Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC, we were again given the keys to the car that Autotropolis has already named our 2009 Car of the Year: the Hyundai Genesis. Since its introduction, the Genesis has been compared to just about every mid-level luxury car on the market including the icons of the segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Comparing the E320 and the Genesis in such close proximity gave us the unique opportunity to make a more accurate direct assessment of Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan versus one of the segment’s top entries. Our second go-around with the 2009 Genesis featured the same options including the powerful 4.6-liter V-8 and upgraded technology package for an as-tested price of $41,250 – almost $20,000 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz still fresh in our heads.
2009 Hyundai Genesis Exterior & Styling
With a few design cues that mimic some of the top luxury sedans currently available, it isn’t an accident that this car features no identifying badges on the exterior except for what’s on the rear decklid. Like the E-Class, most of the cars in this segment have designs that are aging quickly – and the all-new Genesis isn’t helping matters for the competition. Most people who commented on the new Genesis talked of its similarities to Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, but the car is more than just a cheap, rip-off suit. Up front, the Genesis has a unique eight-slot grille provides a stylish centerpiece for the car’s elegant front end, and the tall roofline is very similar to the Infiniti M, but the shapely side creases and lower chrome molding give Hyundai’s big sedan a distinctive profile. Finishing off the luxurious look and feel, Hyundai gave the Genesis a stylish set of 18-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels and large LED taillights. With its imposing size of more than 16-feet long and more than six-feet wide, the Hyundai Genesis is much bigger than it looks or feels.
Despite the car’s massive dimensions, parking is a breeze thanks to the optional ($4,000) Technology Package. This package includes a rear view camera mounted above the license plate and front and rear park assist sensor which made parallel parking the Hyundai Genesis a simple task. Another helpful feature on the Genesis when backing up or parking is having the passenger mirror automatically tilt down when in reverse to avoid costly curb checks with the alloy wheels. The tech package also adds to the car’s safety and exterior style by upgrading the standard halogen headlamps to self-leveling, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that use Hyundai’s Adaptive Front Lighting System which helps illuminate the road while cornering.
2009 Hyundai Genesis Interior
Like the Veracruz we tested last year, the new Hyundai Genesis has a surprisingly luxurious cabin with soft surfaces and contrasting colors, and accenting the two-tone leather interior, the Genesis uses lightly colored wood trim on the steering wheel, door panels, center console and shift lever. Compared to the E320, the Genesis offers seating that is surprisingly just as comfortable and spacious. Front seat passengers benefit from heated seats (the driver gets a cooled seat with the tech package), while the rear passengers are welcomed with ample legroom and a large flip-down center armrest with cupholders. Replacing the traditional center stack of most vehicles, Hyundai manages to break the interior up by using a swooping, double-stitched leather insert that cuts through the middle of the instrument panel and door panels. Since With the keyless ignition system, the Genesis provides a nifty little storage area for the key fob so if the driver needs to get out with the car running, a high-pitched audible warning can be avoided.
The fact that the Genesis 4.6 only has a single package available is a testament to how well the base car is equipped, but our test car’s tech package added more luxury and convenience itesm than the base cars come with. The highlight of this package is the navigation system with an easy-to-use central control knob and a 528-watt Lexicon sound system with an astounding 17 speakers and 7.1 surround sound. Unlike the navigation systems in most cars, the Genesis doesn’t sacrifice CD slots of the guidance system as it retains a six-disc, single-slot CD changer mounted just in front of the shift handle.
2009 Hyundai Genesis Power & Performance
Under the hood, Hyundai uses the same powerful 4.6-liter Tau V-8 as found in the Kia Borrego which is capable of 375 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. Sending power to the rear wheels, the Genesis uses a similar ZF six-speed automatic transmission as some of its competitors such as BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Audi S6. Only the V-8-powered Genesis currently uses this transmission, but the 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8 will also benefit from this smooth-shifting gear box. Compared to the diesel-powered Mercedes, the Genesis 4.6 feels like a high-performance sedan, while pushing the Start button on the Genesis’ instrument panel brings the V-8 to life with a pleasing note through the chrome-tipped dual exhaust. If the sound wasn’t enough to frighten BMW and Lexus drivers, Hyundai claims that its 5,115-pound luxury sedan can run from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. While premium performance is available to those paying extra for premium gasoline, the Genesis, unlike many of its competitors, can also run on regular unleaded without harm to the engine although performance and output numbers are slightly decreased.