2015 Hyundai Genesis

The new Genesis is smartly designed so that style and function combine to provide value above its class. Also armed with major upgrades, this new Genesis is designed to compete against German mid-level luxury sedans.
2015 Hyundai Genesis
2015 Hyundai Genesis. (Courtesy of Hyundai)
5/26/2014
Updated:
5/26/2014

The new Genesis is smartly designed so that style and function combine to provide value above its class. Also armed with major upgrades, this new Genesis is designed to compete against German mid-level luxury sedans.

Outside, Genesis has a premium hexagonal grille for a sophisticated and uniquely modern Hyundai quality look, combined with a long hood with a short deck. Sleek C-pillar and DLO (Daylight Opening) molding highlights the sport sedan profile. Luxury is accentuated with 3D sections and semi-gloss chrome. Lighting includes HID bi-functional headlamps plus LED fog lights, position lamps and indicators. 

Genesis comes in 10 exterior colors. Examples are: Caspian Black, Parisian Gray, and Ibiza Blue. 

Inside, the Genesis has an eloquent character delivery. It’s a kind of natural lounge delivering a serene cabin experience. This spacious atmosphere lends itself to a comfortable, relaxed experience.

Genesis will come standard with glossy hydrographic ornamentation and available premium open pore matte finish genuine wood options. The interior color options include Black, Gray, Beige, and Ivory, with availability depending on the choice of the exterior color.

Electro luminescent gauge cluster and TFT LCD cluster display allow the driver to better view the vehicle’s status and make proper decisions.

I liked the large 9.2-inch screen, with its 720p HD resolution showing crystal clear graphics of the navigation system. The hands-free trunk opener is an intelligent approach to accessing the trunk. 

Genesis drove absolutely superbly. It cornered nicely and held the road on the curve as well as showed tremendous torque on straight roads. 

The die-cast aluminum shock absorber housing and double engine partition block ensure optimal rigidity for improved dynamic capability. That kind of answers why Genesis drives so nicely. 

The new rack-mounted electric steering system has been optimized to deliver impressive responsiveness and precision, adding more credibility to Genesis’ reputation.

Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system delivers sure-footed traction while retaining the fun-to-drive character of a RWD drivetrain. 

Genesis provides class-leading body strength. Recently, Genesis was the top pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), excelling in categories like vehicle crash safety and automatic emergency braking, which uses new automatic fusion technology to help avoid a potential collision or reduce its impact.

Adrian Lund, President of the IIHS, stated, “The new Genesis is not only engineered to protect people when crashes happen, but with its optional automatic emergency braking system helps more.” 

Engine output: 
3.8 L V6: 311 hp, 293 lb.-ft. torque
5.0 L V8: 429 hp, 376 lb.-ft. torque

Estimated fuel mileage (city/hwy):
3.8 L V6: 18/27 mpg
5.0 L V8: 15/23 mpg

Price:
3.8 L RWD $38,000
5.0 L Ultimate $55,700

Dimension Comparisons (inches):
2015 Genesis BMW 5-Series Mercedes E-Class Lexus ES350
Length: 196.5 193.2 192.1 192.7
Width: 74.4 73.2 73.0 71.1
Height: 58.3 57.6 57.1 57.1
Wheelbase: 118.5 116.9 113.2 111.0

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].