The 2015 Genesis sedan would make the perfect getaway car. Some witnesses would say it was a full-size Mercedes. Others would swear it was an Audi. A few might say it was an Infiniti. Hardly anyone would guess it was a Hyundai.
Which is the secret to its success. The redesigned Genesis sedan looks, drives and feels like a traditional luxury car, but it costs thousands less. It sets new standards for "affordable luxury" cars, a relatively new concept that makes a lot of sense in today's economy.
Those who buy any of the established luxury cars are looking for the brands. But those who buy the Genesis sedan won't be disappointed. Our test 3.8 AWD version delivered the goods. It looked sharp on the outside, was extremely comfortable and quiet on the inside, and floated over broken pavement.
The 3.8-liter V6 was smooth and powerful enough for every occasion, even though a 5.0-liter V8 is also available. And the optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which is a desirable feature for the wet seasons in the Pacific Northwest, included headlight washers, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
The base Genesis started at just $38,000 and comes loaded with technologies, including such desirable features as a rearview camera, automatic wipers, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, a touchscreen interface, a navigation system, real-time traffic, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Hyundai's Blue Link emergency telematics system, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB/iPod interface, HD radio and satellite radio. Our test model added both a Signature
Package and an Ultimate Package that included welcome safety systems like blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, and a larger display.
And, of course, the packages also added luxury features to the wealth of standard equipment, such as upgraded leather seats, matt-finish wood and aluminum trim, and a Lexicon 17-speaker surround-sound audio system.
Even with all the options, our test car only cost $52,450, a bargain considering everything it had.
Hyundai isn't the first name that comes to mind when thinking about luxury cars. It started out making economy cars and SUVs that competed against the entry-level Japanese models with lower prices. But the company steadily improved its offerings over the years, and now they offer a full line of vehicles that deserve to be considered on their own ample merits especially the 2015 Genesis sedan.
2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8
Base price: $38,000
Price as tested: $52,450
Type: Full-size luxury sedan
Engines: 3.8 V6 (311 hp, 293 ft-lbs - as tested); 5.0 V8 (420 hp, 383 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
EPA estimated mileage: 16/25 (as tested)
Overall length: 182.3 to 196.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,495 to 3,503 pounds
Final assembly: Asan, South Korea