GS2006

GS430,460,350 versus

Hyundai Genesis,

Has anyone here driven one?
Test drove the V6 today and very impressed. Going back in a month to drive the V8 when it arrives in the area

My findings from a short drive of the V6 Genesis and compared to my 06 GS 430.
1) Road Noise: Winner hands down Genesis.
a. However, being sensitive to the rattles in the third gen GS, I did notice a few ticks. Not sure if they would turn into the Lexus level of rattles. Something to watch out for as the car ages.
b. The Genesis double pane glass does miracles with road noise and wind. I would put it not far below the LS 460 in quietness.
c. Quiet even at high speeds on rough highway (don’t tell smoky, but ~90mph)
2) Performance drive train: Genesis winner for GS 3xx and Lexus winner for GS 4xx
a. Genesis V6 gets up and goes. Very responsive to the pedal compared to the GS 3xx. GS 3xx are sluggish and I would not buy those cars for that reason. Call me a V8 fanatic. However, I was very surprised at the performance from the Genesis V6. Can not wait to try the V8. I give the GS4xx the edge though for responsiveness as expected.
3) Performance handling: Genesis winner for GS 3xx and Lexus winner for GS 4xx
a. At speeds below 70mph, The Genesis handles very well. I can not believe they compare this car the Lexus ES. The ES handles like a boat compared to this car. When I test drove the GS 300 and not long ago the GS 350, I felt that these cars drove lose and not the type of handling I like in a car. Not sure what differences are for the GS 4xx, but the GS4xx line drives tighter. I felt the V6 Genesis felt somewhere in-between. Just as a guide, I don’t really care much for the feel of the LS 460 either, and would put the steering between the GS 3xx and the LS 460.
b. High Speeds.. GS4xx winner.. Have not driven GS3xx at 90mph.
Got an odd feeling with the handling with the Genesis at the 85-90mph speed. The road was waving and rough. I seemed to lose the feel of the road. Steering was still there and responsive though. Just got very odd feel or should I say lack of feel of the road. Only drove at that speed for about ¼ to a ½ mile. (as an added note: the crapy yoko tires quite out at speeds over 80mph on my GS 430.)

4) Body Integrity: Lexus GS winner. Felt the body integrity was more in line with the ES series of Lexus
5) Interior: Personal preference. I like the dashboard design and the headrests of the Genesis. Did not inspect close enough to tell about the quality of materials.

With a price tag of about 17k difference, this car is must to drive before purchasing another Lexus. The big question is how this car will hold up as it ages. I hope Lexus is paying attention.

For those who have driven the Genesis, what do you think?

tommyd3

I have driven the Genesis V6 a couple of times. I am quite surprised at your comments.

I have the GS350 and it is DEFINATELY faster than the Genesis V6 !!! Remeber the GS350 has the same HP as the old GS430. The first Genesis I drove was in Arizona (my local dealer in FL did not have any yet). Dont know if it was the 110 degree heat, but it wasnt even as fast as my Cadillac DTS rental !!! I test drove a Genesis V6 again (here in FL) earlier this week. Definately better than the one in AZ, but still nowhere near my GS350. Below 3000 RPM the Genesis is a slug. Once you hit 3000 the engine comes alive (relatively speaking). Acceleration is definately better over 3000, but still does not match the GS350. The GS350 is also tuned to not need as much depression of the pedal as the Genesis. I made sure to really put my foot into the Genesis to find out what kind of power it had. With the GS350 I dont ever need more than 1/2 throttle (even highway merging / passing). From a standing start a minimal depression of the GS350 throttle keeps me well ahead of the rest of the traffic.

I will admit the Genesis is VERY quiet. Better than my GS350. The problem with the GS is the 40 series summer tires make noise on most highway pavement. I also drove an 08 LS460 this week hoping it would be much quieter than my GS. No luck. Took them both on the same section of highway at 80. Used my sound level meter. They were within 1 dB of each other. The GS had more high frequency tire noise, the LS had more low frequency noise. Have not tested the Genesis on the highway, but it does seem to be quieter (and has less agressive tires).

I personally do not like the dash of the Genesis. Looks like it was taken from the Avalon & Azera. Neither dealer had one with the tech package (here in Fl they have almost 15 Genesis).

As for handling I prefer my GS350 to both the LS460 and the Genesis (maybe it is the 40 series tires).

Look at the comparison test on Edmunds between the GS350 and the Genesis V8. Basically the Lexus beat the Genesis in everything except for price. Because of the $10K price difference they said the Genesis was the winner.

I do plan on driving the V8 when it is available (dealer says mid October). It is only $2K more than the V6 (both with tech package). From my drive of the Genesis V6 and the Lexus LS, I think the Genesis V8 will start cutting into Lexus LS sales. It might not have as many features as the LS, but has similar size and performance for close to 1/2 the price.

L3XOTIC

I wouldnt purchase a Genisis PERIOD.

Good luck with the quick 50% drop in resale value

socalJD

On paper, the Genesis has respectable specs. But I can't get past the generic body style. The Genesis looks like a bastardization of the E class, the LS and a Avalon, just very blase and generic. Sure it's a great value, but even for 40k, I want a car that can be easily identifiable, as the 3GS or E class, and not another asian copycat generic 4 door sedan (like the accord or maxima)

Mesca

iTrader: (28)

Agreed with socalJD, I was parked next to a Genesis at the golfing range and it just looked like they copied Mercedes,BMW,Lexus and everybody else and just kinda melded it altogether. Definitely was generic looking.