We get the chance to test drive various versions of the all new 2015 Hyundai Genesis
The deal
Here at LotPro we were invited to attend a ride and drive event for Hyundai's updated midsize premium sedan that was held recently at the Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
We had a chance to drive both engine and drivetrain versions – an AWD 3.8 as well as an uplevel RWD 5.0 model.
2015 Hyundai Genesis
Back in 2009, Hyundai challenged the establishment by having the gall to introduce a midsize luxury sedan into the marketplace.
And while it was hardly an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz fighter, the Genesis sedan was packed with features and represented a true bargain for those willing to look past its lack of luxury cred.
Hyundai sold 13,604 Genesis sedans in 2009, its first calendar year. By the end of 2013, Genesis sales had totaled 19,804, a 46 percent sales increase in a market that only recorded an overall increase of 24 percent during the same time frame.
But time waits for no man and, as Hyundai saw it, it was time to update their best selling rear-wheel driver.
The 2015 Genesis is completely new inside, outside and underneath. The new model is 0.2 inches longer with a 3-inch longer wheelbase. It has also gained some mass as the base 2WD model tips the scales at nearly 130 pounds heavier than the outgoing model.
Chassis
Did we say 2WD model? Yes we did. In a nod to drivers in the northern latitudes, the Genesis now can be had with an optional AWD system developed with supplier Magna. The setup can deliver 90 percent of system torque to the front wheels under extremely slick conditions or, conversely, as much as 100 percent to the rear wheels at high speeds.
Under the hood the changes are more subtle as the engine choices remain either a 3.8-liter Lambda V6 or 5.0-liter Tau V8 - both mated to Hyundai's own 8-speed automatic transmission. The pair have been recalibrated to allow for more torque at lower rpm's as well as improved fuel economy. The V6 now produces 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 293 lb.- ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm while the V8 now develops 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm.
There's also a new rear multi-link suspension and, like the 5-link front suspension, features increased lateral stiffness and travel for improved vehicle dynamics and ride comfort.
Attention was also given to a new steering rack-mounted electric power steering system that offers better fuel economy as well as a variable gear ratio for improved high speed stability as well as better low and medium speed steering feel.
Exterior
Styling may be subjective, but outside the new Genesis certainly looks the part of a mid-size luxury sedan. The grille is more upright, the cab is set further back while the sloping roofline, combined with a higher beltline and short decklid give it much more presence than the outgoing model. Score one for Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
Interior
Inside, the old model's busy and somewhat outdated dashboard has been handsomely re-designed around a new LCD screen (standard 8" or optional 9'2") that's surrounded, on top-trim models, by aluminum and real matte-finished wood trim. The rest of the interior is slathered in leather and other soft-touch materials with nary a hard plastic surface to be found.
With 123 cubic feet of interior volume, there's plenty of head, shoulder, hip and leg room for both front seat occupants as well as for three adults in back. The front seats, especially, are supportive with just the right amount of bolstering – with an available driver's seat that offers adjustable seatback bolsters via an air-pressure pump and individual air cells.
On the road
The best news, however, is that the new Genesis features ride and handling that is head and shoulders above the outgoing model.
With either engine, there is plenty of power on tap. While the V8 may have more horses resulting in better acceleration figures, the V6 is no slouch, either and, in fact, feels a bit more balanced on the highway due to its lighter weight and the corresponding improvement in front-to-rear weight distribution.
In redesigning the rear suspension, Hyundai was forced to cut back on trunk volume. The tradeoff, however, was well worth it. The new model soaks up the harshest road surfaces with aplomb, making its way over ruts and potholes that would've caused the outgoing model's suspension to hit its' bump stops. The only issue we observed, which we were able to repeat, was in a RWD V6 during off-camber right and left turns over rippled pavement when it appeared that the suspension did hit its bump stops. The standard suspension is such an improvement that it nearly negates the need for the optional electronically controlled air suspension.
In the midst of all this, the interior remains serene. Engineers used everything from sound-absorbing materials to a low-noise fuel pump, while special attention was paid to mid-to high-frequency noise reduction. The results are amazing as the new Genesis is one of the quietest vehicles we have ever driven.
All in all, Hyundai (with more than a little help from Lotus), has done a yeoman's job in moving the Genesis's ride and handling more than a few rungs up the ladder. And while neither BMW nor Audi need to sweat this one, the same doesn't hold true for stalwarts in the segment such as Lexus, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz.
2015 Hyundai Genesis prices
Like all Hyundai offerings, the Genesis delivers in the bang for the buck equation.
Genesis 3.8L RWD
Genesis 3.8L RWD has a MSRP of $38,950, including freight, with the following standard features:
• 18-inch Alloy wheels
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control System and ABS
• Nine airbags
• Automatic headlights w/ LED headlight accents
• 4.3-inch TFT LCD cluster display
• Power folding outside mirrors
• Hands-free Smart Trunk opener
• Heated dual power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
• 12-way power heated leather front seats (with power lumbar)
• Leather seating surfaces
• Power windows with front & rear auto-down/up
• Electroluminescent gauge cluster
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Intelligent drive mode select
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescope
• Steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass & HomeLink
• Touchscreen Navigation System w/8-inch Display
• Rearview camera
• AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3/HD Radio audio system with 7 speakers
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming
• Rain-sensing wipers w/ auto defogger windshield
• Hyundai Blue Link with Google
• SiriusXM Travel Link
Genesis 3.8L AWD
Genesis 3.8L AWD has a MSRP of $41,4500, including freight, and includes all of the 3.8 RWD equipment plus the following features:
• HTRAC AWD system
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Headlamp washer
Option Packages Available 3.8L RWD and AWD:
3.8L Signature Package – $4,000 Option Package MSRP
• Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof
• Integrated memory system (IMS)
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Auto-dimming outside mirrors
• Blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lexicon 14-speaker Surround Audio
• HID headlights
• Parking guidelines
• Power rear sunshade and manual rear side shades
• Ventilated front seats
3.8L Technology Package – $3,500 Option Package MSRP
(Requires Signature Package)
• Ultra-premium leather seats
• Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster
• Lane departure warning system
• Lane keep assist
• Smart cruise control (full stop / start capability)
• Haptic steering wheel
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Electronic parking brake
• High beam assist
• Front & rear parking assistance system
• 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display
3.8L Ultimate Package – $3,500 Option Package MSRP
(Requires Technology Package)
• Genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim
• Full color head-up display
• Premium DIS Navigation w/9.2-inch HD Display
• Lexicon® 17-speaker Surround Audio
• Power trunk lid
• Dual-mode climate control with CO2 sensor
Genesis 5.0L RWD
Genesis 5.0L RWD has a MSRP of $52,450, including freight, and includes all of the Genesis 3.8L Technology Package equipment plus the following features:
• 19-inch Alloy wheels
• LED fog lamps
• Quad exhaust tips
• Illuminated door sill plates
• Genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim
5.0L Ultimate Package – $3,250 Option Package MSRP
• Continuous damping control suspension
• Full color head-up display
• Premium DIS Navigation w/9.2-inch HD Display
• Lexicon 17-speaker Surround Audio
• Power trunk lid
• Dual-mode climate control with CO2 sensor
• Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof
• Integrated memory system (IMS)
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Auto-dimming outside mirrors
• Blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lexicon 14-speaker Surround Audio
• HID headlights
• Parking guidelines
• Power rear sunshade and manual rear side shades
• Ventilated front seats
3.8L Technology Package – $3,500 Option Package MSRP
(Requires Signature Package)
• Ultra-premium leather seats
• Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster
• Lane departure warning system
• Lane keep assist
• Smart cruise control (full stop / start capability)
• Haptic steering wheel
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Electronic parking brake
• High beam assist
• Front & rear parking assistance system
• 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display
3.8L Ultimate Package – $3,500 Option Package MSRP
(Requires Technology Package)
• Genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim
• Full color head-up display
• Premium DIS Navigation w/9.2-inch HD Display
• Lexicon® 17-speaker Surround Audio
• Power trunk lid
• Dual-mode climate control with CO2 sensor
Genesis 5.0L RWD
Genesis 5.0L RWD has a MSRP of $52,450, including freight, and includes all of the Genesis 3.8L Technology Package equipment plus the following features:
• 19-inch Alloy wheels
• LED fog lamps
• Quad exhaust tips
• Illuminated door sill plates
• Genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim
5.0L Ultimate Package – $3,250 Option Package MSRP
• Continuous damping control suspension
• Full color head-up display
• Premium DIS Navigation w/9.2-inch HD Display
• Lexicon 17-speaker Surround Audio
• Power trunk lid
• Dual-mode climate control with CO2 sensor
