Hyundai updates the Genesis Sedan with a powerful 5.0-liter engine and an R-Spec package that boosts the handling to match.
Antuan Goodwin
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Hyundai's Genesis sedan gets the R-Spec treatment to match its Coupe cousin. However, the changes that come with that "R" badge are more subtle this time out.
The Genesis may be the most derivative of all of Hyundai's current models, obviously echoing many of the design cues established by Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. If you're going to copy, then copy the best.
This was our first outing with the new 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Power was good at 429 horsepower, but the sound this direct-injected mill made at full bore was decidedly unrefined.
The R-Spec model features a unique suspension tune that's more performance oriented than the standard setup. All Genesis sedans feature SACHS Amplitude Damping Shock Absorbers, but no adaptive suspension option.
It may be sharper than your average Genesis and its numbers look good on paper, but the 5.0 R-Spec's performance paled in comparison to that of the latest Lexus LS 460. Mostly this is due to the eight-speed automatic transmission's lack of a sport program.
The R-Spec features unique 19-inch wheels with a more aggressive look, but the tires aren't any wider than the stock rubber (235-width). Slightly wider (245-width), stickier summer meat is available as an option.
Compared with the rest of Hyundai's line, the Genesis' cabin is a massive step up in quality. However, it's not hard to see where the automaker has cut corners to keep the price down -- particularly when compared with other luxury sedans.
For example, the leather-wrapped steering wheel's central hub is made of the same dull plastic that we'd expect to see in a Hyundai Accent. You'd think Hyundai would invest in better materials here, directly in the driver's line of sight.
The nicest bit of the Genesis' interior is the controller for the infotainment system. This metallic control knob has a nice heavy feel and is flanked by a bank of buttons that makes the rest of the interior look cheap by comparison.
The navigation system is simple, but effective. Traffic data is provided by the standard SiriusXM satellite connection, but our tester's trial subscription had lapsed.
HD Radio is included on the Genesis' list of standard audio sources, which is nice for terrestrial radio fans. Bluetooth audio streaming is not, which is very bad for non-iPhone, smartphone users.
The Genesis 5.0 R-Spec package is mostly an appearance and badge job, not really offering much difference in performance over the standard Genesis sedan. Manage your expectations, and you'll find that it can also be a fantastic value.
