Genesis G70 Mid-cycle Refresh Debuts in South Korea

Genesis has been planning a mid-cycle update for the G70 sedan for a while and has been obliging us with previews showing off how good its designers are at their jobs for months. But Hyundai Motor Group recently previewed the model in South Korea to prove that the improvements made went beyond mere aesthetics.

While the split headlamps and updated grille bring the model more in line with other Genesis products, sacrificing a bit of visual menace for a more upscale appearance, technological changes ensure it’s no less capable from a performance standpoint. Next year, the Genesis G70 will receive a new sports+ driving mode that tightens engine and transmission programming to squeeze out every ounce of performance available, a new dynamic AWD system featuring a built-in drift mode, and an exhaust with active valves to make the V6 sound as sweet as possible on demand.

Unfortunately, everything but the new, extra-aggressive driving mode has been isolated to the 3.3-liter V6 with the optional performance bundle. But that doesn’t mean Hyundai has been ignoring its luxury division, quite the contrary. Like most Genesis products improved by the manufacturer over the last few years, all G70s receives a widened 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and upgraded materials (e.g. acoustic glass) to further eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness.

In South Korea, the turbocharged, 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder, 2.2-liter turbodiesel and twin-turbocharged, 3.3-liter (365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque) all carry over. But there’s been a rumor that the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder would replace the 2.0-liter here in North America (offering customers nearly 300 horsepower and around 310 ft-lb). While we can nix that turbodiesel citing precedence, nothing has been confirmed or denied by the manufacturer. We’re also wondering whether the G70’s dual side exhaust tips will make it over to our market when the standard for luxury performance vehicles tends to be dual rear exit.

The majority of the tech improvements offered by Genesis should make it to our shores, however. That includes over-the-air updates for the navigation system, a new valet mode, remote 360-degree view, home connect, phone connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and voice-recognition software you’ll probably never use. There are similarly beefed-up versions of the obligatory safety nannies — collision assist, blind spot warnings, adaptive cruise control with navigation, cross-traffic alerts, etc.

Optional extras include wireless smartphone charging, a built-in dashboard camera, rear-view monitoring, adaptive headlamps, and Hyundai Motor Group’s “digital key” system.

Genesis said the 2022 G70 will go on sale in South Korea first before hitting the international market in 2021. While less specific than we’d like, the manufacturer has previously hinted that the pandemic negatively impacted the model’s production timeline and could continue affecting global supply chains into next year.

[Images: Genesis Motors]