MotorTrend has been one of the most highly regarded publications for decades, and we always look forward to its pick for the “Car of the Year” every year. This year, the editors at MotorTrend picked the 2023 Genesis G90 as the 2023 Car of the Year. After driving the newly improved G90, we completely agree with their decision.

The 2023 Genesis G90 “very nearly strikes a bull’s eye”

For the unfamiliar, the 2023 Genesis G90 is the South Korean automaker’s flagship sedan. It’s the top dog in the stable, so it’s outfitted with the most luxurious and high-tech features that Genesis offers. Upon first sitting in the G90, it was clear to us that this Hyundai-owned brand wasn’t messing around.

There are auto-closing doors on both sides of the car, rich soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, and a simple yet elegant design that will surely withstand the test of time. One of the editors at MotorTrend said, “I think the G90 is going to age incredibly well.”

Of course, we agree. The Nappa leather seat surfaces make the seats even more comfortable as they hold you in and massage you. Yes, all four seats massage, cool, and heat your backside with the simple touch of a few buttons. And the back seat area is second to none – save for maybe a Maybach.

There are reclining seat back and ottomans for the rear-seat passengers. There are also power sunshades for every rear window, in addition to audio controls for the Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system.

With these few features alone, it’s clear that the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8 that the Genesis G90 competes with should be put on notice. Just like the editors at MotorTrend said, the G90 takes aim at those luxury stalwarts and “nearly strikes the bull’s eye.”

The Genesis G90 is a great example of engineering excellence

In addition to marveling at all of the fancy interior features, the editors at MotorTrend applauded Genesis for the G90’s engineering. Under the G90’s hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is not only twin-turbocharged but it’s supercharged as well. It’s down 11 hp compared to the previously used V8 engine. However, it’s up by 22 lb-ft of torque, which is better suited for luxury cruising.

Another engineering highlight of the G90 is its adaptive air suspension, which uses front-facing cameras to prepare the suspension for upcoming bumps and potholes. In our testing, we loved the pillow-soft ride that the car exuded and wished that every luxury car could be so smooth. Even better, the G90 has a “chauffeur mode,” which softens up the rear suspension to appease the rear-seat occupants further.

The Genesis G90 provides plenty of value

While the 2023 Genesis G90 is clearly a rising star in the full-size luxury sedan market when it comes to the features, power, and comfort that it provides, its price point is the best part. The base model starts at $99,795, which undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (the benchmark for all things luxury) by nearly $30,000. That’s an amazing bargain for what you get.

The editors at MotorTrend ultimately said that the G90 has “Mercedes S-Class levels of features, comfort, and luxury at a 10 percent discount,” and we couldn’t agree more.