Hyundai Releases Pricing Info on Genesis Lux Sedan
The rear wheel-drive Genesis sedan is Hyundai's first foray into the luxury car market. We brought you in-person pictures back in March at the NY Auto Show. Now, Hyundai has released the pricing info. For $33k you can get yourself a V6 model with a very healthy 290 horses and six speed autobox packing the usual luxury toys like dual climate control and heated leather seats (ahem, BMW, leatherette). Jumping to the big boy 4.6-liter V8 will cost you another $5k. In addition to the 375 horsepower monster up front, you get a better six speed autobox (ZF this time around), "ultra-premium" leather seats, leather all over the dash, a higher end sound system, and more useless but marketing-necessary toys. Three ways to look at these prices: first, the V6 model is right on point with cars like the Infiniti G35, although you can guarantee they will drive 100 percent differently. And we can't leave out the $32k completely unluxury Pontiac G8 GT. Alternatively, consider the value of the Genesis over a BMW 5-Series, whose 230 hp 528i starts at over $44k. Finally, just for kicks, let's look at things in historical perspective: in 1990, the Lexus LS400 had a sticker of $35k.
Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.
More by Justin Berkowitz
Comments
Join the conversation
I disagree whatdoiknow1, the people this car may swoon don't want outstanding style like the 300C has in spades. They just want a supreme wafting car to coddle them. The market that GM abandoned with the death of the Park Avenue and that Ford lost with the death of the Lincoln Town Car and Ford/Mercury RWD twins. It wouldn't surprise me to see these springing up in Sun City or parked at all-you-can-eat buffets with vinyl roofs and wheelchair caddies on the back.
Yeah, but the BMW and Infinity (G35) are available with stick-shift--the best way to legally have fun in a car on public roads.
With the terrible experience I've had my with 2004 Elantra (admittedly a cheap car), I don't think I could find myself spending nearly $40,000 on this brand again. Had I spent more than 11K on this car, I think I would be more angry with the fact that the car feels and drives twice its age and mileage. Every time I get in the car I'm reminded of why I paid so little, something that is not readily apparent on the showroom floor or during a test drive. Here's hoping Hyundai has made strides in material quality and reliability to justify Lexus pricing.
Hyundai claimed it would have cost them about $2.5 billion to launch a new brand channel, so I can understand their reluctance. Still, it'll hurt them, not only in badge cachet, but in customer experience. One of the 'intangibles' that sways people to the premium brands is that they don't like having to stand in line for service with Corolla and Sentra owners, especially if it means they don't get a free loaner car or gourmet coffee. And if dealers offer that service to Genesis owners, but not Elantra/Accent drivers, it's really going to make their lower-end customers feel burned -- not an area where Hyundai needs any help.