Just got back from the Chicago Auto Show and all I can say about the 2015 Genesis is wow. Pictures just doesn't do it justice as it is absolutely stunning in the flesh. As soon as I got to the show, I made my way to the Hyundai display and there was a huge crowd of people standing around the Genesis and a line to get in the driver's seat. When it was finally my turn, I scrutinized every inch of the interior.
Let me say that there's simply no comparison between the 2009-14 Genesis and the 2015 Genesis. There's soft-touch materials every where. I know there was a debate as to which leather Hyundai is using for the new Genesis. I can't say for sure, but I think it is Nappa leather as it feels just like the leather in the K900. I can tell you it's some of the softest leather I've ever felt. I made a point to compare the Genesis' interior to all of its competitors(CTS, 5-Series, E-Class, Audi A6,Lexus GS) and it is more than just competitive; it's among the tops in its class. The bolsters in the Genny are plenty supportive, but when you power them up, you can feel the seat cradle you. I tried to wiggle around, but the seat held me in place, but did so comfortably.
I also made a point to check the travel of the power steering
wheel and found that there is more than adequate adjustment there. I played with the infotainment system and found it to be really responsive. It also doesn't hurt that it has the best screen resolution in the class either, and believe me, you can tell. I forgot to ask the Hyundai reps about options, but the 5.0 had a heated steering
wheel and heated rear seats and was RWD. You can take that for what it's worth, but I find it hard to believe Hyundai would waste their time "Americanizing" a Korean spec Genesis when they could just show the American spec that will go on sale soon.
Some notes about other cars at the show. I checked out the Acura RLX after finally leaving the Genesis display and noticed a few things. First, there was almost no one over there. It wasn't getting much attention at all. When I got inside, it was immediately apparent that the RLX's interior wasn't up to the standard of that of the new Genesis. The seats didn't have as many adjustments(the most noticeable was the absence of the thigh extension) and it didn't even have a power close trunk like the Genesis. Acura shoukd do themselves a favor and make a proper flagship, because the RLX is no flagship. I checked out the interior of the CTS and noticed that the thigh extension on the seats were manual. It's trunk was also tiny and had very cheap looking plastic covers for the storage cubbies. It also didn't have a power trunk. I checked out the
Lincoln MKZ(comparable in price to the Genesis) and it was nice enough, but the back seat had absolutely no headroom. A guy got in the back and could not sit up straight. He said he was 6'2", but even me, a person of average size, had barely any room left. That's a tremendous oversight by
Lincoln/Ford and probably contributes to its poor sales.
All in all, if the crowd that was surrounding the 2015 Genesis is any indication, it should be a hit. I suggest you all take a look for yourself. Oh, one other thing, I turned on the hazards and was disappointed to find that the front turn signals are not LED. I can tell you that the taillights are, in fact, full LED lights. The 5.0 had Hankook tires, but the 3.8 had Dunlops.
