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Been here awhile...
My first impressions from a test drive of a base model Genesis –MSRP-$33,000
I first went to the highest volume Hyundai dealer in NJ-Towne Hyundai in Denville. They said they only received 2 identical base black/black cars in their first allocation. I was immediately turned off by the MARKET ADJUSTMENT STICKER of $5000. The $33,000 base model was now $38,000. I stopped at a second dealer on the way home that had 4 in stock. Black/Cashmere Premium plus , Platinum/Black Premium Plus; a Sterling Blue/black base and a Cabernet/black Premium. No dealer adjustment. We finished the tour with a stop at the Mercedes dealership to check out or immediate first impressions of the Genesis vs. the S-Class and E-Class just to be sure we were not suffering from new car syndrome.
EXTERIOR DESIGN – The first live view of the Genesis was less than overwhelming. Upon close observation it began to grow on me. The best part of the car is the rear view. The shear size, height and classy light treatment all scream quality and luxury. The only miss on the back was the flying H . JWaters was so right installing the Genesis badge instead. My 20 year old daughter said “Has a bit of a Bentley look with the high cowl and graceful tapers”. I agree.
The ¾ and side view is very complimentary. This looks like a big luxury car from the side. Aerodynamic and graceful. The C Pillars are unobtrusive and the hard line that gives the car its main visual clues is crisp and runs from the trunk to the front quarter panel where it dissipates unobtrusively into wheel well. Very nice! The bottom rocker panel crease is also very nice. I think on the V8 they put a chrome accent stripe their and I’m sure it really classes it up. My daughter said “The Genesis looks so much better than both the S Class and the E-Class in profile, just more modern and aerodynamic”. I agree.
The front grille was my least favorite part of the car. It just does not do it for me. Maybe I am old school but it just seems too plain and generic. The Genesis badge or a hood ornament would have really broken up the long nose. It screams Camry. The space left between the hood and grille right where the center waterfall pillar stands is horrible and is the only part of the entire car where fit, finish or quality construction could even be questioned. I think it visually destroys the graceful power bulges which are once again both cleverly and gracefully integrated all the way into the front fascia. The finishing piece at the top of the waterfall that is actually part of the hood is just wrong. It looks like a big zit on the nose of a beautiful girl. It just sticks out at you and keeps you from looking at the rest of the car which otherwise could be breathtaking. If they had stuck to the original concept car nose they would have the flying H’s flying out the doors art an unprecedented rate. The front of the car looks much better in black as the bottom air dam visually blends instead of accentuating the bland acreage above. Once again kudos to JWaters for installing the Genesis badge and shifting the viewers eye to the badge and regulating the “zit“to a mere blemish.
The paint was ok. In direct brilliant sunshine the metallic crystals can be seen but otherwise the black is rich in hue but lacks the inherent luster of premium brands. The silver wheels look cheap but I think they may grow on you. On first impressions I liked the standard flat wheels on the base model much better. They are inherently from the Hyundai design family and are very similar to the Tiburon wheels in the finishing details. My daughter said “The Mercedes paint and wheels are just in another class altogether and scream sophistication and luxury”. I agree.
INTERIOR DESIGN- The first impression is similar to what you see in all the photos. This is a clean, modern design that exudes quality and craftsmanship. As you climb into the Genesis the first impression is space-lots and lots of space. The dashboard is low, pleasantly contoured and has a look of soft plush material. The actual feel is a bit rougher but I don’t know of many people who go around routinely feeling their dashboard. The leather is fine and can stand up to most premium brands and is a step above that of most cars in the price range. I can’t wait to see the premium leather. Controls are logically laid out and there is a good tactile feel and responsiveness to them. They do not have the heft or “clunk” of the German controls but are fine. I think this dash will age much better than the M45 dash as it has much less clutter and glitz. Fit and finish were top class. The base model simulated wood is poor and really makes you appreciate the leather inlays in all the other models where the wood accents become just that-accents. The remaining wood accents are not positioned for scrutiny and this seems a logical choice in the cost cutters category. The gauges are clear, easy to read and offer a quiet blue electroluminescent hue across the entire dash that is very appealing and modern. Again, can’t wait to see the Driver Information System with the Tech package. The rear seats are cavernous and will be a treat for anyone back there. The front seats could use a bit more bolstering and adjustments for a car competing in this segment on first impression. Nothing to complain about but nothing to brag about either. Probably my biggest complaint /compliment is that the center armrest is set back a bit too far. I tend to drive with the right hand mostly and have gotten used to having the Mercedes center console perfectly positioned so that the right elbow leaves your right hand at 2 o clock on the steering wheel. I assume the tilt/telescopic steering wheel on other versions will rectify this a bit. I mention it here because those who have never had a car with this feature will fall in love with it. It is one of the small things that define a luxury touring sedan. Interior carpet is ok. My daughter says “the Genesis interior just blows away the Mercedes. You can tell the Mercedes stuff is more expensive but it does not blend together as smoothly as the Genesis does and does not seem as modern or intuitively easy to use”. I agree.
HANDLING, CHASIS, SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN- As I first approached the Genesis I heard a quiet gutsy rumble from the rear exhaust. Nice!!! The dealer is located on a major highway with about a 30% uphill grade so you immediately find out if the car has any guts as you need to merge into 65mph traffic or get creamed. The v6 Genesis pulls this off effortlessly. The 290 hp is apparent and is delivered in a very smooth fashion. On the short test drive I did not notice a single transmission shift except for when I induced it. Suppression of exterior cabin noise is very good but drive train levels were not quite up to what I had expected on this base model. The seventeen inch tires provided a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride but were not up to aggressive maneuvers and would scuff across the pavement as I attempted to power out of turns to compensate for under steer. Hopefully the 18” will be better. This car had mundane DunlopSp5000 tires and I did not expect much from them. The car definitely exhibits a bit of natural under steer but as a longtime rear wheel drive owner that is just fine with me. A series of 25mph posted country road S turns revealed some initial body lean and the accompanying corrective sway at 50 mph but overall chassis damping was fine, but not world class. None of the bouncy front end quirks of the Azera. On uneven pavement there was not a hint of chassis flex and thank goodness no rattles. As noted elsewhere this is no BMW but it is a luxury sport sedan obviously tuned more for comfort than aggressive driving, but none the less competent. Again, I can’t wait for the V8 with the steering assist and a set of real tires. First impression of the base V6 was more competent than the Lexus I am used to and not as stiff or noisy as the M35 but just as competent. First impression was that the FWD /AWD Acura RL came closest to the overall driving experience as a FWD could to a rear driver. It seemed to possess the same linear tracking capability of the E class but body control and damping was not on par. The legendary Mercedes expansion line” thud “actually is apparent in the Genesis but not achieved with the same aplomb.
Like a Mercedes, this car feels solid and offers an aura of safety and security with a confidence that the driver can handle what lies ahead. Again with just the v6 17” as a baseline I would say the chief difference is that in the Mercedes if you get into that unexpected situation you leave it safely with a grin on your face and a frown on your wife’s. The Genesis you will leave it safely with an ok that was fun and a scolding from the wife to slow down a bit. The BMW owner will actively seeks those situations and the smiles they produce and the rewards from the wife later for being such a bad boy.
BOTTOM LINE – Hyundai has produced a world class car at pedestrian price points. The base v6 for $33000 is a steal. Please compare it to a Camry or Accord or Malibu or the Chrysler 300. The problem with this car is that is should be compared to the A6, 350E, M35, Acura RL, and BMW550 on its merits. It obviously misses some of the things the proven luxury icon sedans provide when you go for a deep dive but it is literally $10,000 cheaper than any of them and $20,000 cheaper than most. If one of the dealers had a V8 Tech package on hand in Sapphire Blue with a saddle interior I know that I would have driven home in one.
The 2 Mercedes on the showroom floor we used as the visual comparisons were a S550 with a $110,000 MSRP and an E350 with a $59,750 MRSP. My daughter said “ I would rather have the Genesis regardless of the price than either of these. It is just more hip, more modern and has better lines and overall appeal. Why would you waste the money on something else when the Genesis has all the toys and gadgets you need for half the price.”. I agree.
I first went to the highest volume Hyundai dealer in NJ-Towne Hyundai in Denville. They said they only received 2 identical base black/black cars in their first allocation. I was immediately turned off by the MARKET ADJUSTMENT STICKER of $5000. The $33,000 base model was now $38,000. I stopped at a second dealer on the way home that had 4 in stock. Black/Cashmere Premium plus , Platinum/Black Premium Plus; a Sterling Blue/black base and a Cabernet/black Premium. No dealer adjustment. We finished the tour with a stop at the Mercedes dealership to check out or immediate first impressions of the Genesis vs. the S-Class and E-Class just to be sure we were not suffering from new car syndrome.
EXTERIOR DESIGN – The first live view of the Genesis was less than overwhelming. Upon close observation it began to grow on me. The best part of the car is the rear view. The shear size, height and classy light treatment all scream quality and luxury. The only miss on the back was the flying H . JWaters was so right installing the Genesis badge instead. My 20 year old daughter said “Has a bit of a Bentley look with the high cowl and graceful tapers”. I agree.
The ¾ and side view is very complimentary. This looks like a big luxury car from the side. Aerodynamic and graceful. The C Pillars are unobtrusive and the hard line that gives the car its main visual clues is crisp and runs from the trunk to the front quarter panel where it dissipates unobtrusively into wheel well. Very nice! The bottom rocker panel crease is also very nice. I think on the V8 they put a chrome accent stripe their and I’m sure it really classes it up. My daughter said “The Genesis looks so much better than both the S Class and the E-Class in profile, just more modern and aerodynamic”. I agree.
The front grille was my least favorite part of the car. It just does not do it for me. Maybe I am old school but it just seems too plain and generic. The Genesis badge or a hood ornament would have really broken up the long nose. It screams Camry. The space left between the hood and grille right where the center waterfall pillar stands is horrible and is the only part of the entire car where fit, finish or quality construction could even be questioned. I think it visually destroys the graceful power bulges which are once again both cleverly and gracefully integrated all the way into the front fascia. The finishing piece at the top of the waterfall that is actually part of the hood is just wrong. It looks like a big zit on the nose of a beautiful girl. It just sticks out at you and keeps you from looking at the rest of the car which otherwise could be breathtaking. If they had stuck to the original concept car nose they would have the flying H’s flying out the doors art an unprecedented rate. The front of the car looks much better in black as the bottom air dam visually blends instead of accentuating the bland acreage above. Once again kudos to JWaters for installing the Genesis badge and shifting the viewers eye to the badge and regulating the “zit“to a mere blemish.
The paint was ok. In direct brilliant sunshine the metallic crystals can be seen but otherwise the black is rich in hue but lacks the inherent luster of premium brands. The silver wheels look cheap but I think they may grow on you. On first impressions I liked the standard flat wheels on the base model much better. They are inherently from the Hyundai design family and are very similar to the Tiburon wheels in the finishing details. My daughter said “The Mercedes paint and wheels are just in another class altogether and scream sophistication and luxury”. I agree.
INTERIOR DESIGN- The first impression is similar to what you see in all the photos. This is a clean, modern design that exudes quality and craftsmanship. As you climb into the Genesis the first impression is space-lots and lots of space. The dashboard is low, pleasantly contoured and has a look of soft plush material. The actual feel is a bit rougher but I don’t know of many people who go around routinely feeling their dashboard. The leather is fine and can stand up to most premium brands and is a step above that of most cars in the price range. I can’t wait to see the premium leather. Controls are logically laid out and there is a good tactile feel and responsiveness to them. They do not have the heft or “clunk” of the German controls but are fine. I think this dash will age much better than the M45 dash as it has much less clutter and glitz. Fit and finish were top class. The base model simulated wood is poor and really makes you appreciate the leather inlays in all the other models where the wood accents become just that-accents. The remaining wood accents are not positioned for scrutiny and this seems a logical choice in the cost cutters category. The gauges are clear, easy to read and offer a quiet blue electroluminescent hue across the entire dash that is very appealing and modern. Again, can’t wait to see the Driver Information System with the Tech package. The rear seats are cavernous and will be a treat for anyone back there. The front seats could use a bit more bolstering and adjustments for a car competing in this segment on first impression. Nothing to complain about but nothing to brag about either. Probably my biggest complaint /compliment is that the center armrest is set back a bit too far. I tend to drive with the right hand mostly and have gotten used to having the Mercedes center console perfectly positioned so that the right elbow leaves your right hand at 2 o clock on the steering wheel. I assume the tilt/telescopic steering wheel on other versions will rectify this a bit. I mention it here because those who have never had a car with this feature will fall in love with it. It is one of the small things that define a luxury touring sedan. Interior carpet is ok. My daughter says “the Genesis interior just blows away the Mercedes. You can tell the Mercedes stuff is more expensive but it does not blend together as smoothly as the Genesis does and does not seem as modern or intuitively easy to use”. I agree.
HANDLING, CHASIS, SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN- As I first approached the Genesis I heard a quiet gutsy rumble from the rear exhaust. Nice!!! The dealer is located on a major highway with about a 30% uphill grade so you immediately find out if the car has any guts as you need to merge into 65mph traffic or get creamed. The v6 Genesis pulls this off effortlessly. The 290 hp is apparent and is delivered in a very smooth fashion. On the short test drive I did not notice a single transmission shift except for when I induced it. Suppression of exterior cabin noise is very good but drive train levels were not quite up to what I had expected on this base model. The seventeen inch tires provided a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride but were not up to aggressive maneuvers and would scuff across the pavement as I attempted to power out of turns to compensate for under steer. Hopefully the 18” will be better. This car had mundane DunlopSp5000 tires and I did not expect much from them. The car definitely exhibits a bit of natural under steer but as a longtime rear wheel drive owner that is just fine with me. A series of 25mph posted country road S turns revealed some initial body lean and the accompanying corrective sway at 50 mph but overall chassis damping was fine, but not world class. None of the bouncy front end quirks of the Azera. On uneven pavement there was not a hint of chassis flex and thank goodness no rattles. As noted elsewhere this is no BMW but it is a luxury sport sedan obviously tuned more for comfort than aggressive driving, but none the less competent. Again, I can’t wait for the V8 with the steering assist and a set of real tires. First impression of the base V6 was more competent than the Lexus I am used to and not as stiff or noisy as the M35 but just as competent. First impression was that the FWD /AWD Acura RL came closest to the overall driving experience as a FWD could to a rear driver. It seemed to possess the same linear tracking capability of the E class but body control and damping was not on par. The legendary Mercedes expansion line” thud “actually is apparent in the Genesis but not achieved with the same aplomb.
Like a Mercedes, this car feels solid and offers an aura of safety and security with a confidence that the driver can handle what lies ahead. Again with just the v6 17” as a baseline I would say the chief difference is that in the Mercedes if you get into that unexpected situation you leave it safely with a grin on your face and a frown on your wife’s. The Genesis you will leave it safely with an ok that was fun and a scolding from the wife to slow down a bit. The BMW owner will actively seeks those situations and the smiles they produce and the rewards from the wife later for being such a bad boy.
BOTTOM LINE – Hyundai has produced a world class car at pedestrian price points. The base v6 for $33000 is a steal. Please compare it to a Camry or Accord or Malibu or the Chrysler 300. The problem with this car is that is should be compared to the A6, 350E, M35, Acura RL, and BMW550 on its merits. It obviously misses some of the things the proven luxury icon sedans provide when you go for a deep dive but it is literally $10,000 cheaper than any of them and $20,000 cheaper than most. If one of the dealers had a V8 Tech package on hand in Sapphire Blue with a saddle interior I know that I would have driven home in one.
The 2 Mercedes on the showroom floor we used as the visual comparisons were a S550 with a $110,000 MSRP and an E350 with a $59,750 MRSP. My daughter said “ I would rather have the Genesis regardless of the price than either of these. It is just more hip, more modern and has better lines and overall appeal. Why would you waste the money on something else when the Genesis has all the toys and gadgets you need for half the price.”. I agree.
