Genesis G90 Clings to V6 Supercharger as Industry Electrifies
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – In an automotive landscape rapidly shifting toward electrification, the 2025 Genesis G90 stands as a defiant outlier, continuing to offer a supercharged V6 engine while nearly all competitors embrace hybrid or fully electric powertrains. The flagship sedan’s commitment to internal combustion, specifically its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 379 horsepower, marks it as a dwindling breed and a potential last stand for traditional performance engineering.
The G90’s continued reliance on a supercharged engine isn’t merely a matter of preference; it’s a strategic anomaly. Automakers worldwide are phasing out superchargers in favor of turbochargers and electric compressors due to efficiency concerns and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The turbocharger’s ability to recycle exhaust gases aligns with “greener” initiatives and simplifies regulatory approval,while even electric compressors offer performance gains without the inherent energy consumption of a belt-driven supercharger. This leaves the G90, with its ProCharger-esque system, increasingly isolated in the luxury sedan segment.
Genesis’s decision stems from a complex interplay of factors. While the industry pivots towards electrification, a segment of buyers still demand the visceral experience and sound of a powerful V6. The G90 caters to this niche, offering a unique proposition in a market dominated by quieter, more efficient alternatives. though, this strategy also positions the G90 as a “modern dinosaur,” a technologically distinct vehicle potentially designed for an era that is quickly passing.
the shift away from superchargers is driven by both performance and policy. Compressors, even electric ones, inherently reduce overall efficiency. The G90’s continued use of a supercharger, while delivering immediate power, runs counter to current environmental trends and may face increasing scrutiny as regulations tighten. This makes the G90’s future uncertain, as its unique selling point could become a liability in the long run.
