Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com
Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis is ramping up its competitive attributes with the new 2024 G70 sports sedan to compete on the same playing field as German automakers who continue to elevate fan favorites like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The G70 does everything right including its handling aptitude on tracks as I recently witnessed at APEX Motor Club in Phoenix, Arizona during the national press launch. All boxes from attraction and value to performance and technology have been checked with the Genesis performer. However, there is still work to be done!
The latest rendition of the Korean 4-door sedan leans towards the athletic side of the lineup while instilling some of the hallmarks of the midsize G80 and full-size luxury G90. The G70 continues to evolve with coupe-like features, impressive performance traits, and cockpit satisfaction from intriguing amenities.
To analyze the character traits of the sports sedan, Genesis set up a few motorsports activities at APEX Motor Club, centrally located in the Phoenix metro area of Maricopa. Designed by Motorsports Services International, the luxury facility offers members country club amenities, private garages, and a stellar race circuit featuring more than 4.2 miles of track, 22 hairpin and chicane turns, and a .65-mile straightaway that allowed me to accelerate up to 100 mph in the 3.3L twin turbo V6 G70 during a series of hot laps. With 300 days of sunshine, superlative racing conditions, and idyllic mountain ranges as your backdrop, Phoenix is the ideal location for performance drives.
To understand Genesis on a deeper level, you need to comprehend its heritage and culture. The company’s mantra “SON-NIM” equates to “honored guest.” Everything the automaker curates for customers — from cars and crossovers to culinary and educational platforms — is based on respect, values, and principles. For instance, this balance is implemented within the walls of the Genesis House in Manhattan, NY. The establishment blesses guests with Korean hospitality, a Michelin Guide restaurant serving traditional Korean dishes, a historical library, and tea time as you peruse the tranquil space researching distinctive Genesis brand elements from the product lineup.
The flagship engagement, which is akin to inviting friends into your home for brunch, has been inherited by Genesis retailers. Unlike a typical dealership, customers will receive a seamless and personalized visit and can tap into the Genesis Concierge for scheduling test drives. The network is expanding, like Genesis of Cherry Hill, the first dedicated location in the Philadelphia metro area. Genesis has opened 11 stores thus far with over 100 in the game plan.
When I last drove the previous G70 everyone who came within proximity was intrigued by its desirable styling and gorgeous interior. Impressively, the G70 is the company’s highest-volume sedan and represented 19% of total 2023 sales. The 2024 model expands where the 2023 model left off. The G70 is menacing with its elongated hood, darkened crest grille and lower mesh grille, LED quad headlights and taillights, large lower intakes, dual oval exhaust tips, standard 19” alloy rims, a curved rear deck spoiler, red Brembo brake calipers, and functional fender cutouts to reduce turbulence in the wheel wells. Interested parties can choose from ten expressions including four new hues such as Cavendish Red and Kawah Blue. Ideologically, you can cross-shop the G70 with Lexus, Acura, INFINITI, Jaguar, Volvo, and Cadillac, but I wouldn’t put them head-to-head with the Germans just yet.
“The 2024 G70 strikes the perfect balance between performance and comfort,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “The standard 300 HP engine and high-performance Brembo brakes offer an even more dynamic driving experience, while the refreshed interior cabin provides a heightened sense of serenity. We can’t wait for customers to experience the newly enhanced G70.”
Offered with two engines, the G70 is most advanced when paired with the venerable 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 distributing 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,300 rpm. For reasons unknown Genesis did not increase the power from the previous G70. We put the vehicle through its paces on the track and along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance rubber it performed honorably. Steering is taut and compliant and paddle shifters for the 8-speed automatic transmission allow added control. We drove the RWDs on the circuit, but the sophisticated AWD with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control and available Drift Mode is my preferred choice. I powered through turns and down the straightaway like a consumer version of an IMSA racecar but with much more comfort. A Limited-Slip Differential is available as is the Electronically Controlled Suspension. With the 3.3L RWD, expect 18 city and 27 highway mpg and a starting MSRP of $49,950.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder is your intro option and sees an increase of 48 horsepower for a 300 horsepower total. The Korean sports sedan is still feisty with grabby brakes. Moreover, the positive autocross runs were a testament to the vehicle’s respected acceleration, braking, steering, and balanced weight transfer. Drive Mode Select allows you to engage the car in various settings like Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. Immediately when you switch to Sport mode the seat bolsters squeeze your ribs in preparation for exhilaration. Sport + will turn off traction control so please remain cognizant of your environment. Next, Genesis needs to work on a plan for specific performance models like Audi’s S and RS lines and Cadillac’s V-series. With the 2.5L RWD, expect 21 city and 29 highway mpg and a starting MSRP of $41,500.
Inside, the Korean cockpit feels dynamic and mature beyond its years. The 10.25″ infotainment display with navigation inherits cloud-based profiles and over-the-air updating. The interior also features a color Heads-Up Display, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging pad, alloy pedals, aluminum trim patterns, an expansive sunroof, and the 15-speaker Lexicon premium sound system. The steering wheel is designed with thumbprint indentations for aggressive cornering but needs to be thicker. All passengers will undoubtedly enjoy the diamond-stitched Nappa leather seating.
Perks of owning a G70 include a complimentary 3-year subscription to Service Valet, Genesis Connected Services, a 10-year powertrain warranty, and a 5-year new vehicle warranty. Some safety features consist of Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
The new 2024 Genesis G70 provokes the senses in every manner possible for an all-inclusive owner experience. Are you ready for a distinctly Korean sports sedan?
