Hyundai Genesis Part 1: Design Review

The dictionary defines "prestige" as respect and admiration based on the perception of achievements or quality. In automotive terms, prestige is something we associate with premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or more recently, Lexus. Not coincidentally, these brands are among the targets of the Hyundai Genesis, a premium sedan with lofty goals.

From a design standpoint, Hyundai chose to play it conservatively with its flagship sedan, creating a derivative design that borrows styling cues from other premium makes. The Genesis sedan is a good looking car that employs the "good-boy design" philosophy, an approach designed to not upset anyone with any potentially polarizing design elements. And really, who can blame Hyundai? Just as Lexus had zero design heritage when it launched back in '89, the South Korean automaker is just beginning to establish its own. In fact, if you happened to catch the ad showing Rhys Millen sliding around like a mad-man in the great-looking Hyundai Genesis coupe that is the follow-up to this sedan, it's apparent that the folks at Hyundai are zeroing in on a corporate design language rather quickly.

As a first foray into the premium sedan market, the Genesis doesn't make a unique design statement to be sure, but the basics are all well done. The proportions are correct for an expensive sedan, with a long hood and a generous greenhouse that flows from C-pillar to trunk in an elegant sweep. There's a hint of BMW in the Hofmeister kink at the trailing edge of the window graphics, giving the Genesis a look similar to a 5-series at a quick glance in side-view, but otherwise the look is nondescript, although still handsome.

The details are also well resolved, with sophisticated lighting up front that lends the Genesis sedan an authoritative glare. The grille, while somewhat generic and without any badging whatsoever, is nicely shaped with some interesting surfacing in its horizontal elements.

Around the back, the lighting graphics are again class-appropriate, with clean lines and LEDs that give the car an expensive lighting signature at night. Surprisingly, Hyundai designers and marketers were more brave at the back of the car in terms of branding, with the company's stylized "H" flying proudly on the trunk lid, perfectly placed to surprise people admiring the passing car and wondering what it is. The look is finished off with well-integrated oval exhaust tips and good-looking wheels with nicely detailed spokes.

Not exactly known for its brand cachet or prestige, Hyundai is nonetheless forging ahead into the world of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus with its Genesis sedan. And while the car may lack the provenance of most of its competitors, Hyundai is betting that buyers will not turn their noses up at this bold and attractive sedan simply because it doesn't have the usual badge on its trunk lid.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Performance
- Acceleration: V8 pulls strongly and convincingly - feels like a sports sedan under acceleration
- Handling: Unresolved compromise is neither luxurious enough, nor performance oriented enough - trying too hard to do it all
- Braking: Perfectly acceptable brakes given the cars mission

Design
- Exterior: Derivative design won't win any awards, but it won't offend and put off potential buyers either
- Interior: More adventurous than the exterior and equally handsome and appropriate

Utility
- Comfort: Incredibly comfortable for all passengers - every convenience you could want
- Space: Extremely spacious, even considering its big footprint

Safety
- Dynamics: Body control isn't its strongest dynamic attribute, so a series of evasive maneuvers may prove a bit too much for the chassis...
- Technology: ... although the intrusive stability control system would probably see you through - all the tech you'd expect in more expensive competitors

Value
- Price: Tremendous value - in fact, "value" should be the Genesis sedan's middle name! Nothing comes close to offering this much luxury sedan for so little money.
- Mileage: Tall final drive means decent and completely acceptable highway mileage - the V8 is so good, you'll compromise mileage to feel its pull

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Only if your heart races when you think of all the cash left in your bank account
- Fun to spank: Come on... it's a luxury sedan.

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.6 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 375 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 333 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4060 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.5 @ 100 mph
Top Speed: 153 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $37,250
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS & ES models