The turn signals on the Genesis side view mirrors were identical to the Mercedes when introduced on the 2009 Genesis. The 2012 tail lights (with turn signals and backup light in the middle of the cluster) were taken right off the recently updated Mercedes E Class (and copied by a lot of other automakers also).
A lot of automakers do that nowadays; I consider that more of a feature addition than a design element.
Personally, I don't have any problems with borrowing design or technology from other automakers. In fact, it makes sense to me to take the best from other cars. The idea that cars should be "distinctive" is mainly favored by professional automotive reviewers, and not the general public. The desire for a distinctive appearance nearly put Acura out of business.
I wouldn't consider the use of an Aisin transmission to fall within the parameters of the discussion either.
BMW used a GM -sourced transmission and GM has used an Aisin transmission as well.
Many automakers source components or parts from each other which has nothing to do w/
design; these days, a no. of Japanese automakers are sourcing parts from Hyundai Mobis.
These same professional automotive reviewers prefer cars that ride like a stage coach, mainly because they are usually bored and want something to wake them up, but such overly firm suspensions are usually not well received by the public (unless they are adjustable).
I don't know how many times I have to state this, but one of the most frequent criticisms these days in auto reviews is a
harsh ride.
For instance, the
Infiniti M56 Sport has been roundly criticized for its ride, w/ reviewers preferring the non-Sport model (which they still don't exactly applaud for its ride).
The 1st gen X3 was even more roundly criticized.
Auto reviews regularly bring up how cars handle the pot-hole stricken roads around Detroit or the undulating freeways of LA.
And if they did "prefer cars that ride like a stage coach" - then we wouldn't be having the criticisms that some have found about the ride of the R-Spec compared to the non-R-Spec Genesis - right?
I actually love the new front fascia design of Lexus vehicles. While the interior of the new GS feels very expensive, I've never been fond of BMW's interior designs. The "new" 5-Series and especially 7-Series are quite luxurious, however. Anyway, I think Lexus went a little too "BMW" with the GS's interior. I also do NOT like the rear end. Not a big fan there. Something just doesn't look right about it to me.
The "Predator" face is about as appealing as the Acura "beak" to me.
And while Toyota upgraded the interior of the GS so that it up to par (aside from maybe the cheap feeling switchgear on the center stack), the design is just too "blocky" (basically a wall) - making the top of the dash too high and prominent and w/o any design shape.
Now having said that, I have never been fond of the center stack design on the Genesis (or the silver plastic switchgear).
Anyway. I have a strong feeling Hyundai is going to start stealing a LOT of sales from Lexus,
Infiniti and Acura with it's second generation of luxury cars. They're picking up an impressive amount of momentum selling these vehicles with the Hyundai
badge.
I think Hyundai has already started to do that and will do even more so w/ the next gen model as it gets more luxurious, gets AWD and more buyers get used to the idea of luxury sedans from Hyundai.
Not launching a separate brand/dealer network has enabled Hyundai to offer the Genesis at a pricepoint (altho it will likely rise a good bit w/ the next gen model) that the RWD Japanese can't match.
This is a big reason why the Genesis has the highest V8 take rate and why Toyota abandoned the V8 for the GS.
With that being said. This car is kinda the middle child of the midsize luxury sedans. It's not the fastest,cheapest,best looking,sportiest or most compelling package. All 3 germans look better than this car and have more brand cache. Sure the Lexus may be more reliable, but people in this segment care less about that then in lower segments. Lexus use to be about value, but that's no longer part of the equation.
Comparably equipped, the GS (as well as the M) is still about $10k less than the RWD Germans, but for many buyers in this segment, that's not enough to bypass Mercedes or BMW.
And since the typical Lexus buyer doesn't care much about RWD, performance or handling, they just opted for the much cheaper ES (more interior room at a significant discount).
Very good points, but one important thing to remember: the guy who designed the Genesis is no longer with Hyundai. Subjectively speaking of course, the Genesis and the pre-2013 Genesis Coupes are in my opinion the best looking cars Hyundai has ever done. If the next gen Genesis looks anything like the Azera, they can keep it.
Hyundai used an outside design house to pen the Genesis, except the CEO of Hyundai wasn't happy with the front fascia, so even tho the tooling had already been done, they tossed the original front fascia and went w/ the look that we saw in 2008.
