2019 Genesis G70 — The Genius of the G70

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 26, 2018) Genesis Motors, the luxury car division of Korean auto giant Hyundai, started in 2015 as a stand-alone brand, primarily designed to compete against European luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, not unlike Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti divisions.


Launched with just two large executive-style vehicles — G80 and G90 — Genesis now adds the smaller, entry-level G70. It’s a supremely credible challenger to established German sport sedans like Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class.

G70 is available with either a 2.0-liter, 252-horsepower inline four-cylinder, or a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V-6, with standard rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel-drive as a $2,000 option. Our test car was the V-6, whose power is delivered through an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission, running on 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.

G70 is gorgeously styled with muscularly taut lines, a short front overhang, long wheelbase, and a pushed back cabin. Most noticeable is the large diamond-latticed grille flanked by thin LED running lamps.

Inside, attention to luxurious detail and materials belie the G70’s price tag. Front seats are supremely comfortable, with stitched, quilted Nappa leather, even on the instrument panel. All switchgear and trim is real metal with a tacit look and feel.  

On the road, we fell in love with how the G70 drove and performed. Power is instantaneous, with easy to activate launch control. It gets from zero to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. Drivers can select numerous drive modes with just a twist of a knob. The chassis is solid, refined, and when pressed meets or exceeds the high standards that reign in this class of cars. Huge Brembo® brakes are the best in the world.

After a week of testing, my impression is that G70 completely lives up to its critical acclaim: 2019 Motor Trend Car of the Year, excellent ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and others. It has everything competitors offer and more, for thousands less. Now, it just has to be discovered by those who aren’t familiar with the Genesis badge.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $34,900 - $43,750
Price as Tested: $48,995
Fuel Economy: 18-MPG City – 26-MPG Highway 21-MPG Combined
Engine: 3.3-liter 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission
Seating: 5

Where Built: Ulsan, Korea

Crash Test Results: The Genesis G70 earned the highest possible rating of “2019 Top Safety Pick+” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti Q50
Jaguar XE
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Fab Features
Powerful engine and acceleration
Superb handling and agility yet comfortable ride
Elegant interior and design