Drove the 3.8 and 5.0 back-to-back today

[gen15]

Here are my thoughts:

1. I preferred the 3.8. It actually felt a lot lighter (because it is, I guess) and more nimble. I didn't believe all the written reviews about this until I drove it myself...I think the press is right on this.

2. Yes, there's more thrust off the line in the 5.0, but the 3.8 is quick enough. Especially when you consider the MPG difference every time you stomp on the pedal.

3. The 5.0 appearance is better (quad exhausts, fog lights, and 19" wheels), but there's not enough of a difference in my opinion (a more aggressive body kit and "V8" side badge would help...yes, I'm being vain).

4. Both cars felt absolutely solid. Great handling, super comfortable ride, and lots of tech toys to play with (heads up display was bad ass...FYI, you only get it with the Ultimate package).

5. 14 speaker stereo and 17 speaker stereo (Ultimate) were both really good but not awesome. I've had better, but they're both good enough.

There was only one thing that bothered me a bit after seeing the cars in person...

The car is a little too understated for my taste (for a $50K car). It looks nice, but after a while becomes a little too bland (except the front end, which looks great). Definitely looks more high end Japanese/Korean vs. MBZ/BMW/Audi. Maybe it's personal taste, but the germans are still designing better looking cars.

More specifically:

1. The LED eyelashes for the US market don't seem to be like what I've seen in the online videos. They didn't come on unless you set it to the parking lights, and when they do come on, they look weak.

2. The side profile and back end could have been a little closer to the concept car, in terms of aggressiveness. I do, however, love how the LED taillights look when braking. Pretty original and upscale looking.

3. The wheels on both the 3.8 and 5.0 are just "okay" in my opinion. I think they could have found much better looking wheels for this car.

 

[ksoze]

Thanks, really like these real world reviews. I had thought the Lexicon systems was superior to many out there - you seemed to be not as impressed.

Your comments on the understated look also are a concern. The car will blend in and in some cases reflect as much as being a lower end Hyundai as an Audi. I am not sure where the price crossover is where one is willing to give up the value component for this car for the established design and engineering of its more prestigious competitors. As one creeps closer to $50K and beyond, it will be challenging turf for Hyundai.

 

[Alwaysforward]

A buddy of mine called me an said he seen a base model 3.8 Montecito Blue in the show room and loved the color but he said the car looked very bland with exception of the grill.

He said he wasn't impressed with the sides of the car. There wasn't much too them. I on the other hand was very impressed with what I seen at the Fort Lauderdale Auto show. I think it is a matter of personal opinion.

It is good to get other peoples opinions on this car that aren't biased and speak about what they feel and see in the car. Can't wait to pull the trigger on my 5.0 model.

 

[drpearso]

Here are my thoughts:

1. I preferred the 3.8. It actually felt a lot lighter (because it is, I guess) and more nimble. I didn't believe all the written reviews about this until I drove it myself...I think the press is right on this.

Thanks to all of the folks who have given their assessments of the 2015 2nd G.

In the opinions of folks who know car pricing issues, when do you think there will be some 'factory cash' incentives on the over $50K V8 models. I bought my 2013 Rspec for $40k in July 2013 (9 months ago) because I got $8k off the MRSP.

I prefer the V8, and the only way to get the HUD is to get the Ultimate V8 model which pushes the MRSP up into the $55k+ range. That's a lot different than the 2013 Rspec that cost me $40k. I assume the base models will flood the market once they are shipped. Then maybe there will be some factory cash.

I could wait until the V8 has some discounts from the factory, but I also need to get in the 2015 V8 for the sport seat due to not being able to drive any distance over 50 miles in my Rspec. $55k+ puts the Genesis in the range of the discounted price for a 535i BMW which has better seats as the 2015 Genesis V8 seats with power side bolsters. If I had the 2015 power bolstered seat in my 2013 Rspec I would not even be interested in the 2015 until 4 years down the road.

So, I'm essentially buying a seat for about $15k more than my Rspec which is a really great car, but again no sport seats in the 1st Generation Genesis. But again the discounted 2014 new 535i cost about $56k. I'm thinking I should have gotten the 535i when they had it on sale. It was MSRP'd at $56,500 (with 20 way optional seats). I'd be more patient, but my medical clock is running, and I do not want to get the 2015 next year. Regards, Dan. here.

 

[Mark_888]

In the opinions of folks who know car pricing issues, when do you think there will be some 'factory cash' incentives on the over $50K V8 models.

I am not sure anyone would know that with any degree of certainty, since it depends on supply vs demand. Short term we know supply is low and demand is high. But after that is hard to predict, especially since we don't know how many V8 Ultimate's will be shipped to USA. If sales start falling behind Hyundai forecasts, and they have a lot of inventory laying around, then HMA will likely subsidize the prices, but that is obviously something you already know.

When the 2009 first came out in early fall 2008, invoice pricing was about the best that could be expected, which I believe was about $2,500 below MSRP. I don't recall them doing additional discounting until late summer of 2009.

 

[GenesisCaptain]

But again the discounted 2014 new 535i cost about $56k. I'm thinking I should have gotten the 535i when they had it on sale.

Current MSRP on a totally base 535i with the good seats is $59K. However, with the exception of the seats, that car compares pretty evenly with a base 3.8 Genesis at $39K. A BMW 550i optioned equivalently to a V8 Genesis Ultimate is about $70K.

The BMW seats are better. But, the cost is a few $K and loss of a ton of options if you dropped down to the I6 version and no other options. If you can wait, the prices of the Genesis will come down. We are just in the first month of delivery with very limited supply.

 

[Ernie3647]

I am not sure anyone would know that with any degree of certainty, since it depends on supply vs demand. Short term we know supply is low and demand is high. But after that is hard to predict, especially since we don't know how many V8 Ultimate's will be shipped to USA. If sales start falling behind Hyundai forecasts, and they have a lot of inventory laying around, then HMA will likely subsidize the prices, but that is obviously something you already know.

When the 2009 first came out in early fall 2008, invoice pricing was about the best that could be expected, which I believe was about $2,500 below MSRP. I don't recall them doing additional discounting until late summer of 2009.

I’m pondering a gray V-6 Ultimate with a $4,156 below MSRP right now. The color wasn’t my first choice but it looks good and the black interior with the brown wood looks stunning price looks tempting.

 

[Mark_888]

I’m pondering a gray V-6 Ultimate with a $4,156 below MSRP right now. The color wasn’t my first choice but it looks good and the black interior with the brown wood looks stunning price looks tempting.

That looks like a very good deal. Nice to see that some dealers are not gouging customers on their early shipment of the 2015 Genesis.

 

[Ernie3647]

I’m pondering a gray V-6 Ultimate with a $4,156 below MSRP right now. The color wasn’t my first choice but it looks good and the black interior with the brown wood looks stunning price looks tempting.

Feast or famine I’m getting call backs from quite a few dealers saying “they just came in”. Come on down. I guess the dry spell is over. Doubt if they’ll be able to match or beat the last quote. We’ll see.

 

[sandy]

Here are my thoughts:

1. I preferred the 3.8. It actually felt a lot lighter (because it is, I guess) and more nimble. I didn't believe all the written reviews about this until I drove it myself...I think the press is right on this.

Thanks to all of the folks who have given their assessments of the 2015 2nd G.

In the opinions of folks who know car pricing issues, when do you think there will be some 'factory cash' incentives on the over $50K V8 models. I bought my 2013 Rspec for $40k in July 2013 (9 months ago) because I got $8k off the MRSP.

I prefer the V8, and the only way to get the HUD is to get the Ultimate V8 model which pushes the MRSP up into the $55k+ range. That's a lot different than the 2013 Rspec that cost me $40k. I assume the base models will flood the market once they are shipped. Then maybe there will be some factory cash.

I could wait until the V8 has some discounts from the factory, but I also need to get in the 2015 V8 for the sport seat due to not being able to drive any distance over 50 miles in my Rspec. $55k+ puts the Genesis in the range of the discounted price for a 535i BMW which has better seats as the 2015 Genesis V8 seats with power side bolsters. If I had the 2015 power bolstered seat in my 2013 Rspec I would not even be interested in the 2015 until 4 years down the road.

So, I'm essentially buying a seat for about $15k more than my Rspec which is a really great car, but again no sport seats in the 1st Generation Genesis. But again the discounted 2014 new 535i cost about $56k. I'm thinking I should have gotten the 535i when they had it on sale. It was MSRP'd at $56,500 (with 20 way optional seats). I'd be more patient, but my medical clock is running, and I do not want to get the 2015 next year. Regards, Dan. here.

Just an idea regarding the seats....look into aftermarket sport seats that might fit your needs. When I was more involved with classic car restorations I remember there being a huge assortment available, for both classic and modern day cars. A good set would probably run less than $2,000 installed.

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[Seattle Genesis]

I'm holding out for a black with ivory 5.0 Ultimate, but have not seen any 5.0's up here in the area. Please send us some cars, Hyundai. I'm ready to drive and buy.

 

[Mark_888]

I'm holding out for a black with ivory 5.0 Ultimate, but have not seen any 5.0's up here in the area. Please send us some cars, Hyundai. I'm ready to drive and buy.

It was reported that there was a slight delay in production of the 5.0 cars, but they should be coming in larger quantities over the next month.

 

[jcox12]

There are several down here in houston but I'm looking for a 3.8 ultimate and no one seems to have those at the moment

 

[Alwaysforward]

Here are my thoughts:

In the opinions of folks who know car pricing issues, when do you think there will be some 'factory cash' incentives on the over $50K V8 models.

According to Hyundai American Public Relations department, no discounts until after the initial delivery and inventory is built back up after the initial sales. I am hoping around August/September timeframe.

 

[Mark_888]

According to Hyundai American Public Relations department, no discounts until after the initial delivery and inventory is built back up after the initial sales. I am hoping around August/September timeframe.

They have already started a TV ad campaign for the 2015 Genesis.

 

[gen15]

I did another round of test drives today of the 3.8 and 5.0, and was able to spend a little more time in each of the cars (with no salesperson in the passenger seat).

My opinion has changed a bit...

I could definitely feel the power difference between the two engines and now it's getting harder for me to "be okay with just getting the 3.8." The gas mileage sucks, but man...the power is addicting.

I wasn't thrilled with the V8 exhaust note though. Too quiet. I turned off the stereo and rolled down my windows too.

In terms of Ultimate Package vs. Non Ultimate

The HUD is awesome. I've decided that I have to pony up for Ultimate whether I get the 3.8 or 5.0.

I was too quick to say that the 17 speaker stereo in the Ultimate package was good but not great. I think it was the source (XM) and not the system that made me feel that way in my first test drive. The stereo was awesome.

I'm still not thrilled with Hyundai's headlights for the US market. The LEDs should be the DRLs!