Very interesting 5.0 review from several testers. Really emphasizes how much the
badge has influence on so many. Overall the new Genesis comes out a winner.
http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2015-hyundai-genesis-50-sedan-review-notes
While I don't really have an issue w/ the weight (and the resulting fuel economy) of the 2G Genesis since at this juncture, it's still better to keep the price of the Genesis down rather than spend it on expensive weight reducing materials, as I had stated previously and as noted in the review, Hyundai should have done a better job w/ the materials for the rotary dial and other common touchpoints such as the door release and the paddle shifters.
Can understand using hard plastics in out of sight areas and even soft plastics in lieu of stitched pleather on top of the dash (holds up better to sun damage), but Hyundai should not have scrimped in the areas which get handled/touched the most (esp. since using higher quality materials in the aforementioned would not have added that much to the cost).
But this can be easily rectified for an MCE - so hopefully Hyundai does the upgrade for the refresh.
As for the weight/resulting fuel economy (not to mention being a more nimble handler) - despite what I stated above, Hyundai will need to address this for the 3G Genesis - whether it is using greater amounts of lighter materials (aluminum, carbon fiber - costs should go down or advances in high tensile steel) or adding fuel saving tech like cylinder deactivation, stop-start or even a mild-hybrid system.
Should also see a weight reduction w/ the 3G Genesis going to a smaller displacement FI V8.
Of course, all this would likely result in a price increase, but I think there will be room for Hyundai to do so w/ the 3G Genesis as the Euro compact sedans are moving up in price (as well as luxury).
The new C400 4Matic starts at
$48.6k - take away the AWD and a RWD version should be around
$46k (higher by the time the 3G Genesis is ready to launch) - which is substantially more than where the V6 Genesis starts and the base Genesis offers more kit.
The next E Class reportedly will get a significant boost in luxury and tech and so should also see a decent boost in price - so there is definitely room for Hyundai to maneuver when it comes to the 3G Genesis.
Hyundai needs to make room in terms of pricing for the new compact sports sedan anyways.