2015 Hyundai Genesis : Review

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is the second-generation of Hyundai’s award-winning premium sedan. You may remember it from one of our favorite Super Bowl commercials this year, which highlights one of the safety features :

Recently introduced at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, we were invited to Scottsdale by Hyundai to become one of the first to drive the all-new 2015 Genesis in April. While the setting was stunning, our focus was squarely on the thoroughly impressive Genesis.

Exterior

The 2015 Genesis is the first to embody Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the second-generation of Hyundai’s design philosophy. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 encapsulates a trio of main design elements: fluid aesthetics, the modern Hyundai look, and a premium ambiance. While you can still sport the trademark fluidic forms, they are more precise and refined with this implementation.

The front end styling is particularly strong with the striking hexagonal grill and Genesis badge. They are flanked by HID headlamps, LED indicators, and some unique LED fog lamps. Following the elegant lines and chrome accents down the side of the body, our eyes are drawn to the jeweled full-LED taillamps. The 2015 Genesis also features a noticeably longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs than it’s predecessor. Shockingly, we even like the exterior color choices available, which are a bit more adventurous than typically seen in this price range. The lighter shades are particularly stunning with the contrasting black glass panoramic roof.

Interior

If the exterior is refined, we’re going to need to find a better word for the interior. From the dashboard materials of real aluminum and uber-cool matte-finish wood to the ergonomic design, it’s obvious that attention to detail was the highest priority with the new Genesis. Total interior volume is an impressive 123.0 cubic feet and even for a big guy, the vehicle felt spacious and comfortable. Neither sitting in the car driving for hours, nor hopping in and out to take pictures gave us any reason for discomfort.

Technology highlights include the sweet ultra-premium Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with 17 speakers, 9.2-inch High Definition Display, and second-generation Blue Link. Unfortunately Apple’s CarPlay is not included in this model, but it did make it into the new Sonata. The Navigation system combined with a 7.0-inch TFT LCD cluster display and new Head’s-Up Display (HUD) provide your directions any way you choose. The HUD can also show speed, Smart Cruise Control status, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, speed limit, Lane Departure Warning System and audio system data.

If some of those safety features sound a bit scary to you, don’t worry, they are to us too. However after testing them thoroughly, we’re beginning to believe in the technology a bit more. Check out this amazing set of videos from Hyundai, the Blind Test Drive, to see how they work.

Performance

The Genesis is offered with two different engines (3.8L V6 and 5.0L V8) and of course we all crave the power of the V8. At 420 horsepower and 383 lb. ft. of torque, we don’t blame you, but you’ll also be impressed by the V6 for considerably less money. It produces 311 horsepower and 293 lb. ft. of torque, which should be more than enough for the average driver.

Both engines are coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers enhanced shift logic, smoothness, efficiency, and acceleration. As you saw in the video above, durability and high-performance handling driving tests took place on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany to precisely calibrate Genesis ride, braking and handling characteristics. The result is a vehicle that is powerful and fun to drive, while still providing an eerily quiet and comfortable ride.

Overview

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is a compelling package of premium content that would cost you much more from some other manufacturers. Starting at $38,000 and maxing out at about $55,000 for the V8 with all the goodies, the Genesis compares favorably to its established luxury competitors. Honestly they give you so much at the base price, that you would have thought it was fully loaded if nobody told you otherwise.

We continue to be impressed by Hyundai, and based on the sales figures they showed us, we’re not the only ones. With their Hyundai Assurance Program (includes 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance) we can’t really think of any reason why car buyers shouldn’t put Genesis towards the top of their list.