The redesigned 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan brings a lot of technology to the big luxury car. Designed to compete with the best that the German automakers have to offer, the Genesis brings that level of refinement and safety to a car that starts at $51,500.
We recently had an opportunity to sample the newest version with the desirable V8 engine. We liked what the car had to offer, but were really impressed with the safety technology that comes standard with the V8 version. That technology helped the Genesis earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award. Here’s some of the technology that will help protect you and your family in the event of a crash.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 has lots of standard safety features.
The best way to survive a crash is to not have a crash in the first place. The Genesis comes with radar assisted cruise control. When approaching a slower car with the cruise engaged, the Genesis will slow to the speed of the car in front you and maintain a safe distance. When the car leaves the lane in front of you, the Genesis will resume the set cruising speed. If the car in front comes to a complete stop, the Genesis will stop behind it entirely on its own.
READ: Watch Adaptive Cruise Control in Action
In addition to the cruise control, the car is always looking forward for stopped traffic. If the car senses something in the way, the Genesis will slam on the brakes and stop before hitting the object. This will all occur without driver intervention. This system helped the Genesis score the highest possible grade in IIHS crash testing.
The Genesis scored the highest possible grade in IIHS testing.
The Genesis also comes standard with a lane departure warning system and lane keep assist. This system watches the road ahead and, if you start to drift out of the lane of traffic you are in, the car will alert you and steer the car back into line.
The blind spot warning light is built into the side view mirrors.
Changing lanes is also safer in the Genesis. The car uses radar to check the car’s blind spots and alerts the driver if changing lanes would result in a collision.
Hyundai has also made parking the Genesis easier. Front and rear parking sensors provide an audible alert when the car gets close to an object. A rearview camera makes sure you don’t back into anything or run over a small object or child.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a crash in the Genesis, the car has you covered there. Nine standard airbags help keep you and your passengers safe. The sensors that help prevent a crash also help prepare the car if it knows it’s going to crash. The seatbelts will tighten up in preparation for the impact and the car applies full stopping power.
A 5.0L V8 powers the high-end Genesis.
There are many more details to the Genesis than just the safety. The 5.0L V8 engine makes 420 hp. On the road, that power pushes the Genesis along quite well. An adaptive suspension system absorbs the bumps in the road, making the Genesis feel both smooth and powerful.
The navigation system is assisted by Google.
Infotainment needs are well catered to. The Genesis includes a built-in cellular connection for data services. Hyundai introduced apps and services for this system earlier in the year, but the most useful part of this system is the Google-assisted navigation entry. Being able to use Google to find a point-of-interest or verify an address is a boon to drivers and improves the accuracy of the data.
A spacious cabin fits driver and passengers comfortably.
One final neat feature is the automatic trunk lid. If the keys are in your pocket and you stand behind the trunk for a few seconds, the trunk will automatically open. The driver doesn’t need to press a button on the key fob or kick their foot underneath the rear bumper. The car makes the assumption that, if you’re standing close behind it, you’re probably wanting to open the trunk.
On the Cadillac XTS we recently looked at, the forward collision system with adaptive cruise control and automatic braking was a $2,395 option. The lane keeping package on the Mercedes-Benz E550 rings up at $2,800. Both of these vehicles have a starting price more expensive than the Hyundai Genesis 5.0.
Hyundai wants you to believe that you can have a luxury car from the South Korean automaker that rivals the highest quality German counterparts. Based on price alone, Hyundai has hit the mark. The Genesis also includes Hyundai’s 10-year warranty. Aside from partner company Kia, no other auto maker offers that level of protection. On top of that, the Genesis drives well and impresses with its standard safety features. If you’re looking for a luxury car but don’t care much about the badge on the hood, definitely take the Genesis for spin.
| Motor Review Fast Facts: | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Hyundai |
| Model: | Genesis |
| Trim Package: | 5.0 |
| Fuel Economy: | 15mpg city / 23mpg highway / 18mpg combined |
| Engine: | 5.0 DOHC CVVT V8 |
| Transmission: | 8-speed Automatic |
| Horsepower and Torque: | 420hp and 383lbs/ft |
| Base Price: | $51,500 |
| Price as Tested: | $55,700 |
| Pros: | Most technology standard. Safety. |
| Cons: | Data connection is 3G and not 4G. |
| Final Thoughts: | A safe, affordable luxury sedan from a new contender. |
| Vehicle provided by manufacturer for review. | |