Genesis marked a new direction for South Korea's largest automaker during its debut in the 2009 model year. While Hyundai was first known for bargain-priced offerings during its 1985 U.S. debut and later for its game-changing 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, thoughts of over-the-top luxury appointments were initially not a high priority within the company's mission statement.
However, a built-in market of price-conscious move-up buyers existed after two decades of transactions and robust customer loyalty numbers documented by J.D. Powers. Enter the 2009 mid-size Genesis sedan, a model which elevated Hyundai's brand image, paving the way two years later for the full-size, low-volume Equus sedan.
The first generation mid-luxury Genesis served as a conquest vehicle, drawing customers into the Hyundai fold from other manufacturers. According to Hyundai, over half of Gen One Genesis buyers were conquest customers.
This second-generation effort debuting in 2015 model year and on sale now, is built upon an all-new platform continuing with performance-oriented rear drive, and for the first time, all-wheel drive (marketed as HTRAC) in V-6 models. All-wheel drive expands sales potential in Chicagoland and other Snow Belt cities. The V-6 and V-8 powertrains are largely carry overs from 2014.
With the base 3.8-liter V-6, expect 311 horsepower. Opt for the 5.0-liter Tau V-8 with high-power direct injection and horses jump up to 420, the company's most potent powertrain. Both connect up to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Aft of the floor-mounted shifter is a button for selecting eco, sport and normal drive modes. Hyundai estimates a majority of Genesis sales will generate from the V-6.
At the 2014 Detroit Auto Show where this redesigned Genesis debuted publicly, David Zuchowski, Hyundai's newly appointed President and CEO described the new design as "simpler, bolder exterior lines with shorter overhangs, front and rear." Front A-pillars framing the windshield get skewed further back in 2015.
A year earlier during the auto show circuit, Hyundai displayed the stylish HCD-14 concept as a prelude to 2015 Genesis redesign. While many HCD-14 cues made it to this new Genesis rear-hinged back doors did not.
Customers seem to enjoy their Genesis sedans with all the bells and whistles since fully loaded selections sell briskly according to Mike O'Brien, Vice President Corporate and Product Planning of Hyundai Motors America. This next-generation 2015 Genesis has captured an impressive 9 percent of the mid-size luxury market sales since going on sale this past April, doubling its market share from the same period (April-June) a year earlier.
The "Fluidic Sculpture," exterior architecture, described as 'nature in motion' first appeared in Hyundai's mid-size Sonata during its 2011 model year redesign, serving as a successful template for other family vehicles. The 2015 Genesis is the first Hyundai taking Fluidic Sculpture to the next level, or 2.0 as Hyundai puts it. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is observed in the longer hood, sleeker rear C-pillar and increased wheelbase.
Speaking of wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) Hyundai stretches the platform three inches while keeping overall length relatively unchanged. Longer, underpinnings generally translate to better balance (already enhanced thanks to rear-wheel drive) and smoother handling. Genesis measures slightly longer than the mid-size BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Bens E-Class.
As with many upsized BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, Audis and Lexus, fuel economy topping 40 miles per gallon is still best left for less-cylindered powertrains. The eight-cylinder Genesis estimates city miles-per-gallon at 15 (23 highway) and our tester struggled to reach those modest mileposts.
Pricing for our V-8 rear-drive tester started at $51,500. After adding a $3,250 ultimate package (heads-up display, premium Nav system with 9.2-inch high-def screen, power trunk lid and upgraded stereo), the bottom line ended at $55,700 after $950 destination charge. A rear-drive V-6 checks in at $38,000 (add $2,500 for all-wheel drive); a comparative bargain adding to the Genesis luster. By contrast, BMW's 5 Series starts at $54,675.
The ultimate package is the only package available in V-8 models. Three packages are offered in both front and AWD V-6 models.
Notable exterior updates include the circular Hyundai "H" gone from the center grille, replaced with a flat, winged Genesis emblem between the grille and hood. This winged logo also appears on the four-spoke steering wheel with a passing resemblance to Bentley's insignia.
While others in the auto sector of late have reduced front grille status, Hyundai takes a bolder approach. A prominent diamond-like hexagonal frame enhanced with semi-gloss chrome trim and chrome horizontal slats replace a center-spine design. Flanked by narrow headlight housing with bottom LED indicators, Genesis creates a presence day or night. Another night cue includes quirky "Bat-signal" like puddle lamps projecting the Genesis logo groundward from side mirror underbellies when exiting the vehicle. When locking via the key fob, these mirrors, sporting secondary turn-signal blinkers, fold inward. Quad exhausts come with V-8 engines while dual versions are optional on V-6 models.
Ford Motor Company enjoys promoting available rear hatchbacks that open automatically with a hokey pokey foot thrust under the cargo region, but Hyundai thinks it's built a better mouse trap. With its all-new 'Smart Trunk,' power trunk lids pop open via a rear bumper delay sensor. Simply stand near the trunk for three seconds with the electronic key fob on person, and the trunk unlocks.
Inside, Genesis' center dash smartly brings back additional tactile circular knobs for sound system and various ventilation controls. Overall this interior remains more intuitive than most anything arriving from Germany with a multitude of choices (including touch) to interact with the colorful eight-inch multi-function screen (9.2-inch with option package). Returning from Gen. One is a chrome dial selector between bucket seats used for multi-screen interaction. The four-spoke power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel includes cruise control functions and secondary audio and hands-free phone functions.
Below ventilation controls are two 12-volt power outlets and iPod and auxiliary portable electronic ports; which cloak under a retracting top when desired. The dashboard incorporates a long, horizontal approach rather than a center-centric column design. With an interior volume of 123 cubic feet, Genesis bests most mid-luxury rivals from Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Push-button start comes standard. Comfy and supportive front perforated leather buckets include front side bolsters and a lumbar-messaging nuance. Between the buckets a dual-hinged arm rest opens like a side-by-side refrigerator-freezer. The center dash includes a prominent, analog clock. Rear riders must navigate around and over the rear-drive floor hump, but head and leg room remains plentiful for all riders. While Genesis slides into the mid-size column, it skews towards the longer end of the spectrum. Under the flat-floored trunk reside a temporary spare tire and the lead-acid battery.
Our test V-8 engine never made its presence felt in the comfort of the cabin, as far as noise, harshness or vibration is concerned. Genesis now boasts the library-quiet ambiance of a Lexus, the bell-weather of the industry. Higher-strength steel translates to composed suspension when compared to Gen One, tilting Genesis towards a luxury as oppose to a sporty ride. Be prepared for brakes that take command with just a hint of right-foot action.
A new, optional (ultimate package) carbon monoxide detector, located under the single-compartment glove box, automatically vents cabin confines if noxious levels reach 2,500 parts per million helping relieve and pre-empt driver drowsiness.
2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan
Price as tested: $55,700
Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
Length: 196.5 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 420
Curb weight: 4,541 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000-miles
City/Highway economy: 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea