Road Test: 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport

Road Test: 2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport

Specifications:

Price: $57,500 (MSRP)

Engine: 3.3L Twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-Valve V6

Trans: 8-speed auto

Power: 365 hp@ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 376 lb-ft @ 1,300-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,913 lbs./ 1,775 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 13.3/9.5

 

New for 2019: The Genesis G70 is a brand new model for 2019 and is based off a shortened version of the Kia Stinger platform, albeit created exclusively for Genesis.

Segment Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4/S4, Kia Stinger, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Jaguar XE, Cadillac ATS, Volkswagen Arteon, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Infiniti Q50, Volvo S60, Acura TLX

The Skinny:  The G70 enters the competitive compact luxury sedan segment where it goes up against the always great Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 among others. In order to better compete with its German competition, Genesis hired chassis-guru Albert Biermann from BMW’s M Performance division in order to give the car a true sense of balance and better allow it to compete with the German big-3. After spending some significant time behind the wheel of the G70 it certainly appears that Albert has paid off for the brand as it delivers amazing handling in all situations, something that was only previously found in the German offerings. On top of its performance, the G70 comes with all the safety and technology features you can want, packaged in an upscale, sporty interior with great sightlines and a comfortable seating position. The exterior features a very refined look accented by great 19-in. wheels and Brembo brakes, all of which comes in a much lower price point than you may find with some of its competition.

Pros: The G70 offers amazing acceleration that is sure to throw you back in your seat and offers amazing handling that I found to be absolutely on par with it’s main competition.

Cons: The back seat is a little cramped in terms of both legroom and headroom.

The Verdict: The G70 appears to have done just about everything right; it performs amazing, looks great, feels great however the problem that they may unfortunately run into is prestige. Although they have done a nice job of disassociating themselves from the Hyundai badge, Genesis still doesn’t have the cache as names like BMW amd Mercedes do. Whether just or not, people still seem to have a hard time spending their hard earned dollars on something without one of those prestigious badges, despite the fact that the G70 does everything they can and comes in at a lower price point. Only time will tell if that can somehow change, but the G70 is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Categories: Driver Plus, Road Tests