What is with the seats?

[JPW]

Most people think I've lost my mind but I just sold my Mercedes E500. I bought it used at a great price so I didn't lose much money. It may be just me but I couldn't stand the transmission and the way it drove in the city. It had a considerable amount of that Mercedes "drag" and sometimes when accelerating the transmission just acted confused and hesitated to find the right gear. Anyway, the one thing the Mercedes did have that I LOVED was that I fit in it with room to spare.

I'm 6'4" tall and must have a greater range from my waist to the top of my head than most because I have trouble fitting in cars all the time. I can't even consider a Lexus ES350 because of the lack of headroom for me. The Genesis Sedan is an improvement for me over the Lexus ES350 but I still have to lean the seat back more than I would like.

After drivng the Mercedes for some time I find it a requirement for me to fit in any car easily as I did with the Mercedes. So what can I do if I want the Genesis? Has anyone else run in to this issue? If so, did you come up with a solution? I'm giving some thought to trying to see if someone who works in upholstery can break the seat down, take an inch or two off the seat, and then stitch it back up. Seems sort of drastic but I can't think of any other options. Can you?

 

[Mark_888]

Yes, I ran into the exact problem you did (I needed a car with more headroom). I also tried to get into the ES350 and it was ridiculous. The solution is to buy the base model Genesis without the sunroof. The things that I really miss from the premium package are the upgraded stereo, and the telescoping steering wheel.

But the base level stereo is actually pretty good, especially if you have an iPod with 256 bps recordings. The AM/FM is not so good, and XM is not much better.

The lack of telescoping steering wheel on the base model could be a problem (it does move up and down, but not in and out). So you need to check that out carefully before you buy. I wish that I could have a 1 inch spacer added to the steering wheel to make it closer to me, but I have learned to sit a little closer and just bend my knees more. If you have long arms it may not be an issue.

The other stuff from the premium package are not that big of a deal for me. The leather dash is nice, but there is actually one guy on this forum who is paying for the wood-trim (really plastic) to replace his leather. If you want built-in navigation, then of course the base model will not do and you need the Tech trim. I already had a pretty good Garmin and only need it occasionally, so it is not much of an issue for me.

Finding a nicely equipped car without a sunroof is a real problem these days, and I would not be surprised if the Genesis drops the base model some day, because there are so few they even ordered from the factory.

 

[JPW]

Mark, I really appreciate your reply. I know you are right because I've known about this with other cars in the past, that is, the sunroof takes away a considerable amount of headroom. Unfortunately, the technology package is one of the most attractive features of this car for me and I just don't want to go with the base model. I'm really looking forward to a V8 with all the bells and whistles. Now I just need to find a way to fit

 

[Nabber]

My father has taken a few of his vehicles to a shop where they have removed the seats and re-mounted them for more leg-room. I'm not sure if a similar procedure could lower the mounting brackets. Worth a few phone calls though.

 

[hokiemike]

I'm 6' 4" as well... I have a 3.8 tech package and I think it has plenty of room. I dont feel cramped at all. Seat is all the way down, but I dont think I am leaned back too far. Passengers in the back say they have plenty o room.

I also test drove the ES350 and thought the exact same thing. I thought if I sat all the way up straight my head would burst through the ceiling.

 

[pjkad]

For what it is worth, I am 6'6" and am totally comfortable with 3.8 model with prem/tech package.
Will be a buying a Coupe soon as well for my wife. I even can fit in that as well, although with much less headroom to spare.

 

[ConceptVBS]

For what it is worth, I am 6'6" and am totally comfortable with 3.8 model with prem/tech package.
Will be a buying a Coupe soon as well for my wife. I even can fit in that as well, although with much less headroom to spare.

Wow, 2 Genesis's in one family. Thats terrific! Post up a picture of both when you do get it!

 

[jpq1999]

This guy doesn't seem to have a problem-lol

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1p20WdeXKKs/SKHR8mHGZQI/AAAAAAAACVw/P6lF2sf9at4/s400/ShaqSmartCar.jpg

 

[Nabber]

I find this headroom issue intriguing. I'm 6'5" myself and have several inches above my head with the liner open. Only an inch or two with it closed. I must be leaning my seat back much farther, which suits my long arms. Maybe my legs are longer compered to my upper body?

My problem is the B-frame. It nearly touches my left shoulder as I have a 56" chest.

 

[Mark_888]

I find this headroom issue intriguing. I'm 6'5" myself and have several inches above my head with the liner open. Only an inch or two with it closed. I must be leaning my seat back much farther, which suits my long arms. Maybe my legs are longer compered to my upper body?

My problem is the B-frame. It nearly touches my left shoulder as I have a 56" chest.

Yes, there is a big difference in body styles, and you cannot go by height alone when judging headroom for a person sitting. People with long arms and legs (proportionally shorter torso) have less of a headroom problem.

Some people have proportionally shorter legs and arms, but long torso, including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. For basketball, you need the opposite (long legs and arms, short torso).

But even though Michael Phelps would benefit by more headroom on a car without a sunroof, he probably needs one to let the smoke out.

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[JPW]

But even though Michael Phelps would benefit by more headroom on a car without a sunroof, he probably needs one to let the smoke out.

LOL! Good one.