My new 2015 Genesis Sedan

[Jaeger]

Greetings all. I've spent the last few weeks looking for an upgrade to my 2011 Sonata 2.0T. New cars considered and test driven include:

Acura TLX
Infiniti Q50
Nissan Maxima SV

What was different to all my prior new car shopping adventures is that for the first time I considered buying used. And the forum was to blame. This thread on the great used buy that a used LS can be, combined with Ron prattling on about the awesomeness of his more than decade old LS 430 had me considering what the used car market might have to offer. I am here to tell you that CDN$30 – 35k can buy you one HECK of a car – though full cash buyers are better positioned to grab the perfect car when it arises as well as avoid the decidedly higher financing rates that attach to a used purchase. While I didn't ultimately find the right car at the right price at the right time, I drove multiple examples of the following vehicles and could easily see myself as being happy with any of them, notwithstanding some significant differences:

2011 Lexus LS 460 AWD
2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD
2012 / 13 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R Spec
2102 / 13 Hyundai Equus – arguably the most intriguing of the bunch and one of the serious sleepers of the used car market.

Oddly, what got me right back to where I started from (apologies to Maxine Nightingale) were the odd “demo” model 2015 Genesis sedans that cropped up in my used vehicle search. One such possible example was a Manhattan Brown model on beige leather – a combo that ranked high on my fave list. Funnily enough, Patrick was able to confirm that this was in fact a press vehicle – so the very one I had seen in a number of Canadian reviews (including right here on Autos.ca).

Anyway, I called my local dealer just to check if they had any demo 2015s, and was told no, but they had one remaining NEW 2015 in Luxury trim that they were motivated to move. I wasn't really counting on a very high level of motivation on their part, but boy, was I proven wrong. The colour combo – Cassablanca White on black leather with grey piping – wasn't my top pick, but ranked tied for second on my wish list. And the deal was simply too good to pass up, on a car I wanted and at a better price than I had seen on a few used offerings.

Which brings us to today, where I handed over my well-loved 2011 Sonata Turbo and drove away in this:


I'll update once I've been driving it for a while. But some bullet points on things that made a strong positive impression:

* Exterior styling – wholly subjective but I think this ranks as one of the better looking BIG sedans on the road, period.

* Interior styling / quality – remarkably close to Lexus level. You'd be down to picking nits on a few isolated examples of switchgear but the overall impression is one of actual parity. And I give the Genesis MAJOR props for the use of open pore wood which I VASTLY prefer to the multiple layers of glossy clear coat polyurethane. That look works in older luxury rides but seems out of step in a contemporary vehicle. The brown Ash wood in my car is really a study in the beauty of natural grain. And the combination of touchscreen, redundant buttons and rotating knob controller is far easier to use than the Lexus mouse, or frankly, any non touch screen interface. Exceptionally comfortable seating front and rear, with the latter providing notable spacious accomodations.

* Powertrain. The V6 is strong, smooth and emits a nice aggressive growl in the last 2000 rpm before redline. Real engine sounds – not a synthetic soundtrack piped through the speakers. The transmission does what you expect of a good auto – it gets to the right gear promptly and smoothly and basically doesn't call attention to itself by responding in any way OTHER than expected.

* Ride / handling. Not a sports sedan but very capable in the handling department for such a large sedan. Certainly a lot closer to the Lexus GS than the LS in this department, and the GS can REALLY dance. When not clinging to curves, the ride is – counter-intuitively – closer to the LS than the GS. The GS never quite gets to that serene glide of its big brother – or even really close, truth be told. The extra long wheelbase of the Genesis certainly helps here. In fact, a lot of ways the Genesis splits the difference between the two in space, comfort and handling.

 

[jarred52]

Very well written review; better than most that I read on Motor Trend and Car and Driver.

 

[Jaeger]

Very well written review; better than most that I read on Motor Trend and Car and Driver.

Thanks - here's my detailed comparison of the 4 cars for anyone interested.

TLX vs. Maxima vs. Q50 vs. Genesis Sedan 3.8: A potential buyer's perspective.


If you're into cars at all, there is one affliction that you understand completely well: new car itch. It often arrives in circumstances where there isn't anything close to an objective need for a new car. Your existing car is just fine. It meets your needs and is in great condition. You still enjoy driving it. Yet there remains that persistent, nagging sensation that it should be replaced. Reason rarely proves to be an effective balm. And by the time you have wandered into a new car showroom “just to look” you have likely past the point of any effective cure save a purchase.

Such is my condition as I contemplate replacing my fairly low mileage and still shiny 5 year old 2011 Sonata 2.0T. I have decided to stick with a sedan, but look to move a bit upscale from the mainstream midsize segment. Frankly, there isn't much in the Camcordima stream that would immediately inspire me to swap what has been an excellent family vehicle in the Sonata. To scratch that itch, the new car would need to offer something more. Something next level. That vehicle would have to offer a higher degree of luxury and comfort, an immoderate helping of power and at least a reasonably engaging driving experience. While a dedicated sports sedan isn't necessarily the goal, floaty barges hold no appeal and received no consideration.

4 vehicles emerged as candidates from my automotive web browsing and general awareness of the automotive landscape. All offer V6 power (ranging from 290 to 330 bhp) – which I do find enticing in the face of the ever expanding encroachment of forced induction in all segments and at all price levels. All but one offer AWD: a year-round bonus in effectively putting power to the ground and a potential ownership first for me. All models tested represented the approximate midlevel of their respective ranges – neither base nor fully loaded. Here's how they stacked up.

EXTERIOR STYLING

1) Genesis 2) Q50 3) TLX 4) Maxima

Acknowledging the subjectivity of any styling assessment, the Genesis took the top spot for me. It impresses as long, low and wide, with a hood of such stretched proportions as to suggest there might be a V12 in its future. Clean, purposeful and elegant are the adjectives that come to mind. Some criticize the design as derivative – and there is certainly a healthy Audi influence in the lines. But as Audi makes some of the most handsome sedans on the road, that's hardly a bad thing.

The Q50 is another handsome vehicle – tasteful and restrained. It presents as muscular and athletic with pleasing proportions. Understated luxury that doesn't scream for attention.

Acura has thankfully disavowed the aesthetics of the angular, creased Origami-esque former TL, but seems a bit lost in terms of what to do next. There isn't much – or anything, frankly – which offends the eye when viewing the TLX. But neither is there much which delights. Nothing that evokes that coveted second glace over your shoulder as you walk away. In taking two steps back from the over-wrought bionic beak, they have somehow taken two steps closer to the Accord.

Speaking of screaming for attention, Nissan's new and outlandish design language rather relentlessly bellows its message. This car wouldn't be kicked out of the library for being too loud – they'd never let it in to begin with. One can't help but respect the clear corporate decision to separate the touted 4-door sports car from the rest of the sedan pack, and without question, they have succeeded in doing just that. But I have to say that I find it a bit much. It almost looks as if the car is being attached by a flock of angry boomerangs. It makes Acura's departed bionic beak look positively tame by comparison.


INTERIOR (Aesthetics, Quality, Functionality, Comfort)

1) Genesis 2) Q50 / TLX (tie) 4) Maxima

Some may scoff at the notion that Hyundai could produce an interior that could pass for the lovechild of an Audi and a Lexus, but they have done just that. Everything from the materials to the design and layout, to the colours and textures speak not of near luxury but actual luxury. I will admit be being perhaps overly influenced by the lovely golden-tan leather appointments, which offered so much more visual warmth than the coal-bin black interiors of the other vehicles. That said, everything from the open-pore wood trim (why isn't all wood done this way?) to the real brushed aluminium accents suggested that compromise was not part of the equation. And the Genesis' ace in the hole? Space. Lots of it. The commodious back seat, in particular, put the other players to shame. It also tied the TLX for the most quiet interior of the group.

The TLX and Q50 were both very well turned out inside, if presenting as somewhat less special in some indefinable way. Hard to fault in any respect, but in the case of the Infiniti, when you move up to the Q70 you see what the manufacturer really thinks a luxury interior should be. The TLX again suffers in comparison to the Accord. Not that either is bad – far from it – just that neither really impresses as particularly luxurious. The Q50 did impress as offering the most crisp and legible navigation screen, so that's something. But it also offered the least spacious rear accommodations among this foursome.

While the seats in all 4 vehicles made excellent impressions, the thrones in the Maxima may well have been the best of the bunch. A near magical blend of plush comfort and firm support. The quilted suede-like inserts are a success on both an aesthetic and tactile levels, and offer more actual grip than the rather diminutive side bolsters. Suprisingly, however, the Maxima also presented the only interior element among all contenders that could be fairly described as shockingly bad. I speak here of the outrageously cheap-looking fake-aluminium band that bisects the dashboard from door to door. Overlaid in a quilted diamond pattern (one presumes, to match the seat) it is as awful as the seat is excellent. And it's hard to ignore – as light plays along those plasticky triangles, they seem to shimmer and move – constantly pulling the eye. I could add a further demerit for the fake engine sounds piped through the speakers, but that almost feels like piling on. The remainder is actually quite good – a very modern-looking but pleasing dash and display.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

1) Maxima 2) Q50 / Genesis (tie) 4) TLX

People need to stop carping about how unsatisfying and unsporting CVT transmissions can be. In fact, I need to be the first to put a sock in it. In fairness to all concerned, CVTs were indeed quite unsatisfying and wholly unsporting when first introduced. And some might well remain mired in that state. But not the one in this Maxima. The translation of throttle input to engine response was so measured and immediate that it bordered on the telepathic. The engine simply reacted instantly and accurately to commands issued by the throttle. No hunting, no delay and no weird disconnect between engine speed and road speed. I was prepared to dislike this drivetrain. Instead I came away overwhelmingly impressed. Nissan has long excelled at V6 engines and it shows in this Maxima. The stopwatch may say otherwise, but the Maxima felt the quickest of the bunch and that's down to the responsiveness of the powertrain rather than absolute power.

The conventional automatics in the Infiniti and Hyundai did what good automatics should: get you in the right gear smoothly and quickly without hesitation, indecision or disruptive vibration. Both prove the adage that a good automatic is one which you simply don't notice – because it never calls attention to itself by failing to do what you require of it. The Q50 offered a bit stronger top end pull, but the extra gear ratio in the Genesis gave it just that slightly better opportunity to always offer up the right gear. Hard to separate these two in this area.

And did I ever notice the transmission in the Acura! Good heavens, the engine and transmission were like husband and wife no longer on speaking terms. I actually thought something might be broken, such was the level of confusion and delay in answer to throttle inputs. Mash the throttle and ... a thousand 1, a thousand 2... oh, would you like a downshift? Okay then. It was as surprising as it was disappointing. Steady state cruising was fine – but then that hardly challenges a transmission. Moderate part-throttle applications were not consistently well managed, much less the more aggressive inputs that accompany spirited driving.

RIDE AND HANDLING

1) Q50 2) TLX 3) Maxima / Genesis (tie)

The Q50 certainly impressed as the most pure (and arguably the only) sport sedan of the group. The ride was the most firm of the contenders, though it could never be described as unduly punishing. While a test drive is not an appropriate occasion to push a vehicle to the limits of adhesion, the Q felt as if it had both the highest limits and the most willingness to approach them.

The TLX was a reasonably close second. Acura is justifiably famous for its SH-AWD system, and at least on those occasions where the powertrain actually granted the request for a spirited surge through a twisty section of roadway, it acquitted itself quite brilliantly. Nearly as sporting as the Q50, and a bit more comfortable, an argument could be made for the top spot depending upon one's priorities.

Most enthusiasts would agree that a CVT and FWD do not a sport sedan make. And while CVTs have rapidly improved, the dynamic limitations of FWD are primarily a matter of physics, whose laws are immutable. Particularly when said FWD platform is that of a fairly large and heavy vehicle. Notwithstanding those limitations, the Maxima delivers its own rendition of an engaging driving experience, even if it does so in different manner from the other three. Reasonably flat through corners, it takes and holds a clean set once you become accustomed to the somewhat light and over-boosted steering. Overall, it offers a very good blend of compliance and grip. The most observable downside presents exactly where you would expect in a powerful FWD vehicle: torque steer. It was not severe, but still noticeable given that such lateral squirming was wholly absent in the AWD vehicles.

The Genesis was arguably the least overtly sporting of the group, though it must be observed that is also the largest of the four vehicles, bearing more dimensional similarity to the Q50's big brother – the Q70. Indeed, it is larger than the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and BWM 5 Series, just for perspective. Given its large footprint, the capable and sure-footed manner in which it handled itself through the twisty sections was quite impressive. Feed in an extra dose of throttle mid-corner and it just grips and goes. And while it does concede pure sporting prowess to the offerings from Infiniti and Acura, it trumps them both in ride comfort. And let's face it – if you're buying a large and luxurious sedan, you're going to be doing more cruising than apex-carving over the life of the vehicle. And perhaps the most impressive accomplishment of the Hyundai offering is that it drove smaller than its size – not feeling any less manoeuvrable or responsive than it competitors unless pushed far harder than any reasonable driver would do with spouse and offspring aboard.

OVERALL RANKING

Of course, the following reflect my personal impression of how well these cars met my particular needs, wants and preferences. But that is exactly how each of us cast the most meaningful vote that we can – with our wallets at the point of sale. Among this group, they rank as follows:

1) Genesis Sedan: a manufacturer often accused of liberally cribbing from its competitors could reasonably lift Jaguar's old tag line for this car: Grace, Space and Pace. Never the hooligan, but always composed, this is a legitimately luxurious and impressively capable offering.

2) Q50 – in its original guise as the G35, this was arguably the first Japanese production vehicle to walk right up and punch the BMW 3-series in the nose. That attitude – and ability – are still evident. If pure sporting prowess is the number one priority, then this would be the pick of the bunch.

3) Maxima SR. So entertaining to drive and so capable in nearly all practical respects. If only it weren't quite so adventurous in styling.

4) Acura TLX. The transmission was a deal-breaker for me. Simply unacceptable. A sweet V6 engine and top rated AWD system have a hard time making a positive impression here. Kind of like having a top-flight wide-receiver and first rate offensive line, but a drunken quarterback.

I still have a couple more vehicles to check out - including some outliers. But as it stands, the Genesis is the car to beat for me.
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[Huddleston]

Congrats and welcome

 

[XPO439]

This is one heck of a write up! Nicely done!

I would really like to see a comparison of the: 2015 Genesis sedan V8 vs 2015 Chevy SS vs 2015 Maserati Ghibli base vs 2015 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

One can only dream though...

 

[Slo cat]

Jaeger,
Very entertaining read. Your wordsmithing smacks of a professional hunter who's weapon is the keyboard.

 

[Aquineas]

Very entertaining read!

 

[confusedman]

Beautiful writeup, very thoughtful and glad you did your research. I was coming from a G35 sedan which I loved dearly to the Genesis5.0. I wanted to upgrade to the Q50, but ultimately it was a "small step" upgrade vs. the 5.0 which really won me over. I've got the same White/Black setup as you, but I must admit your wheels look better than the stock on 5.0. Congrats again!

 

[Pamplona/Beige]

I concur wholeheartedly but I'm biased. And I too suffer from a similar affliction of newcaritis on a regular basis. But hey, I work to make money to enhance my existence and cars enhance my existence so be it!

 

[tmf2004]

congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forums.. I to came from a 2012 Optima turbo.. very happy with the Genesis...

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[Mike B]

I enjoyed your write up.
Mike

 

[dakwonhee]

congratulation, Jaeger!

I have same white 3.8 Luxury model.....wow...hope I can feel the difference between 5.0 VS 3.8...
Nice photo of your new baby and beautiful scenery of Lake Ontario....

One day, we can have a Tim Horton coffee in the Port Credit!

See you around!

 

[Jaeger]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

dakwonhee - ubet - Port Credit isn't that far and a nice drive along the lake.

 

[Jaeger]

Moar bettah pics.

 

[Jaeger]

Last one:

 

[dakwonhee]

Wow.....Wonderful photos...

Looks like "Bronte outer harbour marina".......

 

[Jaeger]

^^^ Yep - Bronte Harbour is one of my fave local spots.

 

[Jaeger]

Just a quick update with a bunch of pics as the two year anniversary approaches. Rather than write out a long treatise, I’ll give the bullet points of the good and the bad after two years of ownership.

THE GOOD

• Aesthetics – inside and out. Subjective, yes, but I still think this ranks among the best looking sedans on the road, and the interior just manages to convey that feeling that you have stepped into something above the mainstream norm. Two most common comments from first time passengers are “nice interior” and “love the panoramic sunroof".
• Chassis / handling. They cracked the code of an optimal ride / handling balance without the aid of electromagnetic shocks or other high-tech trickery. Just a well sorted chassis / suspension setup.
• Quietness. One of the hallmarks of a luxury vehicle is a hushed cabin that muffles the cacophony of the outside world. This car does that well.
• Engine. I dig the strong linear pull of this normally aspirated V6 and like the engine note, which changes in pitch as revs climb. I like that what you hear is the actual engine note and not an “enhanced” soundtrack piped through the speakers.
• Transmission. Don’t know how it could be improved upon to be honest.
• Winter traction. With 4 quality snows the foul weather grip is absolutely superb.
• Realiability. Issues to report this year: zero.

THE BAD

• Weight. Most luxury sedans are right porkers and this is no exception. It’s like driving my Sonata with a Honda Goldwing shoved in the trunk. The car handles its weight very, very well – it never feels ponderous or unbalanced. But you sure notice it in hard braking and rapid lateral transitions. If they could keep all the luxiness and shed a few pounds that would be awesome.
• Fuel consumption. No surprise – large displacement engine in a large, heavy car. But hardly a strength of the vehicle. The V8 is worse, of course, but not THAT much worse.
• The nav. Okay, this truly sucks. I flat out don’t trust it. On a known route it will be telling me to exit the highway a stop or two earlier than needed. Entering an address is a pain because there is no prompting / auto-fill of street and city names – you have to type the whole thing. My Sonata had a better nav.

THE UGLY

• Other than the gross display of bug splatter on the front end of a white car, I got nothin’ for this category.

Overall – extremely happy with the car, and barring the unforeseen, I see myself driving it for many more years.

 

[EdP]

• The nav. Okay, this truly sucks. I flat out don’t trust it. On a known route it will be telling me to exit the highway a stop or two earlier than needed. Entering an address is a pain because there is no prompting / auto-fill of street and city names – you have to type the whole thing. My Sonata had a better nav.
]

I find the easiest way to enter an address is to use the "send to car" feature from a computer or the app. Never had it tell me to take an early exit where I've traveled. Is it just one particular road? Perhaps a map update would help but you can't be sure until you've paid your money.

 

[rroyce46]

@Jaeger- Thanks for your detailed informative reviews.Which level of trim is your car ? Premium,Luxury or Technology? How many Kilometers are you @?
I bought an 18 month old 2016 used 3.8 Luxury with 11000 Kilometers 2 months ago. Got it from Hyundai Gallery here in Calgary for $31200.
Really like it except the entertainment unit seems to like flipping from my Ipod Nano to Sirius or even my phone music when it feels like it sometimes 4 or 5 times within 30 minutes.Very frustrating.