Hyundai Genesis Part 2: Interior & User Experience

"You get what you pay for," or so claims common wisdom. But do you really? The Hyundai Genesis sedan begs the question while redefining value in the world of premium cars.

The Hyundai Genesis finds itself entering a market overstocked with expensive luxury cars as the world economy continues its downward trend and people scrutinize every last dollar they spend. Providing more luxury per dollar than anything else on four wheels, the Genesis arrives at arguably a most opportune moment.

Undercutting its competitor's prices by wide margins while providing equal performance to some and equal luxury to others, the Genesis seems a jack-of-all-trades among full-size luxury sedans. But therein lies the issue with the Hyundai's positioning...

Instead of taking aim at one particular car, the Genesis targets all of them: Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, whatever... To all of those companies the Genesis says, "BRING IT!" Unfortunately, the end result is somewhat predictable: the Genesis is better than this car at this, and better than that car at that, but it doesn't stake a dominant claim to any one thing other than value.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, especially when you consider the steal-of-a-deal that the Genesis represents. With every possible amenity providing luxury and comfort to rival the biggest Lexus sedan and a healthy V8 mated to a slick-shifting six-speed automatic that lacks little compared to the various German offerings - all for around $40,000 - the Genesis can be forgiven a slight lack of focus.

Perhaps more important is that this newest luxury sedan rivals its competitors in other areas where you might not expect a Hyundai to do as well. For example, fit and finish are first rate, with a positive and solid feel to every switch and lever you touch. Material quality is also on par with cars costing significantly more money, giving the cabin of the Genesis sedan a premium feel that makes the price all the more impressive, while providing other premium automakers food for thought.

If the people at Lexus - and to a lesser extent, at the German luxury brands - aren't worried, well, they should be. After all, it was less than 20 years ago that Toyota and their upstart luxury division, Lexus, pulled a similar move to what Hyundai is currently attempting, offering comparable performance and luxury at two-thirds the price. And I think things worked out just fine for Toyota and Lexus...

Given the state of the world economy and the newfound focus on value among buyers, it should probably also work out well for Hyundai. The biggest hurdle for the South Korean manufacturer may prove to be whether value conscious consumers will look beyond the Hyundai name and its associated economy car roots to see the stellar bargain that this car represents. Buyers who are able to make the leap into the Hyundai Genesis sedan will no doubt learn that there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting more than you bargained for.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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