Genesis G70 experience

[avacado11]

So lately I've been seeing a lot of good things said about Genesis and their new G70. Went to the local Genesis dealer, which doesn't have their own showroom. Just one G70 parked in the middle of a few Hyundais.

Tried to find a sales rep, not a single one around. Talked to the front desk, they couldn't find one either. They had to pull over a guy from Mazda next door who knew absolutely nothing about Genesis.

He got me the key, I drive the car. Surprisingly it actually drove pretty nice. Best way to describe it was agile but still comfortable. Road noise was on par with its class. DCT kinda lugged around gears at slower speeds and you can feel turbo lag. Very similar to a Mercedes CLA250 I drove a while back. Gas pedal wasn't all that responsive, even in sport mode. It really likes to hold the highest gear possible. That being said, the steering firms up nicely when you put it in sport. There seems to be a lot of body roll around corners, the car feels like it's doing all it can to stay on track, it makes the car feel lively but it's definitely not all that comfortable. Brakes are about average.

Overall quality is good, but missing that extra "quality" feel from the Germans and Lexus. Material quality is on par with Acura. diamond pattern Nappa leather is a cool.

Now here's why I walked away and will probably never buy a Genesis myself, atleast not until they start getting into the $15k range. There was a 2019 G80 brand new with MSRP of $48k. Front bumper was misaligned, something you do not see in other cars of this class. Then the G70 I drove, 15 miles on the odo, $46k MSRP, window gasket got bunched up somehow, became deformed because it had been like that for a while. I pointed it out to the sales guy and he didn't even seem to care.

The customer service doesn't match the class and price of the car, especially if they're a new brand they should atleast try to gain customers. Actually went to the BMW dealer across the street after just to look at some cars. Drove a 440i and 530e, both were new 2018 left overs for the same exact price as a G70 2.0t($46k). The cars felt way nicer both to the overall experience and driving dynamics. And for some reason the Hyundai dealership smells weird compared to BMW.

 

[Wolf359]

I guess it's supposed to compare to a Mercedes C class. It does have one thing in common with Lexus, an ugly grill although not as ugly as Lexus. The G80 is closer to the E class. It might not be that long before it drops to 15k. I picked up my 2011 E-350 for about 15k after it had been out for over 5 years. Mileage was in the 90k range at the time. Book is about 11-13k after 3 years.

 

[TXCarGeek]

CLA really doesn't compare to the G70. Which engine did you drive? Both the I4 and V6 are turbo. Also, they don't come with DCTs...there's a manual available with the I4 and then the rest get an 8 Speed Auto.

Weird about the quality issues. I've driven quite a few of the current gen G80, both before and after the rebranding and they've all had excellent build quality particularly given the price. I have a previous gen, '12 Genesis R-Spec with the 5.0; it's sitting at 130k miles and the only issue I've had was an alternator replacement at about 100k.

Back to the G70, reviews have been fairly positive for it. The Lexus IS really isn't even mentioned by the auto journos when discussing the G70 simply because of how long in tooth the IS has become. New 3-Series seems pretty underwhelming as it grew in size and hasn't completely fixed the dearth of steering feel that plagued the previous generation...plus, there's no manual available on it anymore...might as well just get into a Model 3 to get something truly revolutionary.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Wolf359
I guess it's supposed to compare to a Mercedes C class. It does have one thing in common with Lexus, an ugly grill although not as ugly as Lexus. The G80 is closer to the E class. It might not be that long before it drops to 15k. I picked up my 2011 E-350 for about 15k after it had been out for over 5 years. Mileage was in the 90k range at the time. Book is about 11-13k after 3 years.

It is a shot at BMW 3 series. Hyundai poached bunch of engineers from M division. They did pretty good job for first cut. Longitudinal engine, pushed back for better weight distribution. Heck, they even have manual with LSD in 2.0T.
Now, the problem of course is that, as in review, there are a lot of parts shared with regular Hyundai's, and there is absolute lack of institutional knowledge in building these cars. However, one has to give them credit for trying and building something different. It might be actually pretty decent grab once they depreciate used, and their value will fall off the cliff.

 

[avacado11]

Originally Posted by TXCarGeek
CLA really doesn't compare to the G70. Which engine did you drive? Both the I4 and V6 are turbo. Also, they don't come with DCTs...there's a manual available with the I4 and then the rest get an 8 Speed Auto.

Weird about the quality issues. I've driven quite a few of the current gen G80, both before and after the rebranding and they've all had excellent build quality particularly given the price. I have a previous gen, '12 Genesis R-Spec with the 5.0; it's sitting at 130k miles and the only issue I've had was an alternator replacement at about 100k.

Back to the G70, reviews have been fairly positive for it. The Lexus IS really isn't even mentioned by the auto journos when discussing the G70 simply because of how long in tooth the IS has become. New 3-Series seems pretty underwhelming as it grew in size and hasn't completely fixed the dearth of steering feel that plagued the previous generation...plus, there's no manual available on it anymore...might as well just get into a Model 3 to get something truly revolutionary.


I drove the G70 2.0T. I'm surprised it's not a DCT, because it shifted like the DCT in a Tucson 1.6T I drove 2 years ago, in a good and bad way. Shifts were quick, but at low speeds it juttered alittle. And it also held its gear until I really put the pedal down, kept the RPMs under 3500, maybe it's just a pedal issue. I tried both sport and normal, same results. I only mention the CLA250 because of how noticeable the turbo lag was when I drove it. Constantly being thrown around by the torque kicking in. The G70 does ride smoother and quieter than the CLA, although the CLA does have a better feel to the interior.

Not a fan of the new 3 series either. Car feels and looks bloated. The 440 gran coupe felt way more connected to the road than the G70, way faster than the 2.0t(Genesis didn't have the 3.3 in stock) too. Although I wasn't a fan due to how much of the road I could feel. I mean it's a good thing but I personally prefer cars that float due to driving cross country so much. The 530e was the perfect match for me. Efficient and comfortable.

I think Genesis just needs to bite the bullet and separate from Hyundai and get their own network of service centers and dealerships. Can't sell cars if customers aren't confident with the quality and support of a new brand. I'm sure the slight fitment and trim issues can be fixed under warranty, but what's saying something else isn't all jacked up. I rather buy a car that's perfect then breaks, then a car that's already broke. I'd rather have an Acura over Genesis just because the dealership experience would be(and is) better than Hyundai.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by edyvw
It is a shot at BMW 3 series. Hyundai poached bunch of engineers from M division. They did pretty good job for first cut. Longitudinal engine, pushed back for better weight distribution. Heck, they even have manual with LSD in 2.0T.
Now, the problem of course is that, as in review, there are a lot of parts shared with regular Hyundai's, and there is absolute lack of institutional knowledge in building these cars. However, one has to give them credit for trying and building something different. It might be actually pretty decent grab once they depreciate used, and their value will fall off the cliff.


German cars also depreciate pretty well and sometimes seem to fall off a cliff more than the Japanese models. They also tend to list for more money as they tend to have a few more options than the Japanese. So they're actually a better value used. The usual knock on German cars is the great maintenance, however in the aggregate, it doesn't really apply to the individual, it's more of a crap shot, there's a certain probably that the German car could be more reliable than a Japanese one. Some of it you can control by doing DIY repairs or using indy mechanics. But sometimes it basically boils down to the luck of the draw and doing enough research for the year you're considering buying.

 

[TXCarGeek]

My dad has that Genesis and I have an E60 550i. It's interesting comparing the cars because they're mid-size(ish) sedans that are RWD and powered by V8s. Refinement is better in the BMW, but the Genesis is worlds more reliable and is also more efficient despite having more power...the 8 speed certainly helps. Having driven the current G80, that refinement gap was pretty much closed with it's contemporary competitor, the F10 5-Series. Having driven a handful of F10 5-Series, I felt no compelling reason why one would choose an F10 over a second gen Genesis/G80 unless you're a badge snob. I haven't driven a current gen 5-Series however...I'm sure the next gen G80 will not be far off from it.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Wolf359
Originally Posted by edyvw
It is a shot at BMW 3 series. Hyundai poached bunch of engineers from M division. They did pretty good job for first cut. Longitudinal engine, pushed back for better weight distribution. Heck, they even have manual with LSD in 2.0T.
Now, the problem of course is that, as in review, there are a lot of parts shared with regular Hyundai's, and there is absolute lack of institutional knowledge in building these cars. However, one has to give them credit for trying and building something different. It might be actually pretty decent grab once they depreciate used, and their value will fall off the cliff.


German cars also depreciate pretty well and sometimes seem to fall off a cliff more than the Japanese models. They also tend to list for more money as they tend to have a few more options than the Japanese. So they're actually a better value used. The usual knock on German cars is the great maintenance, however in the aggregate, it doesn't really apply to the individual, it's more of a crap shot, there's a certain probably that the German car could be more reliable than a Japanese one. Some of it you can control by doing DIY repairs or using indy mechanics. But sometimes it basically boils down to the luck of the draw and doing enough research for the year you're considering buying.

I agree about depreciation of German cars, but Genesis is new game in the town so, who knows.

 

[PWMDMD]

I'm hopeful for Genesis and they've come a long way in a short time - they have a ways to go IMO. The dealer network and buying and servicing "experience" is going to be a big hurdle. I've driven lots of different brands with my last purchase a Lexus RX 350 - the buying experience was by far the best experience (no haggling, no games, no up selling, gave me more on my trade than I was expecting) and my limited service experience has been excellent too. Considering my Lexus was only a few thousand more than my Honda I can say the experience was totally different.

If Genesis wants to be taken seriously they will need to replicate this experience in dedicated dealerships. I looked at the local Genesis dealership website and they only had anywhere from 1-5 of each model - this is just a Hyundai dealership that sells Genesis cars. How could they possibly have a dedicated dealership when their total inventory of cars at my local dealership is 14?

Genesis also has to really get their upcoming SUVs just right. In my mind all of the sedans were just first attempts to iron out design/engineering/manufacturing - these markets are relatively low volumes and in decline and if Genesis didn't nail it in the end it still had a low risk of hurting the brand. When they release their first SUV it needs to be a real home run if Genesis is ever going to take off!

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Hyundai will get there. The luxury/near-luxury market is very crowded so it's a challenge to carve a niche. As for the quality control issues, that'll get rectified as well. For example about 5-6 yrs ago my wife was looking at an Audi A5 , on the dealer floor no less, when she opened the trunk a trim piece fell off onto the floor.

 

[macarose]

The long-term reliability of the Hyundai Genesis / G70 has improved quite a bit.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/

In general, the interior needs to be kept up a bit more than other luxury vehicles in the same class but overall, the G70 should be a great buy. Especially now that everyone and their dog is shopping for a fashionable Tesla instead.

 

[MCompact]

In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted by MCompact
In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.



Wasn't it until around 2007 or so when VW Group decided to give AUDI a separate dealership from VW?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by MCompact
In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.



Wasn't it until around 2007 or so when VW Group decided to give AUDI a separate dealership from VW?

AFAIK, Audi had separate dealerships as far back as I remember. That was certainly the case when I bought my '01 A4.

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by MCompact
In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.



Wasn't it until around 2007 or so when VW Group decided to give AUDI a separate dealership from VW?


I owned my first VW in 1991 and that was not the case at all of combined dealers in New England.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by MCompact
In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.



Wasn't it until around 2007 or so when VW Group decided to give AUDI a separate dealership from VW?

AFAIK, Audi had separate dealerships as far back as I remember. That was certainly the case when I bought my '01 A4.

Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by MCompact
In the Louisville area the Hyundai dealer has yet to build a stand alone Genesis dealership so the sales/service experience is less than stellar. Nice car, however.



Wasn't it until around 2007 or so when VW Group decided to give AUDI a separate dealership from VW?


I owned my first VW in 1991 and that was not the case at all of combined dealers in New England.



Interesting. Must have been a local thing in my area.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Hyundai will get there.


Unfortunately as the saying goes they only get one chance to make a first impression. The OP had a bad first impression and is letting us know about it, could be someone in the market for that class of car won't bother to look at a Genesis based on this thread.

These aren't Yugos. Genesis should be providing a better experience than their competition and the dealership should either be in the category or not.

 

[Hall]

Sounds like you're judging the dealership more than the car. Even with the (2) problems you saw with the car (bumper and window molding), another dealer might not allow that and would have it fixed on their own.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Sounds like you're judging the dealership more than the car. Even with the (2) problems you saw with the car (bumper and window molding), another dealer might not allow that and would have it fixed on their own.

Dunno about the rest of you, but I buy my cars based on the car, not the dealership.
Unless, that's where you plan on spending most of your time with your new car

I like spending my time behind the wheel!

 

[mclasser]

When I was buying my Elantra, there was a Genesis in the dealer showroom. Really attractive car but I was surprised by the panel gaps. Nothing was misaligned but even my Elantra has tighter gaps than that so-called "luxury" car did.