2015 Hyundai Genesis – First Look

2015 Hyundai Genesis – First Look:   When Hyundai introduced a rear-wheel drive premium sedan to the market in 2009, the skeptics were crawling out of the woodwork.  But it’s Hyundai who’s having the last laugh as the time has now come for the next Genesis. Hyundai’s customer loyalty engagement is second to none but it’s not just Azera and Sonata owners stepping up to Genesis that have the car’s sales far outpacing the mid luxury sedan segment; 55% of Genesis buyers are wooed from other brands, like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.  Take that naysayers. So here we are with the all-new 2015 Genesis – a car that’s poised to further solidify Hyundai’s reputation as a burgeoning luxury car maker.  Having debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, I’m amazed at how the brilliant, more assertive body looks even more imposing when seen in the wild.  At this 1-day press launch event in New York City, I’ve been given the opportunity to experience the new Genesis in both its V-6 and V-8 flavors, including the new all-wheel drive model aimed to boost sales in the snowbelt.  But it’s this range-topping 5.0 that’s the focus of my attention today. Progressing their Fluidic Sculpture body-in-motion styling that made the Sonata such a hit, the Genesis leaves its understated image in the past and unleashes an Aston-Martin-inspired front-end and Audi A7 profile to combine for an upscale sedan that has all the right details. Myself, I love the LED fog lights and 19” wheels. Approach the car and the side mirrors extend to spotlight the Genesis logo on the ground below.  Saddle up in these 12-way power front seats with adjustable driver’s side bolster and the semi-aniline leather wraps you in true long journey comfort.  Though interior dimensions have in large part remained the same, much is new in here including a tangible escalation in quality at every point.  And what the sense of touch communicates in richness the eyes perceive the same with beautifully crafted leather, wood and metal and industry-leading electronic displays for clarity, speed, ease of use and breadth of features.  A new heads-up color display keeps the drivers eyes on the road while the next generation of Blue Link, with features such as Destination search powered by Google and remote start with climate control, make inputting info and digesting it quick and easy for the driver.  There’s also Siri Eyes Free to communicate with voice commands and even a Google Glass app. While Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, brawny V-6 and V-8 powertrains and the newly available all-wheel drive are the big headlines, it’s the spectacular in-car tech that is taking the next Genesis into the future. There isn’t a car on the market at any price that offers such a thoroughly modern and exhaustive array of safety and connectivity features…far too much for me to take in in just a 1-day test-drive so I’ll leave that in-depth analysis for another time.  That being said, the driver aids are particularly noteworthy. Behind the wheel I’m instantly impressed with noise insulation, the car’s nimbleness in city traffic and thankfully, a new electronic steering setup that Hyundai has finally gotten right.  The $3,250 Ultimate Package included on my tester adds Continuous Damping control shocks and this Genesis just glides over even the most pothole-ridden streets.  The updated 420 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and 8-speed auto, now with paddle shifters, deliver smooth, big car punch.  The longer wheelbase and tighter body contribute to a noticeably sportier demeanor. I’m super impressed with the more refined ride quality, hushed cabin and immediacy of the V-8.  This Genesis has taken its game to the next level. Gas mileage of this rear-wheel drive only V-8 model is 15mpg city/23mpg highway.  Pricing for a Genesis 3.8 RWD model starts at just under $39,000 while this 5.0 with Ultimate Package stickers for $55,700 – a double digit price advantage over its less spacious competitors.  With its gotta’ have it styling, attention to the most minute detail and super smart luxurious amenities, Hyundai proudly proclaims the next chapter of Genesis.

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