Help Me Decide Please

[ahurst]

I have been a long time lurker of this board as I have been excited about the Genesis since it came out.

I hate to bring up suspension, but from all I've read on here, I still can't figure out if the 2010 model has a tighter suspension than the 2009.

As a point of reference, I currently drive a BMW X5.
Prior to that, a BMW 535i, BMW 330i sedan and BMW 3 series coupe.

Also, I have owned a GMC Yukon Denali, Jeep SRT8, Infiniti M35X and Honda S2000.

My tastes run all over the map, but primarily I have loved the BMW suspension - it is tight with little body roll, but at the same time compliant. It sounds like a catch 22, but that is how a BMW feels to me. None of the ones I own(ed) had adjustable suspensions.

My questions are --
Those who own a Genesis with previous BMW ownership experience,

were you disappointed with the Genesis suspension (too loose)?

is body roll prevalent?

is high speed stability good?

is steering direct and on-center feel firm?

is throttle response quick enough that, when needed on the freeway, you can dart into the space you want with little drama?

I have test driven an 09 Genesis and found it performed very well on freeway on-ramps, but I was not given the opportunity to drive it on a variety of surfaces.

Thanks for any input.

 

[LLT]

I had a BMW 535xi and a Genesis - the ride of the Genesis is comparable, IMO. The BMW is more controlled, the Genesis is more firm - more firm... more firm than I preferred.

I noticed no body roll at various speeds on various surfaces.

Stability was excellent at various speeds.

Steering feels direct, but is a bit sloppy compared to the BMW. Not terrible, but you'll likely notice it initially.

The genny, V6 or V8 will have all the throttle response you need.


I think if you're happy with the BMW suspension, the Genesis won't be a huge adjustment. Still a good idea to drive it again on various road surfaces to make sure you'll be satisfied.

Good luck.

 

[ctrcbob]

Spoke with a gentleman yesterday, who purchased a 2009 V8 three weeks ago. First non-Toyota he has owned in over 30+ years. I asked him if he thought the ride was hard. He said no. The ride was great.

This just goes to show that what is one mans meat is another mans poison.
I.E. Just because some of us think it has a hard ride, not everyone thinks so.

BTW, he loves the car. (Lookes exactly like mine - I even walked to it thinking it was mine <grin>)

 

[TJPark01]

My questions are --
Those who own a Genesis with previous BMW ownership experience, (Last 2 cars were 2002 530i, 2005 CLS.)

were you disappointed with the Genesis suspension (too loose)? (Nope, just right, especially at highway speed. Below 30mph, a little choppy over uneven pavement).

is body roll prevalent? (Some, pretty minimal, only on freeway off ramp at high speed, it's a full size car not 3 series.)

is high speed stability good? (phenomenal. At 120mph, it's like buttah. This car was meant for highway cruising.)

is steering direct and on-center feel firm? (Firm, weighty, not overboosted like Toyotas. Not spot on surgically precise like BMW either.)

is throttle response quick enough that, when needed on the freeway, you can dart into the space you want with little drama? (V8, monstrous, probably unnecessarily fast. V6, not much slower,will support most people's needs)

A v6 tech package is probably one of the best all around cars out there. When you factor in all things, you are getting mucho content without the macho pricetag.

 

[STREETS]

Take it for a test drive (V8 or V6) and it has very similar characterstics to my previous 5 series, but much better in many ways- creature comfort, size and my bank account.

 

[CanukV6]

Before getting the Genesis I had owned Mercedes S-Class, a Variety of BMW's (3 & 5 Series) an Audi A6 and a bunch of domestic cars that are not worth mentioning - Really!

The Genesis has great handling and the suspension is quite firm with little body roll. It is not as compliant as a BMW over poor road surfaces at low and medium speeds but its highway ride is excellent. Acceleration is as good or better than most BMW's (M-series excluded), the only minor annoying glitch being hesitation when accelerating from a low speed rolling start. The Steering is a good compromise between feedback and effort and its assistance varies progressively with road speed.

The car is much quieter aerodynamically and mechanically than all the cars mentioned above and it is by far the most comfortable long distance car I have ever owned - S-Class included.

This is a great car period. For the price it is fantastic. Is it perfect? No, but then I have yet to find or hear of a perfect car and in this price range nothing comes close. The fact that we are comparing it to German cars costing (at least) 50% more really says it all.

 

[silverado]

coming from a 2007 335i coupe, the genesis is fun to drive and more user friendly has much user interface. the car has not disappointed me like the bmw did.

 

[Sayantsi]

The Genesis is not a BMW, although I certainly think it is much like one. Its a $30-40k Korean car that is oft compared with cars costing $20-30k more than it. From the cars you listed, you are accustomed to taught suspensions so i don't think you'll have any issue with the Genesis. My background is with 6 and 7 Series Bimmers btw.

You really need to drive these cars yourself - we can't experience things for you! If one test drive isn't enough, take another, and wring out the car so you really get to know it. If you really want to test car control at the limits, find an empty parking lot and do some tight circles, figure eights, etc - this will show you how the chassis handles cornering and 9/10 driving.

 

[GripperDon]

I hate to bring up suspension, but from all I've read on here, I still can't figure out if the 2010 model has a tighter suspension than the 2009.

My 2009 is Harsh on anything but glass smooth roads, The 2010 is detectably better, on the test drives I took.

 

[ahurst]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I need to get back and take another test drive - hopefully this time by myself without the salesman coming along. This would allow me to drive the car at the limits I would need to assess its capabilities.

A few things I noticed was the phenomenal sound deadening - you could hear a pin drop at 75 mph. Seats were comfortable and switchgear seemed solid to the touch. The subtle V8 engine noise under acceleration was much more to my liking than some of my past cars. I do remember being struck at how well it handled a long right hand sweeper of a freeway on-ramp.

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[Sayantsi]

You can have the salesman along, just tell him/her wat you're going to do so they don't freak out.