I have now driven the Genesis G70 twice, and I’ve loved it both times. The first was on a racetrack and the second was in Chicago, and it handled both with utter ease.
In fact, I’ve dubbed it the “BMW 3-Series Killer” because it drives and handles like a BMW but costs about $10K to $20K less when comparably equipped.
Yes, Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyundai, and yes, brand-conscious buyers might shudder at the thought of Hyundai as luxury.
What I have to say to those people: Get over it.
The Hits
I don’t even know where to begin here. Suffice it to say, pretty much everything about the Genesis G70 is a hit.
The test vehicle had the up-level twin-turbo V-6 engine, and it was downright fun. Acceleration to merge with highway traffic is heart-flipping fast for a sedan, and it stacked up well against a recent BMW M340i I drove. Which took me by complete and utter surprise.
The suspension was stiff enough to give a sporty feel to the ride, with the Drive Mode Select, it could also be comfortable for long drives.
The interior of the Genesis G70 is another highlight.
The black leather seats with the red-stitched diamond pattern were both handsome and elegant — not to mention comfortable.
But it’s the details that really stand out. From the beveled pattern surrounding the behind-the-wheel gauges to the etched surfaces of all the dials, every little piece of this vehicle was thoughtfully constructed and placed.
One of the biggest wins, however, has to to be the price point. The test vehicle was loaded to the gills with technology, amenities and AWD, and it still only topped out at just more than $53K.
Compare that to the BMW M340i, which topped out at just under $70K.
The Misses
I don’t say this often, but there really aren’t any misses on the Genesis G70.
But if I had to pick something it would be fuel economy. I averaged 16.5 mpg during my test period in combined driving, and the EPA estimates that you should average 20 mpg. City fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg, and I didn’t even hit that.
The Trims
Genesis has two different engine and transmission options, and the tree trims reflect the available variants. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on the automatic transmission variants only.
- 2.0T: $36,445
- 2.0T 6-speed manual: $39,495
- 3.3T: $44,650
There are packages available at each trim, and all-in pricing for the top tier with all the packages is just more than $53K.
The Chicago Factor
While you’ll definitely want to garage this vehicle if you live in the city, I think it’s a great choice for anyone throughout the Chicagoland area.
It’s comfortable for long and trafficked commutes, especially since its equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can easily listen to podcasts or your own music as well as send urgent texts hands-free.
It’s fun for weekend road trips and comfortable enough for four adults.
Plus, it’s so handsomely styled, it’ll have your passengers asking: This is a what?!
| The Specs |
|---|
| Engine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo; 3.3L twin-turbo V-6 Horsepower: 252; 365 Torque: 260 lb-ft; 376 lb-ft Fuel economy (combined): 20 mpg Drivetrain: RWD (std.), AWD (avail.) Length: 184.4 inches Width: 72.8 inches Wheelbase: 111.6 inches Seating capacity: 5 Cargo capacity: 10.5 cu ft Base price: $36,445 As-tested price: $53,245 |
Filed under: #cardujour, Reviews
Tags: 3 series, bmw, bmw 3-series, g70, Genesis G70, genesis usa
