Hyundai expands its luxury portfolio with Genesis G70

The Genesis brand gets its third model, which aims to crack the luxury sports saloon segment.

Hyundai has been audaciously foraying into newer territories of late. The Korean company, which consisted of Hyundai and Kia marquees initially, expanded its boundaries with the announcement of N Performance sub-brand in 2013, followed by Genesis luxury division in 2015.

Genesis, which for now only operates in Korea and North America, has been steadily gaining sales momentum in its target markets, and therefore gradually broadening its product offensive. The latest product from Genesis - the G70, is a crucial model in the company’s lineup - because it wants to establish itself in the crowded luxury sports saloon market.

On the outside, the G70 echoes Genesis’ characteristic design language - which itself is an amalgam of various design elements inspired by the competition. The long bonnet and short front overhang grant a dynamic profile to the G70, which is further accompanied by dark chrome aero trim, pronounced air intakes, and parabolic sidelines. At the rear, the LED combination lamps are a departure from the Mercedes-like tail lights seen on bigger Genesis saloons.   

Inside, there is Bentley inspired quilted diamond-stitch leather on seats and door trims. The cockpit looks like a sportier version of the one on flagship Genesis G90, thus clearly indicating the interior design theme that Genesis wants its entire range to reflect. The cabin of the G70 can be customised with an option of five colour schemes.  

Genesis is prioritising driver involvement with the G70. This new sports saloon gets the same engine options as the recently launched Kia Stinger. In fact, it is also based on the same platform. However, the G70’s wheelbase is purposely shorter than that of the Kia - to avoid overlapping with the bigger G80 in Genesis’ lineup.

The G70 will be offered with a choice of three powertrains. The base petrol is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that makes 250bhp and 353Nm. The Korean carmaker has been generous enough to offer enthusiasts a V6 option as well - a 3.3-litre unit producing 368 horses and 510Nm of max torque. This V6 will be offered in the G70 Sport version.

While the Genesis brand is not operational in Europe yet, it might change by the end of 2018 - as Hyundai is keen to enter that market. And to succeed in the European premium car market - a diesel engine is mandatory. Hyundai, therefore, is offering a 2.2-litre oil-burner unit from day one. This motor makes 200bhp and 440Nm. All engines are mated to an indigenously developed 8-speed torque converter gearbox, while the base petrol will also get an option of a 6-speed manual.

The Genesis G70 will compete in a vast segment globally, that notably includes BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Alfa Romeo Guilia, Volvo S60, among many others. The Genesis brand is unlikely to make it to India in the foreseeable future.