Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai Genesis at a glance

The Genesis is a full-size rear-wheel-drive luxury saloon with a longitudinal engine; the DH added all-wheel drive. It is distinct from the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, a separate sports car that shared its platform and name. More Hyundai models are listed in our Hyundai catalogue, and the successor brand's models are listed in our Genesis catalogue.

First generation: BH (2008–2013)

Production began in South Korea on 8 January 2008, and US sales started in August 2008; the BH was not sold in Europe. Engines included a 3.3 V6 with 192 kW (258 hp), a 3.8 V6 with 213 kW (286 hp) — later 248 kW (333 hp) in GDi form — a 4.6 Tau V8 with 269–287 kW (361–385 hp) and, in the R-Spec, a 5.0 V8 GDi with up to 320 kW (429 hp). Six-speed automatics were used at first, with an eight-speed automatic from 2012. The BH earned five-star NHTSA ratings, was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and became Hyundai's first North American Car of the Year in 2009, while its Tau V8 won a Ward's 10 Best Engines award.

Second generation: DH (2013–2016)

Exterior

The second Genesis, previewed by the HCD-14 concept at the 2013 Detroit show, kept large dimensions that benefit passenger comfort and looks more solid and striking than its predecessor. It was styled under Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" philosophy, combining dynamic elements with soft, elegant lines. The front has a large bumper with an aerodynamic lip and intake, LED running lights, projector headlights and a big protruding hexagonal grille. In profile, a short front overhang, a long bonnet housing the 5.0 V8 on higher trims, a gently domed roof, steeply raked pillars and a crease at door-handle height stand out, along with large doors that open almost 90 degrees, a high window line, chrome window surrounds, a chrome strip along the bottom of the doors and chrome door-handle inserts. Bespoke 19-inch alloys are available, with 17- and 18-inch wheels on other versions. Ground clearance varies by version: 130 mm for the Sport, 155 mm with rear-wheel drive and 150 mm with all-wheel drive. The rear has a powerful bumper with trapezoidal exhaust outlets at the corners and LED tail lights. The Genesis is 122 mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a wheelbase 136 mm longer.

Interior

The interior uses high-quality leather, real wood and aluminium. The front seats have electric adjustment, heating and ventilation, unobtrusive side support and adjustable head restraints, separated by a wide double armrest with a deep storage box. A thin, heated four-spoke multifunction steering wheel faces instruments with a graphic trip-computer display and a head-up display. A 9-inch infotainment screen is flanked by large air vents, above the hazard switch and well-arranged climate and audio controls. The long wheelbase gives generous rear space; the rear bench is shaped for two, with heating, ventilation and reclining backrests for the outer seats and a centre armrest housing controls for the rear climate zone and sun blind. A rear entertainment system with two touchscreens in the front head restraints is optional. The boot holds 493 litres and has a power lid. A CO2 sensor automatically ventilates the cabin when needed.

Engines and transmissions

All engines have direct injection and variable valve timing and are paired with an eight-speed automatic with manual mode. Top speed is about 240 km/h, and published figures give about 11 l/100 km for the 3.0 and 11.6 l/100 km for the 3.8. Rear-wheel drive is standard; HTRAC all-wheel drive, developed with Magna and standard on the V8, uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that can vary the torque split by driving mode (Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow), sending up to 90% to either axle.

Chassis and safety

The DH uses a heavily reworked version of its predecessor's platform with independent multi-link suspension front and rear, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bars; expensive versions have electronically controlled air suspension. All four brakes are discs (ventilated at the front). The share of advanced high-strength steel rose from 13.8% to 51.5%, increasing torsional rigidity by 16% and bending rigidity by 40%. The DH earned five stars from NHTSA in every category and a five-star ANCAP rating in 2014. Even the base car had nine airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera, stability control, automatic emergency braking, lane monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, a head-up display, navigation, automatic parking and forward collision warning.

Key specifications by generation

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the Genesis's design, comfort, stability, materials and build quality, sound insulation, ample power, spacious and safe interior. Drawbacks include high fuel consumption, low ground clearance, occasional climate-control faults and expensive parts. Rivals include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.