2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 Review

[P71_CrownVic]

One of the cornerstones of TTAC's existence is reminding the auto industry that "those who don't learn from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them." As a corollary we can say that learning from history's successes forms part of the recipe for a flat-out victory in today's highly segmented, price sensitive market. We have seen almost two decades since the boring sheetmetal of the Lexus LS400 hit our shores, forever changing the way we think about luxury cars. Fast forwarding along that school of thought brings us to the new, V8-powered, Hyundai Genesis 4.6. Status seekers know the drill: avoid a South Korean automobile at all costs. That explains HyMoCo's last-minute change of the V8 decklid's (America-only) "H" logo to the global market's winged crest. Even with the Genesis name spelled out on its rear, the re-badged badge puts a little Bentley in yo' face for maximum curb appeal. And it's not offensive. Like the Lexus That Started It All, the Genesis demonstrates design-naivety; a socially inept copycat of the hottest sellers in this segment. Think of it as a muscle-bound Milhouse Van Houten on 18" rims.

 

The overall look mimics the 5 Series' swoopiness, but with aesthetic restraint and integrated form that eludes the Bangled brand. The front doors have a classic cab-backward feel, paying homage to the G35 while thumbing its nose at Lincoln's latest FWD abomination. The only downside remains the finely crafted grille– it begs for some name recognition to ward off the inevitable references to the brandless contents of a local Dollar Store.

 

The theme continues inside, where finely crafted materials draped over derivative bones make for a large and comfortable cabin. There's an abundance of chrome accents in Mercedes-like fashion, topped with some of the finest polymers this side of 50-large to ever grace a dashboard.

 

While the elegantly stitched leather panels are a welcome addition, the lack of wood trim complementing its bold sweeps keep the Hyundai looking up to its Japanese and German competition. And the oak-ish trim that is there looks like an afterthought. The Genesis' dash is also cursed with an array of silver-toned buttons that look better when Wal-Mart sells them on a be-speakered ghetto blaster. Ditto the poorly integrated plastic buttons on the big Hyundai's leather and wood-rimmed tiller.

 

And that's it. To wit: even the trunk is cavernous and exceptionally well trimmed. Get over the stylistic snafus and the V8 Hyundai earns its keep with up-rated leather seating, illuminated sill plates, a Caddy-trumping rear bench and a heated/cooled seat for the driver. They had to cut costs somewhere, so too bad about the other occupants' thermally-challenged backsides. At everyone else get to share in the joy of all 528 watts in the stellar Lexicon 7.1-channel audio system. Mark Levinson may not feel the heat just yet, but Mark Fields better take some damn good notes.

 

Fire up the (keyless) ignition and the Genesis "4.6" channels 375 horses through six speeds, under the watchful eye of two rear wheels, four Sachs-controlled (and Magnaride-worthy) dampeners, and a five-link suspension on both axles. The hardware continues to impress, just like the 5.7 second sprint to sixty. But stomping the torque-rich "Tau" V8 feels like a hollow treat; the electronically controlled throttle keeps the you from overtaxing your funmeter.

 

Put another way, you can feel the Genesis 4.6 really sing halfway though second gear. Hyundai could have gone for Detroit's jugular, but this does leave room for a sport package. Or not.

 

Granted the Pistonhead-worthy versions of Germany's finest are safe, but the Genesis 4.6 puts everyone else on notice with level cornering and a composed ride at sane speeds. Understeer hits well after the Genesis' body roll "tells" the driver to calm the hell down. That said, Hyundai did a fine job carrying speed with a load of passengers, but the positively sublime forms the core component of the car.

 

If Lexus pursued perfection, Hyundai got the patent. The SACHs-tuned springy bits absolutely devour a long interstate. Toss potholes, speed bumps or pavement joints into the mix and the Genesis moves so gracefully I swore it gained 6-inches in wheelbase and grew a Panther chassis. The slippery drag coefficient adds to a silent cabin. The Genesis 4.6 simply drives like a far more expensive car.

 

A car this affordable this good simply boggles the mind. But armchair analysts see the derivative sheetmetal and questionable Hyundai dealership experience going over as well as a fart in church. Be that as it may, the Genesis 4.6 stands well on its merits.

 

Its amazing that a country that had its first democratically-held election when Toyota was building a pseudo-autobahn now makes a luxury sedan that runs with the class leaders for a fraction of the price. The Hyundai Genesis 4.6 is the car Lexus made in 1989, and the one Detroit killed decades ago.

 

TTAC

[Moby Vic]

Meh. No body on frame....

[atomaro]

Its still a Hyundai...in 5 years it will be falling apart. The auto rags have such a hard-on for Hyundai.

[MGallun]

true dat.. girlfiend has a 2004 kia optima.. when i drive it i feel like iam driving a tin mobile compared to my fusion... funniest thing is the fuel door, its like tin foil or something.. lol.. cheapo shit, they make it look all nice and pretty but with cheapo parts that are falling apart at 45k

[NickF1011]

Wow. A TTAC review taking swipes at Ford? Surprise, surprise. :boring:

[silvrsvt]

They forgot to add .......its still a Hyundai!

[TomServo92]

My prediction is that they'll be dust and bird poop collectors on dealer lots until the incentives hit. Even then, it won't be on most luxury buyers "must have" list. I mean, come on. A lot of people complain that Lincoln doesn't have any "luxury cachet". If that's the case, I know Hyundai most certainly doesn't have it.

[156n3rd]

People! How can any of you make such sweeping statements regarding Hyunida or Kia quality. If you have never owned any of them, then you need to experience onwership. Listening to someone's stroty about their bad experience can be countered by that same amount of positive STORIES. I always wondered, and I am just as guilty in this, why people hammer a brand they don't own? Why does that happen? I have owned nearly 35 vehicles since 1969. I have owned nearly every U.S. brand and I have some experience with most. I own a Hyundai, and as I have said over and over again, you have to keep in mind what you are buying and why. I do not expect my Accent to do any more than it is capable of delivering. There is no right or wrong about buying and using a product. AND, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to opinons. :beatdeadhorse:

Edited August 27, 2008 by 156n3rd

[NickF1011]

People! How can any of you make such sweeping statements regarding Hyunida or Kia quality. If you have never owned any of them, then you need to experience onwership. Listening to someone's stroty about their bad experience can be countered by that same amount of positive STORIES. I always wondered, and I am just as guilty in this, why people hammer a brand they don't own? Why does that happen? I have owned nearly 35 vehicles since 1969. I have owned nearly every U.S. brand and I have some experience with most. I own a Hyundai, and as I have said over and over again, you have to keep in mind what you are buying and why. I do not expect my Accent to do any more than it is capable of delivering. There is no right or wrong about buying and using a product. AND, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to opinons. :beatdeadhorse:

 

My girlfriend has a Hyundai. That's as close as I'll ever want to get to owning one.

[TomServo92]

My girlfriend has a Hyundai. That's as close as I'll ever want to get to owning one.

 

We owned a Hyundai Tiburon. The only thing I have to say is "never again".

[P71_CrownVic]

why people hammer a brand they don't own? Why does that happen?

 

It is ok to do that with any other brand...other than Ford.

 

AND, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to opinions. :beatdeadhorse:

You sure about that...THIS from a recent thread:

 

Your personal opinion is not relevant.

[falconman13]

The Hyundai Genesis 4.6 is the car Lexus made in 1989, and the one Detroit killed decades ago.

So, what they are saying is , its no better than a 10 year old Lexus? So how is that good?

 

People! How can any of you make such sweeping statements regarding Hyunida or Kia quality. If you have never owned any of them, then you need to experience onwership.

I have never sucked a dick, but am sure I dont need to, to know I dont want to. Some things are just obvious.

Edited August 27, 2008 by falconman13

[P71_CrownVic]

I have never sucked a d*ck, but am sure I dont need to, to know I dont want to. Some things are just obvious.

 

And, there, is the apples to apples comparison that makes this site what it is...

[Deanh]

Meh. No body on frame....

75 mph rear crash?

[Sixt9coug]

oh they say this NOW

A car this affordable this good simply boggles the mind. But armchair analysts see the derivative sheetmetal and questionable Hyundai dealership experience going over as well as a fart in church. Be that as it may, the Genesis 4.6 stands well on its merits.

 

 

 

BUT

 

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/hyundai-genesis-in-person/

It's hard to sell a "luxury" car alongside a 1.6 liter Hyundai Accent, and I think VW proved with the Phaeton that this kind of wild product diversity is a mess.

THEY also thought it was a crappy idea from the start. Now they circle jerk over it.

[Deanh]

actually I give hyundai cudos....I have seen the car in the flesh..it IS a very hansome car and looks well put together...if it continues getting good writeups like this, even if it doesn't sell like hot cakes it does a few valuable things, one of which is raise peoples perception of Hyundai as a whole...which WILL lead to additional sales across the board. Also , their overall styling agenda is improving markedly....if they can get over the Hyundai stigma they will be a force and increase their piece of the pie...and THIS car is a forward step to obtaining that net result. Cudo's...nice car. As for TTACs constant Ford barbs...I am shocked....someone obviously has a vendetta.

[Sixt9coug]

I have seen it in person before too. It looks like a 3/4 Scale 10 year old Mercedes S Class. Its not as big as i thought it was going to be and lacked any real visual presense. The MKS i saw recently had alot more visual presense than this car did.

[Deanh]

I have seen it in person before too. It looks like a 3/4 Scale 10 year old Mercedes S Class. Its not as big as i thought it was going to be and lacked any real visual presense. The MKS i saw recently had alot more visual presense than this car did.

Reminde me more of the Acura RL...understated and classy, yet to see a Linc on the road, but one is on the rack down the road...nice car...little high in the backend for my taste but I would say a superior styling exercise than the Hyundai, side by side the Lincoln would stand out more...will be interesting if their is a fac off when Ecoboost hits...but advantage Hyundai on the $ side of things from the get go....

[MERKURXR4Ti]

I think Hyundai is rapidly improving and will soon be a major player in almost every automotive field.

 

Plus, the Genesis Coupe certainly isn't a bad looking car.

[NickF1011]

You sure about that...THIS from a recent thread:

 

Thank you Mr. Take-Things-Out-of-Context. His personal opinion on the subject he was blathering about was NOT relevant....TO the topic being discussed in that thread.

 

But, if it makes you feel witty to recycle things from other threads that are completely unrelated and out of context, keep on keeping on.

Edited August 27, 2008 by NickF1011

[156n3rd]

Any one and everyone has both good and bad experiences with different car brands. But when someone has an opinon saying all Hyundais are junk because they heard it, read it or though it, is poop. I still say owning is the difference, or at least spending some time with a car such as a rental to see what it's about. I personally don't care about this attempt at a big car. I will not buy any brand of a car like this. Well, maybe an Altima which isn't the same thing, but it's still a 4-door sedan to me.

 

 

Her's a quote from an old movie..."love and hate, they are two horns on the same goat". The Vikings

[FordBuyer]

People! How can any of you make such sweeping statements regarding Hyunida or Kia quality. If you have never owned any of them, then you need to experience onwership. Listening to someone's stroty about their bad experience can be countered by that same amount of positive STORIES. I always wondered, and I am just as guilty in this, why people hammer a brand they don't own? Why does that happen? I have owned nearly 35 vehicles since 1969. I have owned nearly every U.S. brand and I have some experience with most. I own a Hyundai, and as I have said over and over again, you have to keep in mind what you are buying and why. I do not expect my Accent to do any more than it is capable of delivering. There is no right or wrong about buying and using a product. AND, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to opinons. :beatdeadhorse:

 

My dream cars are a canary yellow Kia SporTAGE and a Hyundai Elantra. Check out that new Korean SUV with some weird name being advertised on TV. It at first looks like refreshed Explorer to the T and Kia used to copy the Windstar big time. No Korean cars in my driveway and no Samsung or LG either in my house. My house is a Korean free Zone. I won't even buy the Fusion because it's built in Mexico.

[Ford??-LOL!]

I know nothing Ford makes that can compete with the Genesis. Its a highly reviewed vehicle that looks great. Lincoln only wishes their "Luxury" MKS was this good.....

[Deanh]

I know nothing Ford makes that can compete with the Genesis. Its a highly reviewed vehicle that looks great. Lincoln only wishes their "Luxury" MKS was this good.....

this is only the second i have seen of this "highly reveiwed" vehicle...AND the second positive....MKS has been nicely reveiwed as well....hows life under the bridge?

[Hemiman]

I know nothing Ford makes that can compete with the Genesis. Its a highly reviewed vehicle that looks great. Lincoln only wishes their "Luxury" MKS was this good.....

 

 

Yes they do. It's called a used Lincoln LS.