Ride & Drive: 2015 Hyundai Genesis

When launched in 2009, Hyundai’s first generation Genesis luxury sedan earned numerous awards — as well as loyal owners flocking to the showroom.

I’m going to make a prediction now that the all-new, second generation Genesis has been released for the 2015 model year. I predict the new Genesis will earn even more awards, set sales records and earn a lot of conquest business from the other luxury manufacturers.

It’s that good.

With a base price starting at $38,000 — and available for the first time with all-wheel drive or standard rear-wheel drive — the five passenger sedan is designed to go head-to-head with the Lexus GS, Infiniti M, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E Class and Cadillac CTS.

While that’s pretty stiff competition, after spending a week behind the wheel of the 2015 Genesis, I can say it is up for the task — and then some.

The new Genesis is sleek, elegant, luxurious and absolutely loaded with comfort and safety features. With the addition of the Genesis Intelligent Assistant App, it is also one of the most connected vehicles I’ve ever driven.

Just one example of what the app can do: Using your smartphone calendar, the app can estimate your appropriate departure time and send you reminders for any upcoming appointments that require a drive. You can even remote start the car using the app.

And that’s just the app — that doesn’t include all of the features on the car itself.

I could devote an entire column to the infotainment system, which includes integration with Apple’s Siri-powered “Eyes Free” mode that allows drivers to perform a number of in-car tasks without having to take their eyes off the road.

And I absolutely love the 17-speaker, ultra premium Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with available navigation and the complete suite of SirusXM Satellite services.

Consumers have their choice of two trim levels — the Genesis 3.8L and the Genesis 5.0L.

Genesis 3.8L models are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine delivering 311 horsepower and 293 lbs.-ft. torque. Requiring regular unleaded gasoline, it is available in rear- or all-wheel drive configurations.

Genesis 5.0L models are powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 383 lbs.-ft. torque. Only available in rear-wheel drive, premium unleaded fuel is recommended, but regular unleaded is acceptable.

Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift mode.

During my evaluation I found the performance superb. The ride and handling characteristics were exactly what you would expect from a premium luxury sedan — smooth, yet responsive and an extremely quiet cabin.

It is also loaded with safety features utilizing Hyundai’s Sensory Surround Safety system designed to cover the full spectrum of safety from driver alertness and focus to total occupant safety.

For those in the market for a luxury sedan, the 2015 Genesis is a must for the test drive list.

Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.

The Nuts and Bolts

MODEL:

2015 Hyundai Genesis

5-seat luxury sedan   Rear-, or all-wheel drive

Trim packages: 3.8L, 5.0L

PRICE RANGE: $38,000-$53,000

ENGINE:3.8L V6 (311 hp/293 T) 5.0L V8 (420 hp/383 T)

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto w/Shiftronic

EPA: 18/15 mpg city, 29/23 mpg highway (3.8/5.0 RWD)

FUEL: Regular unleaded (Premium recommended for 5.0)

STABILITY CONTROL: Electronic stability control

BRAKES: ABS

LENGTH: 196.5 inches

WHEELBASE: 118.5 in.

WIDTH: 74.4 inches

HEIGHT: 58.3 inches

WEIGHT: 4138-4541 lbs.

TRACK: 64.1/65.3

(front/rear 18-inch tires)

FUEL TANK: 20.3 gallons

TIRES: 18-, or 19-inch

CARGO: 15.3 cubic feet.