Originally posted in the Wall Street Journal, Dan Neil 9/1/2022
The flagship luxury sedan from Genesis has the authority and totemic power of a chauffeur-driven long black car. We savors its lush, hushed ride.
THE GLOBAL CAR INDUSTRY isn’t, really. North American-market pickups and SUVs find relatively few buyers elsewhere. There’s a slew of nifty little cars sold in Europe and Asia that are likewise unavailable stateside. Our guest this week—the well-drawn and lubricious 2023 Genesis G90 3.5T e-Supercharger—represents one of the few vehicle types embraced everywhere: the Long Black Car.
Ours was metallic midnight blue, but you get the idea.
Notionally, the new flagship from Genesis lines up against established LBC’s including Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, with the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte thrown in for good measure. In the U.S. this segment accounts for about 50,000 sales annually, with prices between $100,000 to $250,000.
But the alignment is far from perfect. As a group and with varying degrees of passion, the European entrants privilege performance and driver involvement over passenger comfort, compromising the maximas of luxury and isolation to achieve magazine-blurb performance.
The G90 is all about the plush.
In its home market of South Korea, this car plays the role of personal limousine: a large status-forward luxury sedan, often privately owned, with a hired driver/body man in the left front seat. A more apt comparison than the Teutons would be the Toyota Century, a splendid grand piano of limousine only available in Japan. Both cars are portfolio pieces and objects of national industrial pride.
Our G90 drove pretty great, don’t get me wrong. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 dressed with electric supercharger (409 hp/405 lb-ft.), an eight-speed automatic and full-time all-wheel drive, the G90 is both respectably quick (4.7 seconds to 60 mph, estimates Car and Driver) and adequately fast (a CD-estimated 146 mph top speed).
The optional dynamic rear-wheel steering system allows the sleek five-meter sedan to round corners feeling smaller than it is, both at highway speeds and walking pace, while parking. The multi-link front suspension, including electric-assist rack-and-pinion steering, feels impressively stout yet lightly greased and easy to turn.
But what the G90 really does great is ride, um, great: the G90’s over-the-road serenity is ridiculous, downright ethereal. For that you could credit many things: the car’s hard-as-nails, heavy-as-sin steel structure; the long wheelbase; the active/predictive suspension with multichambered air springs. I don’t blame you if you dozed off.
The drive modes—Eco, Comfort and Sport—might as well be marked Serene, Stately and Swifter, for all the difference it makes to the car’s disposition. There is also a special extra-cush Chauffeur mode, to be used when the boss takes his Ambien. Real insomniacs should opt for the 20-inch tires, which would be quieter than the low-profile 21s.
In the rear, the two business-class reclining seats are 16-way adjustable/programmable, ventilated/heated, with “full massage function.” Yikes. Also included are a motorized footrest, motorized shades, three-zone climate control, and a selection of spritzed aromas. I like a hint of jasmine with my HR reports.
All the glass is acoustically laminated. The doors, engine compartment bulkhead (firewall) and voids between body panels are wadded with sound-attenuating materials aimed at various frequencies.
Other, more furtive radiations get swallowed up by the energetic noise-canceling audioware, which uses data from wheel sensors and cabin microphones to identify and produce the nulling frequencies. The loudest the G90 gets upshifting is a dull and distant mmm-mmm-mmm.
In furtherance of a solemn quiet, the G90’s engineers heaped on mass for its many delightful dampening effects. The G90’s power-assisted doors—springing open and closing softly at the touch of the proverbial button—feel like they weigh a ton apiece. Even with its modest 3.5-liter turbo V6, our G90 tipped the scales at almost 5,200 pounds.
If you cross shop our test car against likely competitors, you will quickly realize: (a) the G90’s metabolism is indeed slightly slower and softer than the average luxury Visigoth; (b) whatever performance deficits there might be are nearly irrelevant, being unobservable in the real world; and (c) OMG, I could save thousands. Look at all the standard equipment: all-wheel drive, mega-super-premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, the rear-cabin suite deluxe.
Even with big-ticket options like the air suspension and rear-wheel steering, our tester came in at $100,370, and was oh-so loaded: from limpid pools of high-resolution navigation, to quilted fields of Nappa leather upholstery, to its windows full of power shade. Or was that my neighbors?
It’s a beauty. These sorts of cars, built around large door openings, risk looking like recently fed anacondas, with a big lump in the middle. The G90’s silhouette and shoulder lines work together to give it a lovely taper. The shieldlike grille comprises two weave patterns of different colors, overlaid to create a 3-D effect. That works.
There are so many smart touches: the windshield-wiper trough concealed under the curving scuttle; the flush-fit glazing, brightwork and door handles; the near-absence of exterior cut lines, with panel gaps brilliantly camouflaged by the hood overslam and around the signature lighting at the front and rear fenders. If you were wondering where all the chrome went on luxury cars, I’ve found it.
One’s expectations of who gets out of an LBC depends on where you are. In Beverly Hills and Burbank, LBC’s are called studio cars, regardless of if any studio sent them. In Singapore, they are called hotel cars; in London, embassy cars.
The American market for private-use, chauffeur-driven large luxury sedans dropped off about the same time as did Lamont Cranston. Much of the remaining demand has been taken up by SUV-style vehicles, made by the usual luxury suspects.
These days, an LBC inevitably gives off the vibe of being on the job—a car with duties to perform, whether executive, diplomatic, formal or funereal. I’ve learned such cars exhibit a totemic power, a tacit civil authority, which at a minimum grants them preferred parking around clubs and restaurants.
But I would never.
Powertrain twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 48-volt electric supercharger; eight-speed automatic transmission; full-time all-wheel drive
Power/torque: 409 hp @5,800 rpm/405 lb-ft 1,300-4,500 rpm (premium fuel)
Length/wheelbase/width/height: 207.7/125.2/76.0/58.7 inches
Curb weight: 5,192 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds (Car and Driver)
EPA-estimated mileage: 17/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined
Trunk capacity: 10.6 cubic feet
Winter is tough on your vehicle. Now that the weather is warming up it’s time to perform some important maintenance to keep things running smoothly.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Now that winter is in the rearview mirror, schedule a service checkup with our Genesis Service Center. Your appointment doesn’t have to be a scheduled service interval visit. Let the expert techs perform a thorough check of your vehicle’s fluids, tire pressure and treads, battery and engine/transmission systems. Fresh clean oil and other fluids ensure that your engine, transmission and drivetrain run smoothly.
WINTER TAKES A TOLL ON YOUR BATTERY
After winter, your car battery might be on its deathbed. Low temperatures forced your battery to work harder by slowing down its chemical reactions. Now, high temperatures are right around the corner, ready to evaporate essential battery fluids and speed up corrosion.
There’s a chance that one hot day could leave your battery DOA. Avoid the inconvenience of a car that won’t start by getting your car battery tested and if necessary, replaced, before it’s too late.
TIRES
Check your tire pressure in the morning, and adjust your tires based on that reading. Your tire pressure should match the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle manual. In general, tires lose or gain 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10℉ change in temperature, and both under-inflated and over-inflated tires can cause problems on the road.
Our Genesis Service Center will check your tire’s tread depth and wear patterns as well, and recommend tire rotation and/or replacement.
WIPER BLADES AND WIPER FLUIDS
Winter ice and debris are not your wiper blades friends. Our Service Center will replace them for a clean, streak-free windshield. Top off your washer fluid as well.
A FULL DETAIL
There’s nothing better than a top to bottom clean and shine for your vehicle after a messy winter! Our Full Service Detail leaves your vehicle sparkling inside and out. Speak to one of our Service Representatives for details. And check our Specials page for other discounted services.
Your Genesis is built to last a long time, but it does need your help. Doing your part by performing seasonal maintenance will make all the difference for years of comfortable, trouble-free driving.
We invite you to come by when you’re ready for your next car, truck or SUV and experience just what Transparency, Efficiency and Respect means to us and you, the customer. Check our new inventory here and our pre-owned inventory here. We have a great selection in stock and ready for delivery. Our expert finance department will work with you to find financing that works for you. You can even get pre-approved on our website. Call us at 888-602-9745 to arrange a visit and a test drive with one of our sales specialists. We look forward to seeing you!
Winter Safety and Vehicle Care
Winter is a tough time for drivers and their vehicles. The first snowfall of the season seems to appear unexpectedly and take us by surprise. There’s no better time than now to review smart tactics so that next season we’re fully prepared.
Routine Maintenance
Before the heavy cold sets in, schedule a service checkup with your Toyota Service Center. Your appointment doesn’t have to be a scheduled service interval visit. Let the expert techs perform a thorough check of your vehicle’s fluids, tire pressure and treads, battery and engine/transmission systems.
Tires
In snowy regions, dedicated winter tires are the best option. If you use your stock all-season tires, make sure they have enough tread and are wearing evenly. If treads are very worn, don’t shrug it off. It’s the safety of you, those riding with you and others around you!
Emergencies
Stock your vehicle with a few bottles of water, extra windshield fluid, an emergency blanket and flashlight. We’ve all heard about jammed highways that took many hours to clear. Be prepared!
Fuel
Keep your vehicle filled with fuel. A few hours of idling or a long detour can leave you stranded with an empty tank. While you’re at it, take the station stop as an opportunity to double-check your tire pressure. Changing temps cause tires to change pressure.
Snow sweepers
Most of us have been using simple scrapers and brushes. Consider a snow sweeper like this one: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Suncast-Telescoping-Snow-Sweeper-SB80024/207206768
This sweeper is absolutely brilliant. Fast work with no scratches! Our dealership uses ones like this all the time to make short work of cleaning cars after a snowfall. There are plenty of other brands and models available as well. And don’t forget to raise your wiper blades before a snow!
We invite you to come by when you’re ready for your next car, truck or SUV and experience just what Transparency, Efficiency and Respect means to us and you, the customer. Check our inventory here and our pre-owned inventory here. We have a great selection in stock and ready for delivery. Our expert finance department will work with you to find financing that works for you. You can even get pre-approved on our website. Call us at 888-602-9745 to arrange a visit and a test drive with one of our sales specialists. We look forward to seeing you!
Finally…after a lengthy 30-year, award winning and successful career as an Automotive General Manager and Dealer Group Vice President, Michael Ianelli has opened his own Genesis Dealership Franchise right here in Bay Ridge, a dream years in the making. Michael grew up right in Bay Ridge, so his dedication and hard work in the industry has come full circle.
A winning team
Michael, together with his business partner and entrepreneur Jeffrey Weiner opened Genesis of Brooklyn in Bay Ridge in early 2021 – right in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The timing was not perfect. Covid-19 was all over the country and businesses were closed. The business climate was not in their favor. And yet here they are today, going strong and servicing not only the local community but the greater Metro NY area.
It’s all about family
Genesis of Brooklyn is Family owned and operated – Michael Ianelli III Used Car Director, Danny Ianelli Assistant Sales Manager and Isaac Weiner Vice President. There is always a family member working at Genesis of Brooklyn!
A new way of doing business
From the start, the partners decided that Genesis of Brooklyn’s culture would be centered on a strong customer approach based upon three main business principles that are often overlooked or ignored in the Automotive industry.
Transparency – Genesis of Brooklyn vows to run our operation with complete transparency in every Department – Sales, Service and Parts. Our team will demonstrate complete openness in our pricing, terms and our processes.
Efficiency – Your time is valuable and so is ours, at Genesis of Brooklyn we’ve made investments in People, Processes and Technology to achieve maximum productivity and minimize wasted time, effort and expense. We aim to make your vehicle buying experience pleasurable and comfortable – every time!
Respect – At Genesis of Brooklyn, we set a standard of respect amongst our Customers, Community and Employees. Michael has handpicked all Senior Management and every Staff member. Everyone has had extensive training in how we expect our customers to be treated. Our people work hard to earn YOUR trust, every day!
Michael Ianelli sets the standard of Care and Service that the entire team follows. It’s Michael’s dedication to our core principles of Transparency, Efficiency and Respect that makes Genesis of Brooklyn different from other dealerships regardless of brand or location. Genesis of Brooklyn aims to provide drivers with a quality buying and ownership experience.
Planning For The Future
The construction of a new state-of-the-art Service Center is underway in Sunset Park. Our new facility measures over 50,000 square feet and will be fitted with the latest diagnostic and repair technology, plus a dedicated detail shop, comfortable customer lounges with amenities and more.
We invite you to come by when you’re ready for your next car, truck or SUV and experience just what Transparency, Efficiency and Respect means to us and you, the customer. Check our inventory here and our pre-owned inventory here. We have a great selection in stock and ready for delivery. Our expert finance department will work with you to find financing that works for you. You can even get pre-approved on our website. Call us at 888-602-9745 to arrange a visit and a test drive with one of our sales specialists. We look forward to seeing you!
Genesis Tops J.D. Power Awards For Best Tech
Outstanding tech is really about the driver’s experience.
J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study finds Genesis as the highest overall ranked automaker, as well as the highest-ranked premium automaker. Genesis has a score of 634, ranking significantly higher than other brands. Clearly, they’re doing something right!
It’s all about the bling?
Automotive technology has been evolving for quite some time. The goal has always been to make cars safer and provide a better driving experience. Computers are control systems for engines and transmissions, steering and braking, climate control and infotainment. These days, it’s a competition for the brightest, flashiest, most “wow” technology. Video games? Not too far off. Often enough however, tech is distracting as much as helpful. This is where Genesis is different.
The driver and the vehicle as one
The Genesis design philosophy is holistic from the ground up. The goal is to bring the driver and vehicle together as a coherent whole. Every single element of the vehicle design follows this central philosophy. What enhances the driver’s experience? What connects the driver to the car?
Just what the driver needs
Every control, every button, switch is carefully considered in its relationship to the driver. For example, temperature controls are large knobs – easy to find and use. Real switches with detents control various basic infotainment and climate functions. This means less distraction when the driver wants to change a setting. Some car brands insist that every control and function lives on a touchscreen. These systems may look cool, but they are not about the driver, they’re about the bling. The driver has to refocus on the system screen and find the control all while the vehicle is moving. And we don’t always have a passenger with us to help!
Of course, Genesis doesn’t skimp on touch and display technology. Their widescreen hi-res touch displays are not just beautiful and easy to read. They provide access to most controls and settings in the vehicle. The difference is how Genesis considers the driver/vehicle relationship. That is the heart of the Genesis philosophy, and their success.
See for yourself
Your new Genesis will give you years of unparalleled comfort, reliability and driving pleasure. Genesis of Brooklyn offers complimentary pick up and drop off for both Sales and Service. At Genesis of Brooklyn, we have you covered!
All Genesis models share the same deep dedication to their owners, and so does Genesis of Brooklyn. Check our inventory here. We have a great selection in stock and ready for delivery. Our expert finance department will work with you to find financing that works for you. You can even get pre-approved on our website. And of course, nothing will demonstrate the Genesis philosophy better than a test drive!
As always, Genesis of Brooklyn delivers Transparency, Efficiency and Respect with your new vehicle – our own special TLC you will find nowhere else! We invite you to call us at 888-602-9745 to arrange a visit and a test drive with one of our sales specialists. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The 2022 Genesis GV70
MotorTrend’s 2022 SUV of the year for good reason!
To quote MotorTrend: Genesis’s first stab at a compact luxury SUV goes right for the heart of the segment and draws blood. We can’t agree more. Genesis has moved to the front of the pack with their line of luxury vehicles, usurping Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Infiniti with design, features, power and value that competitors can’t match.
Performance to Spare
The 2022 GV70 has plenty of power even in it’s base trim, with a turbocharged 300-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Sport model runs a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 375-hp for a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds. (Customers that test drive the Sport are blown away!)
Interior Comfort and Cargo
The interior of the GV70 is a work of art. The air-swept console and dash carry the design energy from the exterior body to create a cohesive blend of movement between interior and exterior. Every bit of the interior is carefully crafted to create a perfect driving experience. Cargo and storage spaces are generous.
Technology Unsurpassed
The GV70 sports a generous 14.5 HD landscape display uses Connected Routing logic to simplify and enhance navigation. The available 12.3-inch 3D Digital Gauge Cluster offers readouts that provide dimensionality and added depth for easy readability. The GV70 exterior plays host to sophisticated cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors used to make everything from Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go* to available Remote Smart Parking Assist* function with the simple press of a button. Options such as Genesis Digital Key and Remote Image Capture are available as well.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Driver-assistance features such as automated automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are all standard on the GV70.
Warranty coverage unmatched
The Genesis brand offers excellent warranty coverage that stretches for far longer than most other premium automakers. The GV70 comes with powertrain coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles and complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
Genesis Concierge
The special feeling your GV70 gives you continues even when you’re not driving. Genesis of Brooklyn offers complimentary pick up and drop off for both Sales and Service. At Genesis of Brooklyn, we have you covered!
The 2022 Genesis GV70 speaks for itself. Check our inventory here. We have a great selection in stock and ready for delivery. Our expert finance department will work with you to find financing that works for you. You can even get pre-approved on our website. And of course, nothing will tell the story of the GV70 better than a test drive!
As always, Genesis of Brooklyn delivers Transparency, Efficiency and Respect with your new vehicle – our own special TLC you will find nowhere else! We invite you to call us at 888-602-9745 to arrange a visit and a test drive with one of our sales specialists. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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