Hyundai Genesis: Quick Test

Hyundai, not exactly best known for its brand cachet or prestige, is blazing a fresh path into the premium sedan market. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus - all are targets of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6, a premium sedan with very lofty goals from a heretofore humble automaker.

The Genesis enters a global market overstocked with expensive luxury cars as the world economy continues its downward spiral.

Providing more luxury per dollar than anything else on four wheels, the Genesis 4.6 arrives at a particularly opportune moment. To be sure, it makes no unique design statement, but the basics are covered very well.

The styling and proportions are quite correct for a premium sedan, with a long hood and a generous greenhouse that flows from C-pillar to trunk in an elegant sweep. Yes, there's a hint of BMW in the Hofmeister kink at the trailing edge of the window graphics; otherwise the look is "nondescript" - not that there's anything wrong with that, especially when you consider the "steal-of-a-deal" the Genesis represents.

With every conceivable amenity providing luxury and comfort to rival the biggest Lexus sedan, and with 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 handsome Genesis can be forgiven "nondescript."

Intriguingly, this new luxury sedan matches its rivals in areas where Americans with long memories 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. Indeed, the cabin of the Genesis sedan boasts a premium feel that makes the price seem almost unbelievable.

Clearly, other premium automakers have food for thought here.

Hyundai marketing tells us the Genesis 4.6 is a sports sedan, and when you stand on it in a straight line, it sure feels like one: That excellent 375 hp V8 puts down a wonderful muted-growl soundtrack and hustles the big sedan along with absolute authority.

But into the first series of bends, you'll find otherwise: The Hyundai's handling is an unresolved compromise, neither luxurious enough nor performance-oriented enough - trying too hard to do it all.

Its Lexus-like floating ride quality is comfortable in straight-line cruise mode, but it will have you reaching for the Dramamine if you try to play BMW on your favorite back road.

But in all fairness, you just can't forget that this car is significantly less expensive than the cars against which it will so naturally be compared. Nothing from Germany or Japan comes close to offering this much luxury sedan for so little money.

As Hyundai's latest TV commercial perhaps says best, the Genesis sedan has kicked down the barriers to luxury.

It's a fresh path in to the premium sedan market....

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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