Hyundai Genesis Sedan: A New Luxury Player in the Game

What's New About the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan:

This vehicle is all-new for the American automotive market. While the vehicle shares the same name as the sporty looking Genesis coupe, which was introduced this spring, this is no sports car. In fact, it’s a well appointed luxury sedan.

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Must Have Goodies:

Hyundai has stepped boldly into the luxury car game with both feet or as we say in the automotive field, “all four tires,” no pun intended. The well-appointed Genesis we reviewed included Hyundai’s $3,000 Premium Plus Package, which consisted of an 18-inch tire and wheel package; a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; rain-sensing wipers; an auto defogging windshield; a power sunroof; and a hand-stitched leather wrapped instrument panel. Yes, it’s almost hard to believe this is a Hyundai.

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In addition to the Premium Package, the upscale Genesis was also outfitted with a $4,000 Technology Package, which consisted of a rear-view back up

camera; front and rear back up sensors; heated and cooled front bucket seats; Bluetooth connectivity; a satellite radio system; a voice activated navigational system and a premium concert-like 528-watt audio system with 17 speakers; and an adaptive front lightning system, where the headlights turns with the steering wheel, creating better lighting at night time.

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What Rocked:

The Koreans have finally developed a world-class luxury vehicle for the American market. For those who want a premium sedan and aren’t brand-conscious like most luxury vehicle owners, this could be the perfect vehicle for you. Like when Lexus was introduced to the American market over two decades ago, the Genesis is priced below the competition, offering the same reliability and great quality, as many of its Japanese competitors.

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Furthermore, the Genesis is also equipped with a world-class non-complicated driver information controller, which operates the air/heat system, the audio system and the navigational system. The luxury sedan we tested was equipped with a rear power sunshade too, helping to block the amount of sun entering into the rear passenger compartment.

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What We Hated:

While the first generation Genesis design could be considered a safe and conservative copy cat design, we recently learned Hyundai is planning to make some exciting exterior changes to the 2011 Genesis model. Currently, the vehicle’s exterior design is a cross between the BMW 5-Series and a Mercedes S-Class. I guess Hyundai is following the philosophy of Lexus when they first hit the market: if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them.

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Besides the exterior design, Hyundai engineers should consider enhancing the driver’s seat, with more lateral and lumbar support. Moreover, don’t expect the same quiet-tuned engine (in the 6-cylinder engine) and smooth ride typically found in a Lexus or a premium class Buick. Hyundai still has to make a few minor tweaks to make this a true luxury vehicle.

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Any Juice:

If the standard 6-cylinder engine isn’t enough, which creates 290 horses, you can spend an extra $5,000 for an optional 8-cylinder engine, which produces a whopping 375 horses. Ironically, the 6-cylinder engine only gains a mile or two more per gallon than the 8-cylinder engine, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Verdict:

For this to be Hyundai’s first luxury vehicle, they’re definitely on par with a number of the old timers like Lexus and Mercedes. Unlike when Hyundai hit the market in the late eighties, the Korean automaker is very serious about creating reliable, good quality vehicles. Over the past few years Hyundai has dominated a number of the industry quality rankings.

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Pricing for the Hyundai starts at $32,000 and can easily climb to $42,000. This is significantly less than all of it competitors. Now if you’re a little self-conscious about paying over $30,000 for a Hyundai, the automaker has purposely removed any badging from the grille. Thus, discriminating luxury car buyers won’t know that you’re driving a Hyundai. If you’re excited about the Genesis, look for Hyundai’s more upscale and sexier looking luxury vehicle next year, the Equus. Hyundai is definitely a new player in the luxury field you should seriously consider, if you want to buy a luxury vehicle on a budget.

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Other Competitors: BMW 5-Series, Cadillac DTS, Chrysler 300C, Infiniti G37, Lexus ES and Lincoln MKS

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