Car Review: 2011 Hyundai Genesis

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2011 Hyundai Genesis header

Hyundai dramatically improved their 2011 lineup with a refined and more powerful Hyundai Genesis. After a week behind the wheel of this gem, we were officially fans. We recently drove the coupe model and were very impressed, so naturally we were interested to see how the sedan stacked up.

Exterior

2011 Hyundai Genesis side

Our test model was metallic titanium gray sporting 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels and from the time you first lay eyes on this sedan you can’t help but admire the overall sleek design. The smooth and silky exterior is dressed to impress with HID xenon adaptive headlights, illuminated door sill plates and a front end that much more expensive autos can only envy. Dogleg rear pillars and the angular body design keep admirers wondering which luxury brand this vehicle belongs to. The chrome accents only increase the appeal of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 and raises expectations when entering the cabin.

Interior

2011 Hyundai Genesis interior

For those of you car fans who haven’t checked out the interior of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6, get ready to smile. This car doesn’t disappoint. A spacious and luxurious interior that is well planned and very comfortable are what the Genesis is about here, folks. Our test model was loaded with ultra-premium jet black leather seating with heated front seats and cooled driver seat. We drove this car in 90-degree heat and intense humidity and, let me tell you, the ventilated cool driver seat was absolutely amazing. It kicked in quickly and cooled your whole body. There is a certain upscale feel in the cabin mostly reserved for much more expensive luxury sedans. With options that included tailored leather wrapped dash and door trim inserts, wood grained trimmed power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and front and rear parking assist with rear camera, the interior leaves little to be desired. A standout Lexicon 17-speaker 7.1 discrete audio system rocked with the crystal clear XM satellite radio and elevated the driving experience.

Performance

2011 Hyundai Genesis rear corner view

The Genesis 4.6 features Hyundai’s 4.6-liter DOHC Tau Aluminum engine V8 with dual CVVT which puts 385 horsepower at your disposal. The drive was both powerful and smooth with the 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. The electro hydraulic power steering was also impressive. Our drivers felt in total control of the road in this true rear wheel drive sports sedan and fuel efficiency was acceptable at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. You have to meet certain criteria to be a true sports sedan and rear wheel drive along with great handling are very important aspects. From our time testing the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6, we would definitely say she is in the true luxury sports sedan club.

Overview

2011 Hyundai Genesis side view

Hyundai took a big gamble when they launched the Genesis under the Hyundai brand rather than establishing a new upscale division. The eyes of the auto universe were very curious as to how they would pull this off. We have yet to drive the Hyundai Equus which will happen soon. At a price tag of $43,035 for a totally loaded V8 Genesis, luxury buyers can stumble into a value purchase without even trying. The only issue we could find with the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 was that the rear seats didn’t fold down for a larger opening from the trunk. If Hyundai can fix this basically small issue and keep refining the Genesis, questions on whether this luxury thing was a smart move will be answered with growing sales figures and happy drivers.

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