Driven: 2016 Hyundai Genesis
Let’s be honest, Hyundai is not the first place I would look for a luxury sedan. But after driving the 2016 Hyundai Genesis 3.8, I need to start recognizing Hyundai as a brand to be taken seriously. The Genesis retails about $10,000 less than competing luxury sedans, like Lexus or BMW, and it’s outfitted with as much, if not more, premium features. If I owned this Genesis, would I ever want to modify it? Probably not. Would I daily drive it? Most definitely! Driving it for about a week and testing out all of the features has completely changed my perspectives on Hyundai; they are no longer the outcast import car brand. Here are 5 good reasons to own a Hyundai Genesis.
5 Reasons to Own
1. There’s an APP for that!
We live in a world where you can connect to anything from the palm of your hand or in some cases the back of your wrist. With Hyundai’s Genesis Intelligent Assistant and Blue Link mobile apps, you can access many of the Genesis’ features from your smartphone or smart watch. Too many features to list, some of the highlights are the remote start with climate control so the car is always ready for you in any weather, receiving reminders and notifications so you're always up-to-date, or Car Finder so you always know where your car is (as long as your Hart is in the right place).
2. iGenesis
There’s so much tech loaded into the Genesis that it makes other luxury sedans feel obsolete. It's as if it has a mind of its own and all it’s thinking about is your comfort and convenience. When you walk up to the car, it greets you by opening the door's mirrors, a light up Genesis logo and a welcome chime. Once you do start your drive, there’s a cool Head’s-Up Display with vehicle information, making you feel like you're piloting a fighter jet!
3. My Spidey-Sense is Tingling
You can probably sense where I’m going with this. With the Sensory Surround Safety Technologies, the Genesis can detect any potential dangers before they happen. Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking will make it feel like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is cruising along with you.
4. With Great Power Comes Great Control
Driving the 3.8 Lambda GDI V6 RWD was more than enough power to get the blood flowing in a luxury sedan. Throw it in ECO mode to save fuel or SPORT mode to blast through the freeway; either mode you choose the ridged chassis and rear multi-link suspension will give you the proper control and handling. I could only imagine how much more powerful the 3.8L AWD or the 5.0L V8 Genesis must feel.
5. I’d Double-Tap It
Put those photo filters away, the Genesis looks amazing as-is. The new look for 2016 is very impressive with redesigned aerodynamic styling, a larger front grill and LEDs amongst other new features. Have a seat inside and you will see where the luxury part kicks in. The genuine wood trim, premium leather heated/ventilated seats and sleek audio system rival anything BMW or Lexus has to offer.
In 2017, Hyundai plans to spin Genesis out as its own luxury brand with the G80 and the G90. Based on what we see here with the new Genesis, the future looks exciting for this often overlooked car manufacturer. Don’t get caught up with old thinking, the 2016 Hyundai Genesis is available at dealerships now at a starting price of $38,750 (MSRP).
(Photos: Courtesy of Hyundai)
