Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 RWD luxury sedan. I heard a saying from a lady about the importance of considering treating yourself to some of the finer things life has to offer. What did she suggest? “Fly 1stClass, because your heirs WILL”. And as you get older that is more apropos. This Genesis is surely like flying First Class.
But a lot of the cost of admission of owning this luxury car is not just fluff. New features available these days make you a safer and thus a better driver. A good example is the Lane Assist feature where you must use your turn signal while changing lanes or the car will resist crossing over the lines between lanes – kinda like raising your hand to go to the bathroom in school – remember? That feature is coupled with a blind spot alert so you can avoid side collisions. Really a helpful feature that sounds a warning when someone is in your blind spot. And of course adaptive or Smart Cruise Control will stop when you are distracted and fail to apply the brakes.
I change cars weekly but I still notice that it is easy to become dependent on the advanced features like those on this Genesis noted above. I appreciate them more every time I test a car equipped with such assists. Surely these will be standard some day on all cars.
Finally, another feature that adds to the driving experience is the Heads-up display with added information to be able to react more quickly without taking your eyes off the road. Speed, blind spot traffic, speed limit, Nav distance to next turn and space setting between car in front for Adaptive cruise.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea, Classification is Large cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Handling & Performance:
Fantastic generally because it is smoothly fast, comfortable and voice commands to avoid distractions.
Styling:
A real beauty.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Pricey in that it can cost what Equus (top of the line for Hyundai) did in the past few years. This 5.0 liter V8 and 420 HP reminds me of the Equus as the line between the two is not clear. The Genesis was more like $34,000 in 2013. I predicted the cost honeymoon would be over when people found how lovely Hyundai products are. It is just common sense that prices rise to meet the demand. The Genesis and the Equus will rival other luxury badges like the BMW and Audi at far more money still.
Conveniences and comfort:
The price should tell you that there is a host of features that are all simply wonderful but again it’s gonna cost you. Advanced capability is not cheap and things like Intelligent Drive Mode Select (IDMS) is a driver-adjustable system that alters the transmission, steering, stability control and suspension settings (the last for the V8 model only, when equipped with adaptive suspension) is surely one subtle but effective features of the new Genesis.
An innovative touch that sets cars like the Genesis apart from its competition is a cool light that shines down on the ground as you enter or exit the car to light your footing. What is more unique is the Logo that is a crystal clear image on the ground. Really cool and you’ll want to look for that nice touch of class. You can bet other luxury platforms will copy this creative unique touch.
The Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system is yet another feature that links Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) to provide stability on road surfaces that cause reduced traction, due to irregular pavement or bad weather. VSM can provide improved brake performance or boost acceleration, even increase steering-force assistance to help you control the vehicle.
Consumer Recommendations:
I always say that you should consider Hyundai at every competitive level from economy to luxury because they may be number 4 in sales but I think they try harder. This Genesis is no exception. I got that feeling when I toured a Hyundai production facility.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Genesis $35,000- 52,000, Chevrolet Camaro $27,000, Dodge Challenger $33,000, Nissan 370Z $34,000, Subaru BRZ $27,000, Scion FR-S $31,000.
Good News:
Elegant, fast, highly technical features available far less to own than competitive brands.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
5.0 liter 420 horsepower V8 dual CVVT engine, 8-speed auto transmission, rear wheel drive, 19” alloy wheels, ABS with electronic BFD Brake Force Distribution and brake assist, stability and traction controls and vehicle stability management, automatic emergency braking, Lane departure warning and lane assist, blind spot detction with rear cross traffic alert, High Performance gas shocks, intelligent drive mode, auto headlights, fog lights, High beam assist, rain sensing wipers with auto defogger, power tilt and slide panoramic sunroof, power folding auto dimming mirrors with puddle lights, leather heated and ventillated front seats, 12 way power front seats, power tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel, electronic parking brake, front and rear parking assistance system, power rear sunshade with manual rear side sunshades, Nav system with 8” display, rearview camera and parking guidelines, smart cruise control with stop/start capability, proximity Key with push button start, climate control, AM/FM/SiriusXM MP3/CD/HD radio Lexicon audio with 14-speakers, Bluelink connected care complimentary trial, iPod/ USB / Auxillary port, Bluetooth hands free phone system with audio streaming, genuine wood and aluminum trim, and 9 airbags including driver knee airbag.
Gas Stats:
$2.15/ Gal avg. January 31, 2015
for more information.
15 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $51,500