A Top-Tier Vehicle: The 2026 Genesis G90 Prestige Black

Genesis, and sibling brands Hyundai and Kia, have spent the last decade-plus setting the bar high providing consumers a lot of value for their money. And while the 2026 G90 is by no means an inexpensive vehicle, this flagship sedan is reaching new heights with the Prestige Black trim.

Originally exclusive to Korea, the grade-topping monochrome package has only two colours: pearlescent Vik Black draws inspiration from a volcanic beach off southern Iceland, and the cream-coloured Uyuni White is a nod to Bolivia’s salt flats. While both are stunning and come down to a preference between a tonal or contrasting appearance, NUVO tested the latter sitting on matte 21-inch machined alloy wheels.

There are additional subtle exterior touches as well, such as the smoked Two Line slim LED headlamp housings and Guilloché badging, and chrome black lower moulding, door handle accents, and front/rear brake calipers that pop against the white paint. However, the interior is where the craftsmanship really shines.

Rather than blanketing the cabin with matching black tones and traditional finishes, designers created different shades and used a multitude of premium materials, like the Black Ash open-pore wood adorning the centre console, dashboard, and upper door panels, which look properly dark whether bathed in ambient lighting or sunlight.

Metallic door handles, rotary knobs, physical climate controls, and other touchpoints are all similarly blacked out, even down to the anodized speaker covers, microfibre suede headliner overhead, and winged emblem on the steering wheel. Interestingly, the quilted semi-aniline leather seating is dyed using sustainable materials, including flaxseed oil.

Colours aside, the space is luxuriously appointed, featuring 18-way driver/16-way passenger electric adjustable massaging front seats, panoramic sunroof, 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Audio, head-up display 12.3-inch central infotainment screen/eight-inch rear armrest display, auto soft-close doors, power sunshades, active noise cancellation, roomy second row, and more.

The sole powertrain option is the 409-horsepower 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged and supercharged V6 engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, first introduced when the second-generation model debuted back in 2023. Smooth, quick, and quiet, the car sits on multichamber air suspension that makes occupants feel like they’re riding on a full-size executive cloud.

This is especially true when the Chauffeur Mode is activated, which softens the dampening and adjusts braking force and powertrain output to mitigate unwanted occupant movement. The cherry on top is the Mood Curator system, accessible via either display, consisting of Vitality, Delight, Care, and Comfort each having special preset programs for music, animations, scent, lighting, and massage to help set the desired vibe. Or throw it into Sport Mode to firm up the suspension, tighten the steering and seat bolsters, and sharpen throttle response and all-wheel drive balance for a quick backroad jaunt.

In addition to the 2026 Genesis G90, the Black Prestige treatment is also offered on the G80, GV80, and GV80 Coupe.

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