Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017) Review
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Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017) Verdict
Large saloon from Hyundai similar in size to a BMW 5 Series. Elegant and understated. Well equipped and refined. Five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
In the UK only for ‘selected buyers'. Badge snobbery. Large-car depreciation. Thirsty petrol engine.
Find out more about the Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017)
Before we start, we perhaps ought to establish one fact. The Genesis is not a car with which Hyundai is planning to boost its UK sales. Designed primarily for North America, the rear-wheel drive Genesis – somewhere between a BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series in size – has arrived in the UK with an objective of changing perceptions about the brand.
No doubt the Korean Embassy might be interested and there might be a handful of well-off Hyundai customers who on seeing the car at selected dealers where it’s available (currently seven), could decide it’s what they want.
We'd be surprised if anyone who has a BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class on their shopping list would be interested in the Genesis, although it says more about brand perceptions and badge snobbery than it does about the Hyundai.
The Korean manufacturer has brought a range-topping saloon to the UK before. Some might remember the XG30 introduced in the 1990s. More recently, there was the Grandeur, a large front-wheel drive V6 saloon only available from one dealer.
The Genesis is different. While those earlier models felt like a typical Hyundai scaled up to a large saloon, the Genesis feels every bit as much of a premium car as a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
One version is available and it comes with a 311PS 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. It is priced at £48,005 on the road, which seems a lot to pay for a Hyundai, but for a German saloon of this size and with this level of equipment, you’d be looking at paying closer to £60,000.
On that basis, although depreciation is heavy, it is probably competitive with premium German cars. The Genesis isn’t really trying to steal sales from German premium cars. It’s more of a statement of what Hyundai – one of the five biggest car manufacturers in the world – is capable of. And a little about what we can expect from its future mainstream models.
Reviews for Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals
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Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017) handling and engines
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–30 mpg
The Genesis has a powerful V6 petrol engine and rear-wheel drive, good ingredients to attract driving enthusiasts.
But the Genesis is a little too big for gung-ho driving and it doesn’t suit the car’s character. The front engine and rear-wheel drive layout benefits weight distribution, aiding precision and smoother driving, but its handling is safe and secure rather than entertaining.
The driver gets a head-up display ensuring they can read vital information or navigation instructions without having to look away from the road.
There are three driving modes – normal, eco and sport – giving drivers a choice on how the car responds by altering the electronically controlled air suspension. Although even the stiffer setting of ‘sport’ mode, while making the car feel a bit more nimble and stable, doesn’t encourage you to maintain it for long periods.
The Genesis does offer exceptional comfort and refinement though. The 3.8-litre engine is barely audible and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly.
Although maximum torque of 397Nm is reached at 5000rpm, around 90 per cent of it is available from just 2000rpm, so combined with the eight-speed transmission the Genesis never feels short of acceleration. Hyundai has also succeeded in eliminating most noise intrusion to the cabin
The official combined fuel economy figure of 25.2mpg doesn’t sound impressive, especially as its 12.5mpg lower than the similar powered BMW 535i (an equally rare car on UK roads these days). But during several hundred miles of driving, we managed to do slightly better than that, and perhaps it’s a rare case of the official fuel consumption test in the lab being easy to replicate in everyday driving.
The Genesis has many hi-tech features as standard that you will find on other cars. We like its interpretation of hands-free boot opening. A sensor detects the key in proximity to the boot and if it’s there for three seconds, the boot will open. No foolishly waggling one foot under the bumper to persuade the sensor you need access. Hands-free and foot-free.
There is no diesel variant, which is a little disappointing. But the Genesis, although a global car, will make its biggest impact in North America, where diesel engines are still a niche market.
Hyundai would probably need to develop a suitable unit for Europe if it ever wanted to launch a diesel version, although the engine in the Santa Fe is perhaps almost up to the task of powering a car as special as this one.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 GDI | 25 mpg | 6.5 s | 261 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
102%
Real MPG
23–30 mpg
MPGs submitted
3
Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 493 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4990 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3010 mm |
The quality of the materials and the general finish of the Genesis demonstrates as strongly as any of its other characteristics that this is a premium car.
In some markets, the Genesis is sold as an upmarket sub-brand of Hyundai, but in Europe (where some of its mainstream models are developed, engineered and built) the manufacturer believes the car should be seen as part of its line-up.
The plastics, leather and other components that occupants come into direct contact with feel like they belong in a BMW or Audi – something Hyundai has failed to achieve in some of its larger cars in the past.
Choosing beige leather adds more traditional looking wood trim on the dashboard and doors, but selecting grey or black brings a darker, more modern looking timber finish.
The seats are covered in Nappa leather – a trim upgrade you’d usually have to pay extra for over the standard leather in other premium cars – with electric adjustment. There are also electric blinds for rear passenger doors and the rear window, as well as a rear armrest-mounted console for audio controls.
Standard equipment:
Genesis 3.8 V6 auto gets 19-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, Nappa leather upholstery, electricaly adjustable front seats, power folding 60/40 rear seat, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, nine airbags, lane departure warning with lane keeping assistance, alarm and tracking system, Bluetooth integration, soft door closing, heated steering wheel, head-up display, solar reflecting glass all round, hands-free boot opening and a five year/unlimited mileage warranty with five years’ roadside assistance.
Hyundai Genesis (2015 – 2017) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4990 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3010 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1890 kg |
| Boot Space | 493 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £51,655 |
| Insurance Groups | 41 |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 25.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Saloon 3.8GDi 315ps Auto 4dr | £51,655 | 25.2 mpg | 6.5 s |
Model History
March 2014
Hyundai Genesis revealed
All-New Genesis is a high-technology premium sedan that clearly demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in a number of key areas, including technology, style, comfort and driving pleasure. Limited numbers of All-New Genesis will be made available in Europe, providing a select number of customers with a highly-capable and luxuriously-equipped executive sedan that rewards with high levels of comfort and calm.
Though the Genesis is the biggest, most fully-equipped and technologically advanced Hyundai model available in Europe, it delivers fully on the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations. Previewing advanced comfort and safety equipment and technology, All-New Genesis offers European customers an exclusive purchase proposition that focuses on refined performance and occupant well-being.
Available in a single, high-specification form, All-New Genesis is powered by a potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine which delivers plentiful power and torque across a broad range of engine speeds, and works in harmony with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver refined performance. Driving pleasure and security is ensured by the new, HTRAC all-wheel drive system, sophisticated multi-link front and rear suspension and near-equal weight distribution. (2WD only available in the UK)
The generous accommodation provided includes levels of space and comfort never before seen in a Hyundai vehicle in Europe, and cossets occupants in opulent comfort. The accommodation uses fine materials to present a serene ambience, supported by advanced architecture that delivers superior refinement under all conditions.
January 2015
Hyundai Genesis to be launched in the UK
Hyundai’s new high-technology premium saloon, the Genesis, will be available in the UK from 2nd April 2015, priced at £47,995 OTR. Available in limited numbers, the new flagship model will be sold exclusively via selected Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine delivers power to the rear wheels, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure a smooth and serene driving experience.
Comfort is delivered through a combination of plentiful space and first-class seating finished in fine grain leather. The Genesis is equipped with a suite of intuitive yet unobtrusive new technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system that displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen.
Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO2 cabin sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. Four cameras offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times, providing assistance to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers of approaching hazards when reversing from a parking space. Blind Spot Detection monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards. A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s line of sight, while visibility is aided further by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.
A myriad of convenience features fitted as standard include the Smart Boot System, which automatically opens the boot if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lights, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.
The Genesis is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. To accentuate its spaciousness and offer a serene, relaxing experience, three elegant interior trim colour options are available.
Hyundai’s new high-technology premium saloon, All-New Genesis, will be available in the UK from 2 nd April 2015, priced at £47,995 OTR. Available in limited numbers, the new flagship model will be sold exclusively via selected Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
All-New Genesis clearly demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in the areas of innovative technology, luxurious comfort, craftsmanship and premium style, delivering on the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations. Available in the UK in a single high-specification form, All-New Genesis offers a unique opportunity to own the most refined and technologically advanced Hyundai ever made available in Europe.
A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine delivers power to the rear wheels, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure an effortlessly smooth and serene driving experience.
Demonstrating Hyundai’s latest design philosophy, the sophisticated exterior of All-New Genesis incorporates clean, fluid lines which sweep down its flanks. A long wheelbase with minimal overhangs ensures All-New Genesis projects a sophisticated exterior style which flows through to the interior where all occupants can enjoy true comfort and calm.
Cocooned inside a generous and luxurious cabin that makes use of the finest materials, driver and passengers are offered a true sense of opulence and serenity. Complete comfort is delivered through a combination of plentiful space and first-class seating finished in fine grain leather. All-New Genesis is equipped with a suite of intuitive yet unobtrusive new technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system that displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen.
Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO 2 cabin sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. Four cameras offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times, providing assistance to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers of approaching hazards when reversing from a parking space. Blind Spot Detection monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards. A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s line of sight, while visibility is aided further by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.
A myriad of convenience features fitted as standard include the Smart Boot System, which automatically opens the boot if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lights, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.
All-New Genesis is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. To accentuate its spaciousness and offer a serene, relaxing experience, three elegant interior trim colour options are available.
Echoing the premium ambiance of the vehicle itself, selected Hyundai dealerships will introduce bespoke Genesis retail display areas. Featuring high quality furniture and premium materials, the Genesis area of the dealership will also be staffed by a specially trained member of staff fully versed in all aspects of the vehicle.
- See more at: http://www.hyundaipressoffice.co.uk/release/611/#sthash.fFbxM4g7.dpufHyundai’s new high-technology premium saloon, All-New Genesis, will be available in the UK from 2 nd April 2015, priced at £47,995 OTR. Available in limited numbers, the new flagship model will be sold exclusively via selected Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
All-New Genesis clearly demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in the areas of innovative technology, luxurious comfort, craftsmanship and premium style, delivering on the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations. Available in the UK in a single high-specification form, All-New Genesis offers a unique opportunity to own the most refined and technologically advanced Hyundai ever made available in Europe.
A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine delivers power to the rear wheels, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure an effortlessly smooth and serene driving experience.
Demonstrating Hyundai’s latest design philosophy, the sophisticated exterior of All-New Genesis incorporates clean, fluid lines which sweep down its flanks. A long wheelbase with minimal overhangs ensures All-New Genesis projects a sophisticated exterior style which flows through to the interior where all occupants can enjoy true comfort and calm.
Cocooned inside a generous and luxurious cabin that makes use of the finest materials, driver and passengers are offered a true sense of opulence and serenity. Complete comfort is delivered through a combination of plentiful space and first-class seating finished in fine grain leather. All-New Genesis is equipped with a suite of intuitive yet unobtrusive new technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system that displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen.
Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO 2 cabin sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. Four cameras offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times, providing assistance to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers of approaching hazards when reversing from a parking space. Blind Spot Detection monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards. A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s line of sight, while visibility is aided further by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.
A myriad of convenience features fitted as standard include the Smart Boot System, which automatically opens the boot if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lights, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.
All-New Genesis is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. To accentuate its spaciousness and offer a serene, relaxing experience, three elegant interior trim colour options are available.
Echoing the premium ambiance of the vehicle itself, selected Hyundai dealerships will introduce bespoke Genesis retail display areas. Featuring high quality furniture and premium materials, the Genesis area of the dealership will also be staffed by a specially trained member of staff fully versed in all aspects of the vehicle.
- See more at: http://www.hyundaipressoffice.co.uk/release/611/#sthash.fFbxM4g7.dpufHyundai’s new high-technology premium saloon, All-New Genesis, will be available in the UK from 2 nd April 2015, priced at £47,995 OTR. Available in limited numbers, the new flagship model will be sold exclusively via selected Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
All-New Genesis clearly demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in the areas of innovative technology, luxurious comfort, craftsmanship and premium style, delivering on the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations. Available in the UK in a single high-specification form, All-New Genesis offers a unique opportunity to own the most refined and technologically advanced Hyundai ever made available in Europe.
A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine delivers power to the rear wheels, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure an effortlessly smooth and serene driving experience.
Demonstrating Hyundai’s latest design philosophy, the sophisticated exterior of All-New Genesis incorporates clean, fluid lines which sweep down its flanks. A long wheelbase with minimal overhangs ensures All-New Genesis projects a sophisticated exterior style which flows through to the interior where all occupants can enjoy true comfort and calm.
Cocooned inside a generous and luxurious cabin that makes use of the finest materials, driver and passengers are offered a true sense of opulence and serenity. Complete comfort is delivered through a combination of plentiful space and first-class seating finished in fine grain leather. All-New Genesis is equipped with a suite of intuitive yet unobtrusive new technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system that displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen.
Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO 2 cabin sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. Four cameras offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times, providing assistance to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers of approaching hazards when reversing from a parking space. Blind Spot Detection monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards. A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s line of sight, while visibility is aided further by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.
A myriad of convenience features fitted as standard include the Smart Boot System, which automatically opens the boot if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lights, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.
All-New Genesis is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. To accentuate its spaciousness and offer a serene, relaxing experience, three elegant interior trim colour options are available.
Echoing the premium ambiance of the vehicle itself, selected Hyundai dealerships will introduce bespoke Genesis retail display areas. Featuring high quality furniture and premium materials, the Genesis area of the dealership will also be staffed by a specially trained member of staff fully versed in all aspects of the vehicle.
- See more at: http://www.hyundaipressoffice.co.uk/release/611/#sthash.fFbxM4g7.dpuf