Road Test: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Henry Ford may have said history is more or less bunk, but it's obvious Hyundai hopes its new Genesis luxury sedan repeats the successful track record that Toyota had with its Lexus LS400. Like that first Lexus, which launched in 1989, the Genesis carries bargain pricing that throws a real monkey wrench into straight-up comparisons. With its roomy cabin for five, rear-wheel-drive and generous standard luxury amenities, the Genesis begs the question: How much are you willing to pay for just a badge? On the one hand, my fully loaded Genesis 4.6 tester with its 375 hp V8 engine cost $48,995 – up to tens of thousands of dollars less than comparably equipped V8 luxury sedans like the Audi A6 4.2, BMW 550i, Lexus GS 460, Infiniti M45, Mercedes E 550 or Volvo S80 V8. On the flip side, the Hyundai is roomier and has two more cylinders than similarly priced V6 luxury sedans like the Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES 350 or Lincoln MKS. And value shoppers, keep in mind there's also a 290-hp V6 Genesis that can be had for $37,995. It helps to know that the Genesis 4.6 is tilted heavily towards the luxury side of the sports luxury sedan equation. And like the original LS400 (a blatant design rip-off of the Benz S Class at the time), the styling of the Genesis is purely derivative. A Frankenstein mix of established luxury sedan elements and details includes an Infiniti roofline and tail, BMW iDrive central console controller, and a Mercedes S Class grille and centre console design. However, as a pure luxury sedan – where plenty of features, generous interior room and a refined ride takes priority over thrills from the driver's seat – there's little to fault in the upstart Hyundai. Get your pencils out: Standard kit on the $43,995 Genesis 4.6 includes power sunroof, leather (even on the dash), wood trim, heated power seats with memory presets for seat position and steering column, 15-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and a power rear sunshade. The only option, a $5,000 technology package, includes an upgraded audio system with two more speakers and in-dash six-DVD changer, satellite radio, nav system and the aforementioned central controller, HID headlamps, driver's seat cooling and a backup warning camera. All of which is wrapped in a Genesis cabin that in all dimensions either matches or betters V6 rivals from Cadillac, Lexus or Lincoln. Dollar store pricing notwithstanding, Hyundai hasn't just stuffed its luxury sedan full of features; the stuff is really well screwed together. In fact, the level of interior fit and finish in the Genesis is the highlight of the car. Panel alignment is exact, with wood and aluminum trim use throughout. The leather-stitched dash cover is a nice touch. And just as the Lexus originally focused on a quiet cabin and luxurious ride, the Genesis is nearly silent when cruising. There's little wind noise and nary a peep from the all-season 18-inch tires. The suspension and rigid body absorb bad pavement and potholes particularly well. The high-end Hyundai, though, isn't a total sensory deprivation chamber. The exhaust note from the 32-valve all-aluminum V8 will make its presence known when you get into its throttle. And with continuously variable valve timing and dual-length intake runners, the eight will scoot the Hyundai from 0-to-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds – faster than any of the aforementioned V6 rivals – while returning a reasonable 10.8 as-tested during my time with the car. During such spirited driving, though, the car confirms its luxury mission. Despite Hyundai comparing its sedan to the hallowed $56,200 BMW 528i in some of its marketing materials, the Genesis 4.6 is no sports sedan. First off, its automatic prefers a more relaxed driving style. Shifts are smooth enough, granted, but it tended to want to shift up on its own even in sport mode. And when hustled, the Hyundai doesn't really like to change course quickly. Its steering is heavy, but with the lack of feel that a Lexus owner will recognize. And despite the V8/rear-drive setup, you can forget about any acts of driving hooliganism. The Hyundai resolutely understeers, which for the average luxury sedan customer, is probably just as well. Regardless, by all factual measures, the Genesis 4.6 is game changer. As a cold, objective product review, the roomier and more powerful Genesis 4.6 seems like a no-brainer after looking at rival luxury sedans. Its Achilles heel may be its lack of a premium badge (the Hyundai logo was left off the sedan's front) and the decision not to follow Lexus and establish a stand-alone luxury dealer network (one of the reasons Volkswagen's attempt to move upscale with its Phaeton failed). It's hard to label a car that will sell fewer than a thousand units in Canada this year as "significant" – especially when it's from a brand that will sell more than 85,000. But as a tool to change car buyers' perception of a brand, or forcing rivals to go back to their boardrooms, the 2009 Genesis may be the most important new vehicle introduced this year.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

PRICE: (Base/as tested) $37,995/$48,995

ENGINES: 3.8 L V6; 4.6 L V8

POWER/TORQUE: 290 hp/ 264 lb.-ft.; 375 hp/333 lb.-ft.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: City 12.6 L/100 km (22 mpg); hwy 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg); tested 11.8 L/100 km (24 mpg)

COMPETITION: Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKS

WHAT'S BEST: Excellent value, quiet, luxury interior

WHAT'S WORST: Styling, not a sports sedan

WHAT'S INTERESTING: Sold at the same time in North America, Europe and Asia

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