Straight-up luxury
The
theme of excellent and distinctive lighting is carried over into a ridiculous
or – depending on perspective – ridiculously awesome feature. If the driver
approaches the Genesis with the key fob in his or her pocket at night, the car
activates puddle lamps embedded in the wing mirrors. These lamps illuminate the
doors and boldly display the word “GENISIS” alongside the winged logo. It may
be a bit much, but it does make the car a bit more distinctive, and a bit more
fun.
When
I first drove the Genesis
at its launch in Arizona, I kind of missed the point. I had gone in hoping and
expecting to find a BMW 5 Series-beating sports sedan. For better or worse,
that simply isn’t what the Genesis’ purpose.
The
big Hyundai is much more like a
pre-AMG era Mercedes than a BMW 5 Series-fighter.
Instead,
the big Hyundai is much
more like a pre-AMG era Mercedes. The focus is on comfortable and exclusive
transportation, not spine-bending speed. The second time around, I was able to
take my time and see what the Genesis has to offer.
On
the surface, the Genesis’ interior checks all the luxury car boxes, but lacks
flair. As a place to live with, though, it is top notch. Even on the base
model, passengers are cocooned in massive leather seats that have more in
common with high-end recliners than they do ordinary car seats.
Every
Genesis also comes wrapped in premium materials normally horded in heavily
guarded German design studios. Drivers and passengers alike are surrounded by
gorgeous matte wood, silky aluminum, and a dash with more soft-touch materials
than the next two Genesis competitors combined. There is even the inevitable
analog clock.
For
the digitally minded, there is Hyundai’s
new BlueLink infotainment suite. To read more about it, check out our full
review.
Honestly,
I am not sure why anyone would spring for more expensive models of the Genesis,
as the base vehicle came with everything a driver could possibly want, except a
sun roof and radar guided cruise control.
What
impressed me most was how well all this held up. My press demonstrator had seen
11,000 hard miles at the hands of journalists, and the interior was still
nearly pristine.
Wait, is that a Hyundai?
The
interior may be the sort of conservatively styled environment that will make
dentists and insurance salesmen feel at home. The exterior, however, features
some striking bling.
Every
Genesis comes wrapped in premium materials normally horded in heavily guarded
German design studios.
The
front end features a grille large enough for an 18-wheeler. Unlike some
automakers – Acura, I am looking at you – Hyundai has kept its new
fascia tasteful and modern. The grille is neither offensively chromed, nor
objectionably old-timey. Instead, it is literally highlighted by handsomely
sculpted headlights and LED running lights.
The
rear is less interesting, but features similarly excellent lighting design,
with taillights made up of distinct LED light bars.
The
11,000+ miles also hadn’t dented the tomb-like silence of the Genesis’s ride.
In fact, the massive recliner impersonating a driver’s seat provides for one of
the most relaxing driving experiences that can be found under $100,000.
Unfortunately,
the Genesis has something of a one-track mind. If the driver wants relaxation,
it is more than happy to accommodate. If a more spirited outing is desired,
that is a different matter.
The
problem isn’t the power. My base press demonstrator boasted a 3.8-liter V6 with
311 horsepower 293 pound-feet of torque that drove the rear wheels by way of an
eight-speed automatic. This set up gives the Genesis plenty of power for around
town driving with enough left over for surprisingly quick passes – all
accompanied by a satisfying growl. Though my demonstrator didn’t have it, I can
report that the V6 proves impressive even when paired with an excellent H-Trac
all-wheel drive system.
For
those wanting a bit more, Hyundai
offers an optional 5.0-liter Tau V8. This beefy motor puts out 429 hp and 376
lb-ft. Both are good engines. Yet neither of these powertrain’s can overcome
the staid suspension or, for that matter, the Genesis’ massive bulk.
With
either powerplant, the Genesis
tips the scales at more than 4,000 pounds. That is a lot of bulk to move
around, especially with a suspension that really wants to protect the driver’s
back.
I
can’t promise that Genesis ownership will cause scantily clad women to approach
and ask for a ride.
Under
hard cornering, the Genesis experiences a lot of body roll. Worse still, even
in Sport mode and the traction control off, the stability control fights
aggressively to keep the rear end from coming loose. The combination of body
roll and the rear brakes unexpectedly jabbing at the wheels to keep them in
line hardly makes for a peak motoring experience.
Add
in a transmission that prizes smoothness over quickness, and the overall
feeling is one of a car constantly fighting its own natural oversteer
tendencies.
So
rather than treat the Genesis like a drift car, a driver is far better simply
ease back in the seat, pop the transmission into automatic, and relax … at
least, until it’s time to pass.
I
can’t promise that Genesis ownership will cause scantily clad women, or men for
that matter, to approach and ask for a ride. In fact, I am not entirely sure I
believe it happened to me. Yet, I can say that the Genesis is a true luxury
car.
It
may lack the ultimate power and speed of its German rivals. When compared to
the uncomfortable compromise of cars like the Acura TLX, however, the big
Korean seems like an excellent option for people seeking a refined driving
experience on a budget.
No comments:
Post a Comment