Genesis, the luxury car division of Hyundai, has really come on strong competitive wise with its stunning SUVs and sedans. Car buyers have discovered that this brand has a lot to offer in stylish design, superb comfort, competitive price and the most generous warranties in the industry.
If you’re in the market for an AWD sedan with sporty style and latest technology, check out their G70 AWD sedan. And when doing so, compare it to the likes of comparable sedans from BMW and Mercedes. You’ll likely find Genesis is a step above.
Genesis’s G70 AWD luxury compact sedan can easily compete with the aforementioned. It possesses the latest in technological and safety features and supplemental niceties such as Genesis Digital Key, a smartphone app that, for starters, allows users to lock/unlock and start the car. G70 also offers hands-free trunk opening, keyless entry/ignition and more including puddle lights that illuminate the area by the open doors.
The Siberian Ice white paint on the test car was stunning. It complimented G70’s svelte look with its dual headlamp assembly encircled by LED parking lights. The rear has a subtle trunk lip spoiler and racy Ovid-shaped tailpipe extensions, all of which comprise a slippery, aerodynamic, attractive look.
G70s interior is likewise as classy and striking with its 10.25-inch infotainment screen that perches atop the vertical stack. It leads the eyes downward to the large and easy to view and use HVAC controls where selections can be displayed on the display.
Most striking are the Nappa leather diamond-shaped quilted seat inserts with torso-hugging lumbar support and extended under thigh support. A stubby gear selector controls the 8-speed automatic transmission that has a separate “P” switch for park gear on the selector. Below it is a rotary drive mode switch for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Custom modes. When selecting Sport or Sport Plus, the front seats lumbar support automatically closes inward to add extra support for spirited driving.
Heated rear seats are equally as comfy, but because of a tall transaxle hump, only a short-legged youngster could sit comfortably. Otherwise leg room is adequate for most average height adults while head room is ample.
Trunk space is rated at 10.5 cubic feet offering 36 inches of cargo loading depth. Flip the 60/40 rear seatbacks and cargo depth expands to 69 inches. The trunk underfloor houses a space saver tire along with jack and jack tools.
There are two powerplants offered on the G70, which depends on the model. Our Sport Prestige came with the potent 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 that generates 365-hp and 376 lb/ft of torque. When routed through the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, EPA rates it at 17 city, 26-highway mpg. The combination provides full-throttle exhilarating, push-you-back-in-the-seat acceleration especially when the twin turbo’s kick in. It’s even more impressive in Sport and Sport Plus modes. And the throaty sounds emanating from the exhaust tips is music to the ears.
Handling as well is sporty as the G70 remains stable in sharp turns and during quick maneuvers. The ride on Michelin low-profile 19-inch tires is a bit taut, but that’s expected with these tires and a sport-tuned MacPherson front struts, and electronically controlled suspension. And the G70 stops quickly thanks to its famed Brembo brakes.
As for the standard safety feature list, the Sport Prestige trim model came with forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure/following assist, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and more.
In the convenience department, included is satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Genesis connectivity plus hands-free trunk auto opening, rain sensing wipers, carpeted floor mats and many more.
Over on the options side, the Sport Advanced Package ($4,300) adds sport trim inside and out, Lexicon audio, ventilated front seats, Genesis Digital Key, sunroof and lots more.
G70s Sport Prestige Package ($4,300) added the Brembo’s, electronic suspension, limited slip rear differential, head-up display, Nappa leather seating, surround view monitor/blind spot view monitor, power trunk plus a few extras.
G70 began life at $45,750 but with the aforementioned options, the bottom line reflected $54,445 with delivery. This is on par with and in some cases a little less than the comparably equipped competition. But what the competition doesn’t offer is Genesis’s generous 5 year/60K mile new vehicle warranty, 10/100K powertrain, warranty and 7/Unlimited perforation warranty. But that’s not. There’s also the Genesis Experience offering 3/36K complimentary maintenance, 3/36K service valet and three-year complimentary GPS map care.
While not everyone wants or needs an SUV or crossover, for those who still want the thrill of driving a low-slung, sport-tuned AWD sedan that serves admirably as a family car, the G70 is tough to beat and will look snazzy in your garage, especially in Siberian Ice color.
