Review of 2021 Genesis G70 reveals genuine luxury contender

Promising to take after-sales service to the next level, Hyundai’s luxury offshoot Genesis is challenging Europe’s best.

Hunting rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series is the 2021 model Genesis G70.

Raised eyebrows often accompany the Genesis brand. Nothing to do with Phil Collins and his ’80s band, this is luxury Gangnam style.

Officially launched in Australia during 2014, Genesis is the prestige offshoot from Hyundai. Like Lexus is to Toyota, this is the best of what the South Korean carmaker has to offer.

While the first plush sedan was called a Hyundai Genesis, it’s now a stand-alone brand with its own badge.

After a stuttering start the fledgling marque’s rollout has been measured over the past two years.

There’s now five models including three SUVs. Concentrating on the eastern seaboard, there are modern studios and test drive centres in Sydney and Melbourne.

Gold Coast and Brisbane will follow next month. Genesis will even take cars direct to prospective buyers who live within about 70km to inspect in the metal.

Our family sampled the medium-sized G70 sedan which has an on-road starting price of just below $70,000.

Inside a Lux variant of the Genesis G70.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Beautiful lines from every angle, the G70 proved a real head-turner.

GRANT: Sedans may be on the popularity outer nowadays, but they still offer outstanding driving dynamics and have the ability to look this good. Genesis has produced a stunner in the G70 and this is no claytons luxury offering.

KEL: While waiting in a carpark at one stage there were several women I overheard commenting how much they liked the car. There were a lot of people staring trying to work out what it was given the brand isn’t recognisable.

GRANT: Our boys bluntly thought it was a mash-up of Bentley and Aston Martin branding.

KEL: It looks expensive, how much?

GRANT: This model comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, so it’s at the cheaper end of the range. While the base model starts from $68,850 drive-away, we’re in the Lux model which is just over $80k once on-roads are settled.

KEL: Wouldn’t that put the Genesis in some pretty tough pricing territory?

GRANT: Absolutely. That’s right in the sweet spot of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS.

KEL: Sounds ambitious. Like buying a Louis Vuitton handbag or Jimmy Choo heels, I feel prestige buyers are chasing brand and badge awareness.

GRANT: Many are, but Genesis is chasing astute customers. Those that are willing to delve deeper and find satisfaction with a greater features list and superior service at a better price than that offered by the Europeans.

Standard features in a 2021 Genesis G70 Lux includes a suede headliner and sunroof.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: There’s wow factor inside with soft leather seats with the quilted leather stitching that I love on the chairs and doors. It reeks of elegance. And money.

GRANT: With a suede headliner and sunroof there is no hint of scrimping in the cabin, where features include a 15-speaker Lexicon stereo with smartphone mirroring apps for Apple and Android devices, 12.3-inch 3D digital instruments for the driver, wireless phone charger, heated and ventilated front seats, sunroof as well as 10.25-inch central screen.

KEL: The fonts used on the screens look modern, and my primary common sense boxes are ticked: place for your phone in front of the shifter next to the USB charging points and dual cupholders in the console that can accommodate a drink bottle or takeaway coffee.

GRANT: Collectively it feels sophisticated and worthy of the company it’s trying to topple.

Hunting rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series is the 2021 model Genesis G70.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Nice to drive, the sedan feels smooth and easy to drive.

GRANT: The power delivery is linear and the engine works well in tandem with the eight speed automatic transmission. Gear changes are timely and the G70 delivers a sense of confidence with predictable performance and limited cabin noise intrusion.

KEL: All the usual safety tech appears to be there, but the functionality which steers between lines can be aggressive.

GRANT: It has a tendency to jerk at the wheel if you get too close to a line without indicating. Everything else works well, like the smart cruise control which maintains set distances from other vehicles and even has stop and go capacity, along with a warning if you open the door and approaching traffic is detected.

KEL: There’s also that cool blind spot camera view which is displayed in the driver’s instruments when indicating.

GRANT: Further boosting the safety credentials is an airbag between the driver and passenger.

Genesis’s G70 sedan has some beautiful lines from just about every angle.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Automatic boot lid, the bird’s eye camera view to show you’re within the lines when parking and ample space for the bags, the Genesis gets my car park bouquets.

GRANT: If you’re reversing and an oncoming vehicle is detected it will automatically apply the G70 brakes. Most systems only sound a warning.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Cruising around, I felt like something was missing. Then I found the driving mode button.

GRANT: Choose Sport or Sport+ and the engine responsiveness and throttle sensitivity improves, but most importantly the exhaust soundtrack takes on throaty characteristics.

KEL: When those sporty modes are engaged I like how the driver’s seat bolsters hug you a little tighter.

GRANT: Keen drivers will love the rear-wheel drive layout and the G70 doesn’t mind a bend, the Michelin Pilot Sport rubber keeps it pointed the right direction even when pushed hard while Brembo brakes deliver impressive stopping power.

KEL: It feels quick but not neck-breaking fast.

GRANT: In the 0-100kmh test it achieves the feat in just over six seconds, which is reasonably rapid. Those who really have a penchant for speed will like the turbocharged V6 that possesses a sprint in the realm of sub five seconds. Both these engines are also found in the Kia Stinger, albeit Genesis takes luxury levels up several notches.

The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is strong and responsive, but those wanting more punch can opt for a turbo V6.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Rear seat space is okay for adults, but probably most comfortable for two.

GRANT: The transmission tunnel robs some of the legroom and front seat passengers need to be mindful not to shift too far rearward. Only one USB outlet is in the back, so that may cause some battles to keep devices charged (there is another in the centre console).

KEL: One of the issues many people have with European cars is ongoing costs, I’m guessing the Genesis is cheaper?

GRANT: Here’s where they up the ante, the servicing is free for the first five years or 50,000km. There are also claims of superior after-sales service … that’s hard to gauge at the moment.

KEL: We travelled nearly 1000km on our test, and seemed to go through a reasonable amount of premium unleaded.

GRANT: Our average was 8.9L/100km, which is just under the official figure from Genesis. Competitors are better in the efficiency realm, but on the highway on a 100km trip I got it as low as 5.8L.

boot space in the 2021 model Genesis G70 is 330 litres.

THE VERDICT

KEL: Comfortable, easy to drive with brilliant looks, the G70 was loved by the family. Given the price and the choice between the Genesis and recognised prestige brand, the decision would come down to bravado.

GRANT: Can buyers separate features and performance from the badge? The brand will be a long burn, but Genesis has already earned an enviable reliability reputation in the United States. Astute prestige customers will find the G70 a classy and immaculate package with a quantity of exclusivity.

Originally published as Review of 2021 Genesis G70 reveals genuine luxury contender