A sterling blue metallic Hyundai Genesis sitting quietly at the curb is a very non-threatening scene. You would never think of the Genesis as a car that makes noises usually reserved for pony cars. You would never think of it as a car whose 0-60 time starts with the number 5. You would never think of it as a car capable of a burn out.
Throw out what you think you know because the Genesis is all of those things.
Surprise, surpise
I’d been behind the wheel of the Genesis for a grand total of two minutes before the pleasant surprises started raining down. The first time I dropped the hammer to see what the 4.6-liter, 368-horsepower V8 was all about, I was greeted the kind of exhaust note that you’d expect from a Mustang GT but not so much from a Korean luxury sedan (itself an oxymoron for North America until the Genesis arrived). I’m pretty sure I even said “what?!” in disbelief as the exhaust note rumbled through the car. Never mind that I was alone in the car.
Once you shake off the shock of the exhaust note, you’ll notice you’re getting off the line quite fast. Surprisingly fast, in fact. Most tests show 0-60 times in the 5.5 to 5.8 second range, which seems believable from our seat-of-the-pants evaluation. Unfortunately the forecast of “possible showers” turned out more like “monsoon” during much of our time with the Genesis. In the wet, we still managed runs to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. In everyday driving situations, the Genesis’ Tao V8 motor will never leave you wanting for power.
Having been left thoroughly impressed with the thrust on tap, my mind started wandering a little towards the juvenile side during the latter half of the week I had with the Genesis. I turned to a friend in the passenger seat and wondered aloud “you think there is anyway this can do a burnout?”
Several weeks beforehand, a Nissan 370Z Touring had proved it was not up to the task thanks to its electronic nannies. The Nissan is a thoroughbred, the Genesis, an elegant cruiser.
“Surely it can’t…” ran through my mind right up until I looked in the side mirror to see a huge cloud of smoke and small bits of rubber flying off the tire at an alarming velocity. Is that practical or useful in any way? Not really, but, it’s fun to know you have enough “oomph” to light off the tires as you leave the Sunday service at St. Anne’s.
Identity crisis
The ride and drive of the Genesis feels a little bipolar. More to the point, it seems to be attempting to be both sporty while retaining a smooth, luxury ride. Since those two things don’t exactly meld like Peanut Butter and Jelly, the Genesis does neither that well.
On the luxury side, it simply feels like the ride could be smoother. At times, a ton smoother. Even modest road imperfections will transmit to the passengers — an aspect that won’t go far in winning the hearts and wallets of BMW buyers.
On the sport side, the suspension has been softened so much to attempt a smoother ride that the handling suffers. Show the Genesis a few corners at brisk speed and things start to get a little sloppy. The car feels unsettled and body roll is fairly prevalent.
The transmission also lives a dual life in the Genesis. During regular, everyday driving, the six-speed automatic transmission gear changes are exceptionally smooth. However, when the pace quickens, the lag between shifts becomes very obvious. This holds true for regular or “sport” modes.
Design-wise
One part of the vehicle Hyundai got right from the get-go is the interior — well, mostly.
Before the Genesis was born, the nicest Hyundai you could buy was the Azera. The Azera interior rates somewhere between “bland” and “acceptable.” The Genesis interior is yet another surprise in our long list of “wows” with this sedan. It’s a level of luxury, comfort, roominess and excellent design that we haven’t seen from Hyundai. Ever. The high quality leather on the seats, dash and doors, along with the stitching on the dash and the wood and aluminum accents could easily make your passengers believe they were in a more expensive Lexus. However will Lexus strive to set itself further apart from Hyundai in the future?
How I will get through summers ever again without a cooled seat is beyond me. While a cooled driver’s seat is optional in the Genesis, the list of standard luxuries includes a power tilt/slide sunroof, a power rear sunshade, illuminated kick plates, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, keyless entry and engine start, a 14-speaker Lexicon sound system and rain sensing wipers. Those rain-sensing wipers would be great if they actually worked, but during storms, they never seemed to be at an appropriate speed. On the other hand, the Lexicon sound system is fantastic.
The interior has one or two major misses, namely the cluster of buttons just under the navigation screen. These buttons are on an angle and painted silver. When the light hits them a certain way, they become largely unreadable. It is impossible to see the blue backlight and, therefore, impossible to tell if that button is activated. How an issue like this got through years of research and development is beyond me.
The other let down is Hyundai’s version of BMW’s iDrive. The system in the Genesis lacks the intuitiveness of a system like Audi’s MMI. The Hyundai system just doesn’t flow very well and the control knob spins a little too loosely, making it easy to go past your intended selections.
As for the exterior design, we’ll let the photos do most of the talking. One could easily call the Genesis design safe and elegant with a hint of sportiness. Others might call it bland, derivative luxury.
Either way, all we know is that Hyundai needs to design a new grille when the Genesis comes up for a design refresh. Rolling down the street with something that looks like Star Trek’s Lt. Warf scares the hell out of us.
Why you would buy it:
For 42 grand, you’re getting a mid-level luxury sedan with a hefty V8 and lots of amenities. Sounds like a steal to us.
Why you wouldn’t:
The Genesis’ mission seems a little muddled: Are we in a luxury or sport sedan? It’s hard to say with the way the Korean sedan handles and rides.
2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 base price, $ $37,250. As tested, $42,000.
Technology package, $4,000; Destination, $750.
Words and photos by Chris Doane.
06/17, 3:48 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
i would still rather buy the taurus SHO
06/17, 3:53 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I would have to go for the 3.8L on the Genesis since it’s less expensive to gas up now… Plus I just spent $80 bucks on Penguins championship gear so my wallet feels a little light right now.
06/17, 3:59 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
the taurus show has a 3.5L ecoboost motor and makes 375 all wheel drive and still gets 25mpg. i wouldnt mind ownig one
06/17, 4:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
$80 bucks Jake? Let me guess, that got you both the Crosby and Malkin autographed jerseys.
06/17, 4:33 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
I think I’d go for the SHO also if it came to that in this price range and size. The Gen would be 2nd on the list though.
At the lower 30s end the Taurus Limited would be up against the base Gen. That may be a tougher call objectively, but the Gen styling is so generic that I’d also go with the Taurus, probably. Good cars, either, though.
06/17, 4:34 PM
posted by:
PerformanceGuy
Seems like a decent car. Should do well against its competition of the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Mazda 6, and cars like that.
06/17, 4:36 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
I wish the Taurus/MKS was RWD as a base. AWD is a nice feature but I can’t help but feel that is strictly a safety add-on with little to no lean form performance.
06/17, 4:43 PM
posted by:
Borat
Ok ladies, to each its own. For 40K I would get 335i or to match price with 42K 335ix. I don’t need slush box and more options then already exists on the base car. And this car knows that it is SPORT SEDAN designed for driver’s pleasure.
06/17, 5:13 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
$41,420 gets you the SRT8 Charger. Just sayin’….
06/17, 5:19 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I wish Johnny, but all it got was a pint glass, a couple tees and the Hat they wore on the ice :/
06/17, 5:26 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Borat, bimmers also know how to break down, cost a fortune, a look like they were designed by a retard. Last bimmer design I liked is probably 20 years old.
Plus where I am we always said “everyone who is anyone’s secretary in L.A. drives a bimmer” which is not a compliment, to say the least. I do agree on the slush-box aspect though.
06/17, 5:43 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
yea borat you go buy your beamer so who lasts longer the sho,genises or the beamer i think we all know the sho and genises would kill the beamer and it costs waaaayyy to much to fix when it does brake down.
06/17, 5:43 PM
posted by:
CajuRican
I’ll keep my G8 GT for under $30k, thank you very much. I get way more looks and compliments in it than I ever would in a Hyundai.
06/17, 6:12 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
you have to remember these cars are sleepers. there not made to look crazy frast
06/17, 7:29 PM
posted by:
StepAhead
There is nothing ground breaking with this car in terms of design.
06/17, 7:36 PM
posted by:
bigp
fiveo is right the sho is a much better buy..
06/17, 8:11 PM
posted by:
Borat
MRN, I am not sure that they break down that much. Few years back bimmers were on top of the game as far as reliability. Yes, they look on a strange side, like a lefthanded fellow with a strong lisp designed them (there is nothing wrong in lefthand nor lisp, just not my cup of tea). However, like any corporate product there is some resemblance to 20 years ago (my favorite designs were actually 2002 & circa 91-95 stream lined sedan look in 3 series). But most importantly the way that car handles, responds to your demand. Then again, when we are talking 42K car, we are not discussing the last 42K in the account. So you flip it after warranty runs out (4 years 48K miles) and it does not cost anything to maintain during that time. Just the showroom experience may be worth it: not to deal with a$$holes. Is it worth few extra bucks? For me yes.
06/17, 8:12 PM
posted by:
Dr. Lincoln
It’s still a Hyundai….nuff said
06/17, 9:11 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Borat, when it comes to Bimmer reliability I’ll always refer to my 7 years in Munich during which among other things I managed the fleet of company cars. When I got there they were all Bimmers (except one) and my repair budget was insane (they dont build free repair into the sales price like here). I weaned us out of Bimmers and into Audis (except one) and saved a ton of cash on repairs, plus because managers didn’t always have to go to the garage their productivity went up. It was a hard political push because Munich is BMWs hometown, but because germans are prejudiced I started out by proposing Japanese cars and let the internal riots break out (wir fahren NIEMALS die japaner!!!!) and then compromised. I got what I wanted, which is lower repair bills.
As for flipping cars every 48k miles, it’s not for me. If that’s what you do bimmers are not a bad deal, but its a costly habit that I am not willing to sponsor. I like my women fresh but I hold my cars for a decade, and so no german cars ever come into play. But even if I wanted to flip cars I wouldn’t buy a bimmer because I see too many newer models boiling over on my drive, and friends with newer models always have issues. Yes, the repairs are “free” but I don’t have the patience or time to screw with breakdowns and the garages.
As for the showroom experience, BMW dealers are just as big a pile of A-holes as anyone else in my experience. My best dealer experiences were with VW/Audi in Germany and Ford (once in 2002). Every other time, be it Bimmer, Benz, Porshe, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, plus helping friends with purchases with every dealer around left me unimpresed with the knowledge and helpfulness. The only ones they were kind to were the ones that overpaid wildly, which brings it back it all back to an old saying in the car biz, which is that “your happiest customers are the ones you screwed over the most.” Makes sense if you think about it.
06/17, 9:31 PM
posted by:
Other Man
CajuRican, I doubt that. Niether car is known for big style, and at the car shows the Hyundai draws plenty of attention. In no way am I downing your car, I’m just saying.
Anyhow, this is a fantasic car no matter which engine you choose. With the said new Taurus SHO though, perhaps a Touring Package with a more aggressive wheel/tire combo, aero kit, and burly exhaust note would keep the Genesis sportier.
Doubt I could decide between the two, and who thought a couple years ago we’d be arguing between two large sedans with 365-375 hp, one a Taurus and the other a RWD Hyunda?
06/17, 9:54 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I’d get the Taurus SHO! For 2 reasons; 1, am helping the american economy, and 2, IT’S A HYUNDAI!!!!!!
06/17, 10:08 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
fear the koreans…
personally, not my kinda car for that cash…that’s g8 gxp territory, if you need 4 doors…but still, i respect the total package…
06/17, 10:27 PM
posted by:
Veda
Not sure why others would choose a Taurus but interior quality is very important to me and I think the Genesis V6 would be the better buy.
06/17, 10:44 PM
posted by:
spg900
Dr. Lincoln…you’re an idiot…nuff said.
06/18, 1:17 AM
posted by:
F50
like johnny said I’d much rather have the Charger SRT8, mainly because of the design, I don’t like the Genesis exterior.
06/18, 2:10 AM
posted by:
A4
Every American muscle sedan is a better buy than this car, that’s why they try to compare it to cars it isn’t even really relevant to like a BMW 7 series. SRT8 Chargers, SRT8 300’s (hell even the lower priced “regular” 300C), Taurus SHO, G8 GXP, G8 GT, you name it, for $42k this car does not look like any kind of steal next to any of those. It certainly starts to look exceedingly boring, however. Please don’t taut it’s more “supple” ride either, it doesn’t sound that plush to me – I’m 99% sure the SHO will be smoother.
06/18, 7:17 AM
posted by:
A.J.
I’m so glad Hyundais and Kias have bad resale value. It just makes them better used cars. I’ll be able to buy one of these in a few years!
06/18, 9:51 AM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Still looks like an Infiniti with an odd-low rent grille. Hmm I guess that is almost a compliment. I cannot see spending that kind of cash only to have to sit in the same service waiting room as the folks and all their loud kids bringing in their $9995 Excels.
06/18, 1:42 PM
posted by:
carsanook
Here in Thailand we still have the old Sonata with 2.4 liter engine and a 2.0-liter with CNG ( gas) equipped version. We are patiently waiting for the Genesis. Or at least a three liter six-banger. What does Hyundai call it?
In Thailand three Korean brands are available: Hyuandai, Ssanyong and KIA.
What is the diffrence betweena Sonata, and the Japanese Camry Accord. Only styling. Or…?
Carsanook
Bangkok
06/18, 6:04 PM
posted by:
TL
No offense to anyone, but is it me, or does the dashboard look similar to a mini-vans interior?
06/18, 7:18 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
i would still prefer the taurus sho. Power delivery is confident, not high-strung. Handling is crisp, not twitchy. If you want to take a more active role in where you’re headed, flick through the gears of the available six-speed Selectshift Automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The available all-wheel drive will help you stick to the road when conditions get sloppy. And if you opt for the SHO model, you’ll get it all plus some. That major plus being the all-new 3.5L EcoBoost™ twin turbocharged direct injection V6 engine that delivers V6-like fuel economy* with V8-like performance – 365 horsepower and 350 lb. ft. of torque for 36,995
06/18, 7:21 PM
posted by:
SoCalFiveO
http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-taurus-sho.html
there also putting the same twin turbo 3.5L ecoboost in the lincoln MKS and it will also be all wheel drive
06/19, 4:49 PM
posted by:
CP1
1. Yes – for $40k and change one can get a 335i, but that’s a COMPACT sedan as opposed to the Genesis, which is actually larger than a 5 Series (it’s an apples to oranges comparison).
2. Yes – for around $40k , one can get a G8 GXP or SRT8 Charger, but those are performance sedans and not luxury sedans and don’t have the proper interior appointments, much less a world class Lexicon sound system (again, it’s an apples to oranges comparison).
3. The reason why the Genesis “looks like” an Infiniti is b/c they both lifted the roofline and Hofmeister kink from BMW (pretty much everyone has done it these days – from Subaru to Pontica/Buick to VW to Honda/Acura, altho Nissan/Infiniti was the first to do so).
4. The resale values of Hyundais have been steadily rising and vary greatly from model to model, The resale value for the Genesis is predicted to be pretty decent by KBB – 43% of MSRP after 3 yrs for the 4.6 Genesis; otoh, the resale value for the Infiniti M45 after 3 yrs is 35% of MSRP).
5. The mid-cycle refresh of the Genesis is supposed to offer a supercharged version of the Tau engine w/ direct engine.
6. As for “it’s a Hyundai”, the younger generation views Hyundai in a different light than those who came of age in the 1980s/90s or earlier (just like how people today view Toyota, Nissan/Datsun, VW and Honda differently from those who grew up during the 1960s/70s).
Plus, in a few years, it’s likely that Hyundai will spin off the Genesis name into a separate luxury brand.