At first glance you may not recognize the Hyundai Genesis 2009 is actually a Hyundai. However it is a Hyundai and it is sheer luxury. This is the South Korean automaker’s first car with a V-8 and rear-wheel drive and it is ready to take on luxury sedans from Japan, Europe and America.
Since entering the scene in the 1980s Hyundai has came a very long ways. The Genesis competes against models such as the Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES and Chrysler 300. But Hyundai says it “benchmarked” cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M and Lexus GS when developing the Genesis.
The 290-horsepower V-6 model lists at $32,250, while the $37,250 model has a smooth, sophisticated V-8 that provides 375 horsepower with premium-grade fuel and 368 horsepower using unleaded gasoline.
In terms of traditional luxury branding “Image” approaches it will be interesting to see how Hyundai will sustain in the luxury market.
Let me be the first to say, welcome to the luxury market Hyundai Genesis 2009! I am completely sold.