New Genesis a comfortable ride
VERNON, B.C. — If you want to gain traction in the Canadian luxury market, get a grip. That’s just what Hyundai has done: the big news here is standard allwheel drive for all versions of its second-generation Genesis luxury sedan.
Perhaps you haven’t been paying attention and the big news here is that the words “Hyundai” and “luxury sedan” were just used in the same sentence. Make no mistake, the previous Genesis sedan was already the real deal, outselling cars such as the Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS, and the Audi A6 last year in our market.
However, it was also roundly whipped in numbers by traditional luxury cars that include the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. Hyundai hopes to narrow the gap with this new leather-lined cruiser. It’s a very good effort, it’s still kind of a bargain, and it’s here to make you take a good, long look at what you consider to be luxury.
Styling is a melange of other luxury brands. Gone is the old signature grille, that chromed Klingon forehead of a thing, and in place is a new, larger trapezoidal front end, flanked by headlights that now contain LED running lights and fog lights.
The side profile has a frisson of Infiniti, and integrated exhausts and angled tail lights might fool those behind into thinking they’re following a Lexus product. Even with the standard 18inch or optional 19-inch alloys, it’s not quite what you’d call individualistic, but it is very handsome.
Further, the styling department should be praised for eschewing both unsightly fender badges and silly nonfunctional fender vents. The Genesis looks good and, like a nicely tailored suit, doesn’t flash its label on the outside.
The problem with the old car, of course, was that it did show that Hyundai label on the inside. As soon as you plonked yourself in one of the previous generation’s seats, you got the sense that this car was cut-price, but also cut-rate luxury. The quality of the leather and the way the seats felt wasn’t up to par — it still impressed, as long as you carried the price tag in your head.
Now the Genesis impresses. Leather seating is standard, and it’s now of a higher quality, with better bolstering and comfort. Brushed aluminum and gorgeous open-pore wood are available at one step up from the base model, as is nappa leather.
Even though there is a 420-horsepower V-8 on offer, this car is about comfort rather than sport, and doesn’t have the closed-in cockpit feel that’s found in more driver-focused cars. With a total length now just a hair short of five metres, the Genesis has a longer wheelbase and more passenger room than pretty much anything in the segment. Where others might sell outright speed, the Genesis promises relaxation.
To that end, it’s jam-packed with every conceivable entertainment and convenience feature you could imagine, and several you didn’t know you even needed. For instance, simply standing close to the rear trunk for three seconds with the key in your pocket will cause the trunk to power open, entirely hands-free. There’s also an interior CO2 sensor that can automatically open vents to the outside if it detects levels that might make the driver drowsy.
The central feature is the de rigueur touch screen, the standard sizing being eight inches, with satellite navigation standard as well. The upgraded 9.2-inch screen is not just larger, but also higher resolution at 720p, and comes standard on the V-8 model. A head-up display is also available, with blindspot monitoring built right in, and all cars will come with a 4.3-inch colour display screen mounted right in the instrument cluster.
Standard audio is
a 14-speaker Lexicon system, with an optional 17-speaker upgrade available.
Really, though, the sole interior complaint here is the total lack of plug-in points for rear-seat passengers. It’s a bit of an oversight for those who will be driven in their Genesis sedan, rather than driving it.
Two engines are on offer, with most Genesis sedans sold coming with the 3.8L V-6. Here, it makes 311 hp and 293 pound-feet of torque, slightly down from the outgoing model, although Hyundai claims a broadened torque curve. The other offering is a 5.0L V-8 that cranks out an impressive 420 hp and 383 lbft of torque.
In a world of front-wheeldrive, bargain-priced Benzes, compact luxury crossovers, and coupe- styled BMW sedans, it’s a refreshing experience. Add in the new levels of grip, and the German marques need to watch their six — Hyundai’s catching up, and fast.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan will be available for a base price of $43,000 for the 3.8L Premium. The car tops out at $62,000 for the 5.0L Ultimate trim.