Overview The new Genesis sedan has become Hyundai’s best driving vehicle
Pros Velvet-smooth powertrain; feature-laden, finely crafted interior; standard AWD
Cons Rivals offer sportier models
Value for money Excellent
What would I change? An optional diesel engine would really scare the German competition
How I’d spec it The base Genesis 3.8, at $10k less, has all the bells and whistles I need
By now, you more than likely already know the story behind the Hyundai Genesis sedan. Originally launched in 2009, like the first Lexus LS two decades earlier, the Genesis sedan was a straight shot across the bow of more established luxury brands. A rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan — with an available V8, costing tens of thousands of dollars less than comparably equipped European offerings, as well as the former upstarts, Japan’s Lexus, Infiniti and Acura — from the same company that introduced itself to Canada with the seemingly disposable Pony,
2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Technology
John LeBlanc, Driving
Still, compared to segment sales leaders like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, the Genesis sedan has not been a huge hit. There’s the obvious issue of the mainstream Hyundai brand not resonating with brand-conscious customers. Then the not-so-obvious fact most buyers in this segment prefer their big, powerful luxury sedans with traction at all four wheels. Until Hyundai creates a separate Genesis sales channel, the Korean automaker can only do so much with how its brand is perceived in the marketplace. However, with the new-for-2015 second-generation Genesis sedan, AWD has become standard across both the returning six- and eight-cylinder engine models.
If not as well known as Audi’s Quattro, BMW’s xDrive or ‘Benz’s 4MATIC, the traction-at-all-four-wheels setup in the Genesis is marketed as HTRAC (i.e. “Hyundai Traction”). The two-mode — Normal and Sport — AWD system automatically sends engine power to the appropriate set of wheels to maximize traction. When Sport is selected, 90% of the power can go to the Genesis’ rear wheels, giving drivers a near-rear-wheel-drive-like experience if they are so inclined.
During my week with the six-cylinder Genesis 3.8 in top-line Technology trim, I didn’t get to experience anything but dry road conditions. So maybe a re-test this winter is in order. But in Normal mode, the HTRAC system certainly curtailed any rear tire squirming the previous Genesis sedan was prone to when accelerating hard on slippery roads.
2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Technology
John LeBlanc, Driving
Driver “feeling” in the original Genesis was always in question. Hyundai engineers seemed to be gunning for Lexus buyers by offering a sensory deprivation chamber that made ride comfort and a quiet cabin a priority. Not so with this new 2015 version.
Hyundai says it worked with suspension engineers from England’s Lotus to make the 2015 Genesis more engaging to drive. The end result is the best driving Hyundai ever. For starters, the Genesis 3.8’s steering has plenty of weight just off-centre, if still a little numb. And the variable-ratio rack is neither too slow nor too fast when employed in back-to-back turns.
And the Hyundai doesn’t sacrifice any of is newfound driving character at the expense of comfort. Over Ottawa’s famously poor pavement, the Hyundai luxury sedan’s suspension tuning absorbs impacts as well as the first-gen models, but with much better overall body control. Its cabin is resolutely quiet and rattle free. The new interior is also a much classier affair than the first 2009 to 2013 models, with low-sheen plastics, real wood, leather and aluminum trim and easier-to-use ergonomics.
Matching the high level of refinement found in the 2015 Genesis 3.8’s interior is its velvet-like powertrain. With 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque, the 3.8-litre six-cylinder gas engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 100 kilometres takes only 6.4 seconds. But it’s the way the engine and transmission go about their business that will impress: gears change quickly and smoothly, and the V6 never makes any egregious noises or nasty vibrations.
The only downside to the Genesis 3.8’s performance is its appetite at the pumps. It’s rated at 14.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway. I saw an indicated 12.4 L/100 km during my time. For those concerned with such things, the German brands all offer diesel engines in their midsize luxury sedans.
So the new 2015 Genesis 3.8 Technology drives nicer than ever. And its cabin is right up their now in regards to quality and execution with the class leaders it’s chasing. And the Hyundai sedan comes with all the safety, convenience and luxury features expected in this class. So right now you’re probably thinking Hyundai got all cocky and jacked-up the Genesis’ bargain pricing. Um, no. In fact, the Hyundai luxury sedan is arguably more of a screaming deal than ever be before.
Extremely well equipped 2015 Genesis 3.8 models start at $44,995 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery fees). My all-in Technology model (highlights include 12-way ventilated and heated front seats, 14-speaker Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround Sound audio system, heated rear seats — I could go on) came to $54,995. For $1,700 more, I can get a 2014 BMW 528i. But that’s only the RWD model with a less impressive 241 hp turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. To match the performance and kit of my Hyundai tester, I’d have to move up to a $68,745 535i xDrive with its 300-hp turbo-six, plus $8,700 in options.
Is the BMW a better luxury sedan than the Hyundai? Keen drivers will say “yes”. Is it over $22,000 better? I’d say no.
2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Technology
John LeBlanc, Driving
The Specs
Type of vehicle All-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan
Engine 3.8L DOHC 24-valve six-cylinder gas engine
Power 311 hp @6,000 rpm; 293 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P235/40R19
Price (base/as tested) $53,000/$53,000
Destination charge $1,995
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 14.4 city; 9.4 highway; 12.4 as-tested
Highlighted Standard Features 8-inch Navigation System with 4.5 GB of Storage; 12-way Power-adjustable Ventilated Front Seats with Lumbar Adjustment / Power Driver Seat Thigh Support and Side Bolster; 14 Speaker Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround Sound Audio System; Heated Leather Steering Wheel; Heated Rear Seats; Rear Side Window Sunshades; Head Up Display (HUD); Adaptive (auto-cornering) and Auto-leveling HID Headlights; Rear-view Camera; Panoramic Sunroof; and more.
Options None
2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Technology
John LeBlanc, Driving
