Test drive: 2015 Genesis provides luxury ride without the upscale cost
Hyundai has come on strong in recent years with cars and SUVs that are distinctive, capable and well built, all while retaining the brand's reputation for delivering outstanding value.
So it comes as no real surprise that the all-new-for-2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan, the flagship of the Korean automaker’s line, is something special. The Genesis uses some classic architecture – engine in front, drive wheels in the back or at all four corners, four doors and tons of space – along with the latest technology to create an exceptionally compelling luxury sedan.
At first blush, the new Genesis looks very Audi-ish from the front and more like a Lexus from the A-pillar on back, as well as in the interior. Not that that’s a bad thing, of course. As far as being a proper full-sized luxury sedan, the Genesis looks the part, which isn’t the most important trait of being successful in this class, but it helps. It looks expensive.
There are two flavors of the Genesis, dubbed the Genesis 3.8 and the Genesis 5.0. The 3.8 comes with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces a competitive 311 horsepower, more than enough to satisfy in most situations. The 3.8 carries a base price of $38,000, while the V-8 powered, 420-horsepower 5.0 goes for $51,000. Not cheap, certainly, but both excellent values.
Regardless of which Genesis you chose, the only available transmission is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel drive is standard on both models, with all-wheel drive optional only on the 3.8.
In terms of options, there are three major packages available on the 3.8, and our Parisian Gray over black test car had all three of them:
The 3.8 Signature Package ($4,000) added power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof; integrated memory system; power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; auto-dimming outside mirrors; blind spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert; Lexicon 14-speaker Discrete Logic 7 surround audio; parking guidelines; power rear sunshade and manual rear side shades; and ventilated front seats.
At first blush, the new Genesis looks very Audi-ish from the front and more like a Lexus from the A-pillar on back.
The 3.8 Tech Package ($3,500) came with ultra-premium leather seats; power driver-seat-cushion extender and side bolster; lane departure warning; lane keep assist; smart cruise control with stop/start; haptic steering wheel; automatic emergency braking; electronic park brake with automatic vehicle hold; pre-safety seatbelt; high-beam assist; front and rear parking assistance system; and 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display.
Last but not least, the 3.8 Ultimate Package (also $3,500) featured genuine matte finish wood trim and aluminum trim; heads-up display; premium DIS navigation system with 9.2-inch HD display; Lexicon 17-speaker Discrete Logic 7 surround audio; power trunk lid; and dual-mode vent control HVAC and CO2 sensor.
So equipped, our Hyundai Genesis 3.8 tester carried a sticker price of $49,950, darn near as much as the base Genesis 5.0. Could you do without a few of the option packages? Of course you could. Still, they do make for a car that truly lacks for nothing.
Nowadays, every luxury sedan has lots of bells and whistles. It’s pretty much required in this class.
Where the new Genesis really stands out is in the interior. First off, it’s nice and roomy, with loads of space up front and in the back seat as well. For buyers of traditional American luxury sedans – Cadillacs and Lincolns, mostly – the Genesis has the kind of room that will seem instantly familiar.
Another smart tactic by Hyundai was making sure the ergonomics were correct. One of the biggest weaknesses in high-end luxury cars is that their makers sometimes seem like they need to justify the prices they charge with a dizzying and confusing high-tech gee-gaws. Fortunately, Hyundai plays it straight here. You don’t need a doctorate in physics to change radio stations or punch directions into the nav system. There’s even a traditional analog clock right in the middle of the dashboard.
In terms of a driving experience, the Hyundai is excellent. Road noise is minimal, the ride/handling balance is good and acceleration is quick, if not fast.
The interior of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis is spacious but simple.
The bottom line here is that even loaded with all three big-dollar option packages, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 represents serious value and a compelling alternative to Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and the German luxury brands. If you’d rather drive an excellent sedan that’s also a great value than one that has a more high-brow badge on the hood, you’re going to love Hyundai’s newest.
