Photo: Chris Doane Photography
According to the dictionary, luxury means "a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, and wealth". We checked really hard and couldn't find any "Mercedes" or "German" mentioned in there. So what if luxury can also be Korean, what if it's the 2015 Hyundai Genesis?
The previous generation was one of the best kept secrets of the industry. Relatively reliable, cheap and well built, the sedan outsold much more reputable cars like the Lexus GS or Infiniti M on a number of occasions. Now there's a new one and we have pricing information, revealed by Hyundai ahead of this summer's on-sale debut.
The cheapest 2015 Genesis is the 3.8-liter RWD model equipped with an 8-speed, which retails for $38,000, not including $950 for delivery. The list of standard features is pretty long and includes a set of 18-inch wheels, nine airbags, automatic headlights with LED accents, a 4.3-inch display, powered folding mirrors with indicators incorporated, a smart key, leather steering wheel, reversing camera, navigation with touchscreen and Blue Link infotainment.
For the first time ever, you can also buy the Genesis with all-wheel drive. The model costs $2,500 extra, at $40,500, not including the destination charge. Hyundai believes these cars will be driven in cold weather and so they've added heated rear seats and steering wheel, basically a winter package.
Finally, there's the new 5.0 RWD model, which uses a familiar GDI V8 engine together with the same 8-speed gearbox. This is the fastest Genesis and it retails for $51,500 plus $950 destination. Its equipment list is even longer and brings LED fog lights, quad exhaust pipes and "genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim", as well as a slew of extra safety features.
But that's just the boring press statement. How does the Korean luxury car actually stack up against its rivals? Quite well, actually. The 2015 model is $2,800 more expensive than the 2014 model but it's $11,500 cheaper than the Infiniti Q70 and about the same price as the newer Q50. Equipment is very generous and you should check out the full details in the attached press release below.
The reoccurring problem with the Genesis is not just the badge, but the dealership experience. What's the point of paying so much for a car if you're going to rub elbows with an Elantra owner? But for the right price, this Korean beauty will surely win over lots of customers.
The cheapest 2015 Genesis is the 3.8-liter RWD model equipped with an 8-speed, which retails for $38,000, not including $950 for delivery. The list of standard features is pretty long and includes a set of 18-inch wheels, nine airbags, automatic headlights with LED accents, a 4.3-inch display, powered folding mirrors with indicators incorporated, a smart key, leather steering wheel, reversing camera, navigation with touchscreen and Blue Link infotainment.
For the first time ever, you can also buy the Genesis with all-wheel drive. The model costs $2,500 extra, at $40,500, not including the destination charge. Hyundai believes these cars will be driven in cold weather and so they've added heated rear seats and steering wheel, basically a winter package.
Finally, there's the new 5.0 RWD model, which uses a familiar GDI V8 engine together with the same 8-speed gearbox. This is the fastest Genesis and it retails for $51,500 plus $950 destination. Its equipment list is even longer and brings LED fog lights, quad exhaust pipes and "genuine matte finish wood trim & aluminum trim", as well as a slew of extra safety features.
But that's just the boring press statement. How does the Korean luxury car actually stack up against its rivals? Quite well, actually. The 2015 model is $2,800 more expensive than the 2014 model but it's $11,500 cheaper than the Infiniti Q70 and about the same price as the newer Q50. Equipment is very generous and you should check out the full details in the attached press release below.
The reoccurring problem with the Genesis is not just the badge, but the dealership experience. What's the point of paying so much for a car if you're going to rub elbows with an Elantra owner? But for the right price, this Korean beauty will surely win over lots of customers.
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