3.8L RWD 3.8L V6 8-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC $38,000
3.8L AWD 3.8L V6 8-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC $40,500
5.0L RWD 5.0L V8 8-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC $51,500
Since its debut in 2009, Hyundai's Genesis has been one of the most sensible choices available for a luxury sedan. While lacking the completely polished and prestigious form of some European sedans, the Genesis has typically more than made up for it with a very desirable blend of features and power for the money. For its fully redesigned 2015 Genesis, Hyundai hopes to cement the model's place among the traditional choices without relying solely on the value proposition.
The 2015 Genesis is built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform. Overall length is pretty much the same, but the wheelbase is about 3 inches longer, which translates mostly into even more legroom for rear passengers. The 2015 Genesis also gets a comprehensive interior update with revised center stack and center console layouts, a larger navigation display and more dash curves. The dial-and-button media controller in the center console is retained. It's not the most original execution, but along with increased seat comfort and a reshaped steering wheel, it brings the Genesis on par with the luxury intangibles offered by its German and Japanese rivals.
The existing 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and 420-hp 5.0-liter V8 engines carry over and continue to send power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. New all-wheel-drive availability (V6 only) should make the sedan more appealing to shoppers in the snow belt. And while the Genesis is not a particularly sporty sedan, an optional driver-adjustable Sport mode alters transmission, steering and suspension settings for more responsive and aggressive driving when the mood strikes.
Hyundai has seen to it that the new Genesis is still an impressive bargain. The base 2015 Genesis 3.8 costs thousands less than the entry-level Cadillac CTS, for instance. You'll pay even more to get an Audi A6 or Lexus GS 350. The pricing gap grows even wider when you start comparing the V8-powered Genesis to an equally equipped BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Of course, these are all fantastic cars and you won't go wrong with any of them. Yet the 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a serious luxury sedan in its own right, serious enough that its lack of a decades-long pedigree shouldn't keep you from seeing it as an equal to the premium-car establishment.
EXTERIOR
The single-frame 3D-hexagonal grille ensures the front end of the all-new Genesis is not only striking, depicted in semi-gloss chrome, but also encompasses available HID headlamps, LED indicators and fog lamps. In profile, the Genesis daylight opening is more expressive, with fluid lines and blended surfaces, a sleek C-pillar helping to emphasize the sporty styling. The rear of the all-new Hyundai Genesis benefits from a sculptural aesthetic with jeweled, full-LED taillamps.
INTERIOR
The cabin layout of all-new Genesis has been designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, comfortable ambience. The simplification of the switchgear and instrument panel ensures an intuitive layout and open feel. This user-centric design has sought to connect the various interior parts effectively, particularly the center stack with the console, upper-instrument panel and B-pillar with the headliner. Genesis displays ultra-precise fit and finish, with ergonomic seat design and a generous, natural feel. Particular design attention has been paid to the storage of practical items such as mobile electronics of all shapes and sizes, along with the flexibility of the cup holders.
Total interior volume is an impressive 123.0 cubic feet, an advantage over key competitors. As part of this spacious interior design, the Genesis provides best-in-class front headroom and rear shoulder room.
Hyundai interior design principles - safety, intuitiveness and simplicity - guided the Hyundai Genesis design team in redesigning all primary controls to deliver maximum ease of use. The steering wheel design and grip has been improved and onboard switchgear was redesigned; a number of switches previously found on the center console of the original Genesis were relocated and reshaped on the Genesis. Further ergonomic improvements to ensure ease of reach and control have been meticulously evaluated and executed using a specially-designed laboratory tool created to measure occupant operational force for ergonomics.
A new design pattern has been introduced to decrease relative interior reflections and brighten dashboard surfaces, while high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte-finish wood are available. Cohesion between the center fascia and audio controls has been ensured through a streamlined design, making the two separate sections appear as one. To ensure a luxurious feel, Genesis was intensely scrutinized for its use of materials, with extensive analysis of the relationship of different materials, their texture and color coordination.
Driver and passenger posture are optimized using enhanced seat pad density, improved seat support technologies, such as adjustable driver's seat power bolsters and seat cushion extension. Genesis seats offer 12-way power front seats, including 4-way power lumbar, heated front seats with available ventilation, as well as available heated rear seats. Seat materials and stitching quality have been enhanced with the introduction of double, rather than single stitching. The redesigned driver's seat incorporates new functionality, with an available new air-pressure pump and controller valve, providing seatback bolster adjustment through individual air-cells located in the seat. With a total operating time under 8-seconds, the Hyundai Genesis benefits from both a faster activation process and greater range of adjustment than many competitive rivals.
New interior-focused features for Genesis include available manual rear side sunshades for enhanced occupant comfort. Genesis passengers are also sure to appreciate the enhanced perspective of their surroundings via the new available panoramic sunroof.
SPECIFICATION
►Make:Hyundai
►Model:Genesis
►Price:$ 38000
►Engine:V6 (Est.)
►Transmission:Eight-Speed Automatic
►Horsepower @ RPM:311 @ 6000 (Est.)
►Torque @ RPM:293 @ 5000
►Displacement:3.8 L (Est.)
►0-60 time:6.8 sec. (Est.)
►Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)
INTERIOR TECHNOLOGY
An optional premium DIS navigation system for Hyundai Genesis offers a 9.2-inch High Definition display, with 720p high definition (a segment first), a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) for multimedia, and premium Lexicon audio system. This premium system also includes Gracenote® album art, junction view with lane guidance, advanced voice recognition, and music/image/video storage via USB download (approximately 30GB of usable storage).
The new standard audio-navigation system, displayed by an 8.0-inch touchscreen, is packed with integrated technology, from Bluetooth to navigation, satellite and HD radio, hands-free and app-supporting software.
Hyundai Genesis cluster displays utilize high-resolution, electroluminescent TFT LCD technology, with a standard 4.3-inch TFT LCD cluster display, and an available 7.0-inch TFT LCD cluster display.
A simple pop-up message appears to help pair a phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screen displays speed limits, details the next three maneuvers, shows real highway signage and has junction views with lane guidance. Lane guidance outlines the lane or lanes the driver needs to stay in when a highway splits. Junction view uses street and actual road sign images to match what the driver will see when arriving at the next maneuver.
FEATURES
Standard features for the Genesis 3.8 include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, heated eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a touchscreen interface, a navigation system, real-time traffic, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Hyundai's Blue Link emergency telematics system, and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB/iPod interface, HD radio and satellite radio.
The Genesis 3.8 can be equipped with three option packages: Signature, Tech and Ultimate.
The Signature package adds a panoramic sunroof, auto-leveling HID headlights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, high-intensity headlights, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert systems, ventilated front seats, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, manual side window shades and a premium Lexicon 14-speaker surround-sound audio system.
The Tech package requires the Signature package, and adds automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system with lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, an automatic emergency braking system, an electronic parking brake, automatic vehicle hold function (allows a driver to remove their foot from the brake while stopped), upgraded leather upholstery, additional driver seat adjustments (cushion extension and side bolsters) and an upgraded 7-inch display for the gauge cluster.
The Ultimate package requires both the Signature and Tech packages. It adds a power trunk lid, dual-zone automatic climate control, a color head-up windshield display, an upgraded navigation system with a center console multifunction controller and a bigger display, matte-finish wood and aluminum trim, a carbon dioxide sensor for the climate-control system and a Lexicon 17-speaker surround-sound audio system.
All-wheel drive can be added to any Genesis 3.8 and with it comes headlight washers, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
The Genesis 5.0 has all the content of the Signature and Technology packages and adds a 5.0-liter V8, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED foglamps, illuminated door-sill plates and the matte wood and aluminum trim. The Ultimate package for the Genesis 5.0 takes all the content of the 3.8 model's Ultimate version and adds driver-selectable suspension adjustment.
COMFORT & QUALITY
With its handsome new look, the Genesis gets its interior and storage space rejiggered. It's technically very slightly smaller than before, but at first look, it's a trade-off that nets out with a nicer cockpit.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is first and foremost a comfort-oriented luxury sedan, and this is just as apparent if you're in back as if you're in front. The front seats can be powered in as many as 12 directions, with four-way lumbar adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats can be heated as well.
The Genesis is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, and while there might technically be less rear legroom here, but the Genesis feels roomier when it comes down to what matters for adults—getting in and out easily, and not constantly rubbing against the headliner or up with the moonroof housing. Getting in and out is far easier here than in the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Azera—with no need to duck when getting in and out—and the more upright package and more formal roofline adds up to a cabin that feels airier inside.
The outgoing version of the Genesis was pretty good at keeping things quiet, and we think that the new version does even better—with superb isolation away from engine, road, and wind noise. Hyundai has even fitted a low-noise fuel pump, added additional insulation around the rear differential, thickened doors, reshaped the sunroof articulation, and increased insulation and improved sealing at the cowl. You'll have absolutely no problem carrying on a quiet conversation amongst passengers, no matter where they're sitting.
Hyundai has redone the Genesis' controls for a less cluttered look and feel—with fewer small buttons—and overall we can't say we're missing anything here. With the navigation and infotainment screen up high at the middle, and a square, ornate timepiece acting as a central point for the controls otherwise, you have some 'hot buttons' for climate and audio controls just beside and below, and a rotary/button controller that acts as an alternate controller to navigate through touch-screen menus. It's not nearly as satisfying as the controllers for Audi's MMI or BMW's iDrive, however, and you won't find features here like the ability to trace input characters.
The Genesis does start to show a few flaws when you dig a little deeper. For instance, the center-console cover, rather than using the sort of perfectly counterweighted or smoothly damped mechanisms that you’d see in some prestige-luxury cars, uses a simple hinge and little rubber bump stops.
If there's one issue, it's trunk space, which is rated at just 15.3 cubic feet—in the same vicinity as that of many compact sedans—and there is no seat folding. Instead, you get a meager trunk pass-through at the back of the middle position in back.
PERFORMANCE
As for whether the 2015 Genesis has what you need in a large luxury sedan, it's a matter of wants and needs. If most of your driving is on straight boulevards and freeways, the Genesis has all the performance you'll need—with an ideal mix of comfort mixed in, without ever feeling wallowy. Only if you regularly need to head over a mountain pass or along a canyon road will you understand (and care) that this definitely isn't a sport sedan.
The base engine remains a 3.8-liter V-6, now rated at 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. It's direct-injected for better fuel economy, sings up its rev range responsively with the eight-speed automatic, and runs on regular unleaded. Power is rated lower than in the 2014 model, while torque is up slightly (333 hp, 291 lb-ft). Even the base model includes shift paddles and a manual-shift mode with a measure of direct gear control.
Somewhat stronger acceleration and more luxury credibility—although not necessarily more driving satisfaction, as we explain farther down this section—comes in the form of the 5.0-liter V-8 in pricier versions. Also direct-injected, and with impressively smooth power generation in its past life, the eight-cylinder puts out 420 hp (down a relatively insignificant 9 hp from 2014) and 383 lb-ft of torque (down a more significant 38 lb-ft). It's teamed to the same eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, too--a touch we always appreciate.
Both engines integrate with a four-mode system (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow) that tailors shift quality, throttle response, and stability control to the driver's taste. Whether in Normal or Sport, we found none of the hesitant downshift behavior that we've noted in some other Hyundai models; the Genesis responds quickly and decisively to a quick prod of the accelerator, and smartly downshifts a gear or two when you ease into it.
The bigger news is in traction. After rolling through the first five years as a rear-drive sedan, the Genesis adds all-wheel drive for 2015. The new system can vary the split of torque from the rear to the front wheels as traction needs arise, and Hyundai says it adds only about 165 lb to the car's weight.
Fitting all-wheel drive required a redesign of the Genesis' body structure, which in turn brought more high-strength steel into the body, for much higher levels of rigidity. That in turn helps the Genesis handle better than ever, Hyundai promises. It still sports a five-link independent suspension front and rear, but with more wheel travel and stiffer construction—and some tuning help from Lotus Engineering.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis has a nicely tuned rear-wheel-drive architecture, but it's clearly no sport sedan, and that's underscored when the road turns tighter and twistier. The Genesis V-6 feels considerably lighter and more responsive than the V-8 models, however—because it's lighter by more than 400 pounds.
On the top Genesis 5.0 Ultimate—a model that we spent some time in on an early drive—there's an available Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension that can be toggled from Normal to Sport mode. But we thought that model neither rode nor handled quite as well as the less-nose-heavy V-6—although it did manage to filter out some roughest bits of pavement.
The Genesis' steering is far better than expected; the new electric variable-ratio power steering has rack-mounted motor assist and feels like it could translate with no changes to a true sport sedan. It's neither overly heavy on center nor artificially light, and it loads up nicely with heft off center; it's also a perfect model for the kind of steering calibration Hyundai needs in its other vehicles.
The only significant disappointment was that significant nosedive, together with a rather mushy brake-pedal feel, conspired to give us an imprecise, hybrid-like feel to quick stops from city or boulevard speeds.
CHASSIS
A Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, available on the Genesis 5.0, helps increase control of body motions and body roll, allowing sportier roadholding to be complemented with a more comfortable ride character. Independent roll control characteristics are achieved using separate tuning controls: Normal mode helps provide superior ride comfort, while Sport mode helps increase damping forces for enhanced dynamic precision and control. Handling and roadholding also benefit from a well-balanced 52/48 ratio of front-to-rear weight distribution.
In addition, special focus was given to the development of Rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering (R-MDPS), with a Variable Gear Ratio (VGR), helping to provide high-speed stability and more direct feel at low and medium speeds. These driving qualities are attained while retaining the incremental fuel economy benefits of an electric system over the higher parasitic losses of hydraulic systems.
DRIVETRAIN
Both engines feel pretty strong when it comes to acceleration. Although the V8 model clearly has more low-end punch, it doesn't feel appreciably faster than the V6 in normal day-to-day driving. In fact, the only reason we can see to get the 5.0 over the 3.8 is if you really feel the need to tell people that you sprung for the V8.
ENGINE
The Tau's high 11.8:1 compression ratio increases thermal efficiency and output. The Tau also has a rigid bed plate for improved block rigidity and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), as well as camshaft carriers and a roller timing chain to improve valvetrain stability.
Even more, this V8 offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction coatings on piston skirts. This Tau engine will also run on regular fuel with only a small reduction in peak power, and no negative driving effects, whenever desired.
The Tau 5.0-liter V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This Hyundai-developed transmission offers enhanced shift logic and speed, better acceleration, sport-mode mapping, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency. All eight-speed transmissions include SHIFTRONIC® manual shift capability with conveniently-located steering wheel paddle shifters to enhance shifting ease during spirited driving.
The V6 and V8 engines both use direct injection, and are highly revised versions of the engines that were offered in the 2014 Genesis. For 2015, the focus was on drivability, and in the case of both engines, that meant improving low-end torque and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. Off-the-line response has improved with both engines, and fuel economy has gone up by two mpg on the highway with the V6. Both engines are backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, designed and built by Hyundai, with different gear ratios for the V6 and V8.
►3.8-liter V6
311 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
293 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 16/25 mpg (all-wheel drive)
►5.0-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg
SAFETY
Although government crash testing for the new Genesis is not yet complete, the entire structure was engineered to meet the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick + standard.
Daytime running lights come standard on Genesis. Further, Hyundai Genesis offers a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). Whenever the system is activated, the haptic steering wheel will provide a vibration warning and dial-integrated warning light to alert drivers of their lane departure, allowing them to reposition the car smoothly into the correct position.
Even Genesis' tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has been enhanced with individual tire pressure readouts available to the driver.
Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Genesis 3.8 models have large 13.6-inch front rotors, while the 5.0 has even larger 14.2-inch front rotors. Both braking systems use four-piston fixed monobloc calipers for precise braking responsiveness.
FUEL ECONOMY
The 2015 Genesis 3.8 models return 18 mpg city, 29 highway with rear-wheel drive, or 16/25 mpg with all-wheel drive (this is, unfortunately, a system that will lower your mileage all the time). 5.0 (V-8) models stand at 15 mpg city, 23 highway.
In an early drive on mostly wide-open expressways and rural two-lane highways, we saw an average of about 25 mpg with a rear-wheel-drive V-6 model and nearly 23 mpg with a V-8. Modern engine technology includes variable valve timing and direct injection, which together with the eight-speed automatic's wide span of ratios helps deliver these engines' higher output without putting a larger dent in real-world returns.
The V-6 runs on regular-grade gas, while premium is recommended for the V-8.
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