and speakers etc inside the new G90. I don't like the weird Genesis steering wheels either...
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I like the new G90, my issue with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis right now is I don't like some of their detailing choices inside. For instance, I don't like all the weird rounded pill shaped displays and speakers etc inside the new G90. I don't like the weird Genesis steering wheels either...
I'm also not sure about the 3.5TT V6, this engine while fine in a G70, has been noted for being less refined and more coarse compared to the Germans. If forced to get a six-cylinder, a straight six is the way to go in my opinion. I don't think it will affect Genesis as badly as it has effected Lexus (5th Generation Lexus has not been well received by Lexus enthusiasts) since they have a smaller market, but the 5,0L V8 sure was a great engine.
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2024 S580
Yeah, that G80 interior is far and away their best IMO.
I agree about the 3.5, all you have to do is drive the LS500 and then drive a 740, the inline 6 is much better. Although the V6 in the S450 is better than the TTV6 in the LS500.
I have considered stepping down to a much cheaper daily car and getting a fun "special" car also after my S560 lease is up, something like an SL or a Lexus LC500, if I were to do that I would seriously consider a Genesis G80 for that daily.
I agree about the 3.5, all you have to do is drive the LS500 and then drive a 740, the inline 6 is much better. Although the V6 in the S450 is better than the TTV6 in the LS500.
I have considered stepping down to a much cheaper daily car and getting a fun "special" car also after my S560 lease is up, something like an SL or a Lexus LC500, if I were to do that I would seriously consider a Genesis G80 for that daily.
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997.2TTS
to me, the design language of the exterior was highly focused and deliberate...whilst the interior seems like there may have been too many decisions by commitee.
to this, my eyes go straight to the center temp control (as well as the "hockey sticks" on either side of the driver dash). i don't necessarily hate it, but it feels to me that that particular choice set off the seemingly disparate design element of said rounded edges/corners throughout the cabin.
I'm immediately feeling the essence of a baroque/kitschy aesthetic that somehow tried to fulfill on the luxury/dynamic/sporty ethos that i know genesis is trying maintain (ie, skewing more towards 7series rather than SClass). I'm not hating on it.... it harkens a bit of Tivoli, McIntosh and Eames, for me.
however.... in execution, my overall sense is that the interior is struggling to have a focused POV, the way the exterior seemingly does with confidence.
in a lot of ways, i believe this iteration is trying too hard to please everyone. and we know that's just not possible.... and doomed to fail the product by those who rightfully have to be overly critical of these choices.
to me, w222 was classically luxury and boroque in design that will still have enduring aesthetic. however, i wouldn't classify w223 to be focused on luxury at all... rather technical innovation and leadership. it just so happens that the interior finish and ride comfort lend to amazing feel/experience of luxury.
the g90, imo, is still confused which way it wants to go.... but i still give it thumbs up for having come SO FAR in far less generations than MB.
and here's the rub... they're only going to get closer (if not surpass?!) with each iteration.
to this, my eyes go straight to the center temp control (as well as the "hockey sticks" on either side of the driver dash). i don't necessarily hate it, but it feels to me that that particular choice set off the seemingly disparate design element of said rounded edges/corners throughout the cabin.
I'm immediately feeling the essence of a baroque/kitschy aesthetic that somehow tried to fulfill on the luxury/dynamic/sporty ethos that i know genesis is trying maintain (ie, skewing more towards 7series rather than SClass). I'm not hating on it.... it harkens a bit of Tivoli, McIntosh and Eames, for me.
however.... in execution, my overall sense is that the interior is struggling to have a focused POV, the way the exterior seemingly does with confidence.
in a lot of ways, i believe this iteration is trying too hard to please everyone. and we know that's just not possible.... and doomed to fail the product by those who rightfully have to be overly critical of these choices.
to me, w222 was classically luxury and boroque in design that will still have enduring aesthetic. however, i wouldn't classify w223 to be focused on luxury at all... rather technical innovation and leadership. it just so happens that the interior finish and ride comfort lend to amazing feel/experience of luxury.
the g90, imo, is still confused which way it wants to go.... but i still give it thumbs up for having come SO FAR in far less generations than MB.
and here's the rub... they're only going to get closer (if not surpass?!) with each iteration.
Last edited by tonupbklyn; Jan 23, 2022 at 03:49 PM.
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I don't like the new G90 inside or out. I think the current G90 exterior is nicer. I had several Lexus LS sedans and loved them. The spindle grill and the new LS500 killed it for me. For me, a large luxury sedan should not look weird, be roomy, have a large engine (V8) with lots of low end torque and offer a high level of luxury. My last two sedans have been a 2017 S550 " and now a 2020 S560 with the magic body control. To me, it's still the nicest sedan on the market. Based on the current offerings, I'm guessing I'll lease another S-Class (S580), despite the exterior being a little bland and the "bolted on" look of the screens.
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2015 S550, 2017 GLS450
Drive experience and build quality (including the build quality under the hood) is what sells me on a full size luxury sedan. I don't care much for looks as I'm inside, and not outside the car. I still won't buy another BMW due to the BMW philosophy of running these engines lean and at hot temperatures (leading to very early BMW oil leaks at gaskets) and history of cheap parts under the BMW hood (inexcusably cheap). The reviewer says that the new G90's ride quality is somewhere between Mercedes and BMW 7 but closer to the 7 series. That's not bad. I suspect the rear seat height is high because the engineers left room to bolt a battery on when they electrify it.
The LWB version looks nice! I hope they bring it to the states!
The LWB version looks nice! I hope they bring it to the states!
Last edited by bkdc; Jan 29, 2022 at 08:11 AM.
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I reckon, renaming Legend to RX was not critical enough to lose customers but the successor RX was good but not good enough to compete with Lexus LS and Infiniti Q45.
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A car
I like the new G90, my issue with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis right now is I don't like some of their detailing choices inside. For instance, I don't like all the weird rounded pill shaped displays and speakers etc inside the new G90. I don't like the weird Genesis steering wheels either...
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2024 S580
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