Hyundai Genesis saloon (2014-2017) - Engines, drive & performance
The Hyundai Genesis saloon is made for comfortable cruising, not driving thrills
Unlike many of its class rivals, the Hyundai Genesis places the emphasis squarely on comfort and refinement rather than driving fun. The suspension is comfortable and the seats are plush enough to cushion you from all but the most unpleasant road surfaces – both around town and on the motorway. You might want to avoid potholes, though, as they can send a loud bang through the inside of the car.
Push the Genesis into a corner at high speed and you’ll feel the car’s weight shift around, with plenty of body lean. This is partly due to the car's soft suspension. The electrically assisted steering doesn’t feel particularly precise either – it has a sticky, vague action that lacks feel. Think of this as a car for relaxed motorway cruising or comfortable commutes, rather than blasting down a twisting country road.
Hyundai Genesis petrol engine
There’s only one engine in the Genesis range – a thirsty 3.8-litre V6 petrol. It feels quick enough, but a BMW 535i is much faster – shaving more than a second off the Hyundai’s 6.8-second 0-62mph time. And a Mercedes E63 AMG can get you from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds.
The engine is whisper-quiet when idling, and you can barely hear it inside the car during regular driving. However, if you want to accelerate in a meaningful way, you need to rev it quite hard – beyond the 4,500rpm mark. The Genesis responds smoothly enough, but there's no urgency to the acceleration. And when you have your foot down, the sporty sound of the exhaust is at odds with the car’s refined, executive image.
The only gearbox available is an eight-speed automatic – there's no manual option. Luckily, this transmission shifts smoothly and quietly, with only the occasional clunky gearchange, so it makes for a very comfortable driving experience.
