Here is a sad truth: the most powerful, fastest, and most luxurious trim level cars get the most media coverage. Being the best-of-the best is just something that the automotive industry wants to see and with each new “one-up” edition, there seems to be another competitor waiting around the corner. Manufactures scramble to build a flagship to replace their current flagship and even the humble Korean company, Hyundai, has fallen victim to this as the 2012 model year will bring their fastest and most powerful production vehicle yet: the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec. But here is another truth: the R-Spec may be the most expensive Genesis Sedan to date, but it will not be their biggest seller and thus, the other trim levels shouldn’t be overlooked. Case in point is the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan V6.
For the Genesis Sedan, 2011 is the last model year before the in-depth refresh takes place. That refresh will not only birth the 5.0 R-Spec that we sampled not too long ago, but it will also sculpt the base V6 into a different car. But for 2011, Hyundai didn’t forget about its best selling Genesis and has set out to prove that it has what it takes to compete in a incredibly crowded segment. Since its introduction in 2009, the Genesis Sedan has been fighting premium cars such as the Lexus GS, Chrysler 300 and BMW 5 Series and has so far shown that a Korean manufacture actually has what it takes.
In order to experience the most purchased trim level, we sampled the entry level, base Genesis Sedan. Hyundai has been really smart about how they have optioned out their car as a buyer can’t get lost in page after page of available features. There are just a few packages, such as the Premium and Technology that can be added, but the majority of the Sedans are very similar. Our tester, which carried a MSRP of $33,850 including destination charge, is a bargain compared to other base model sports sedans. Featuring items such as heated seats, dual zone climate control, power adjustable seating and Sirius XM satillite radio, it is a well equipped car for the price. For example, a similarly sized and equipped base BMW 528i we tested early went for $53,000.
Because it has to compete with such dynamically impressive cars, the Hyundai is set up rightfully so. The long wheelbase, front engine, rear wheel drive set up is the exact recipe for a successful sport sedan. Under our tester’s hood is the Lambda 3.8 DOHC V6. This in-house built all aluminum unit produces 290 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Using simplistic multi-port fuel injection, the 2011 V6 is plenty powerful for everyday use and revs with ease. Torque is produced low in the rev range, giving the Genesis the ability to not only pass slower traffic, but to actually put a smile on a driver’s face. The engine feels lively and fun and isn’t too hindered by the full size sedan weight. Not a locomotive like the upcoming 5.0 R-Spec, the 2011 V6 will not however get lost in the slow lane.
Behind the 2011 Lambda is the ZF built six speed automatic. Replacing the first year Aisin built six speed, this transmission is so well used that everything from a BMW 7 Series to a Range Rover get assistance from the ZF. The shifts are responsive and only get abrupt when hard, redline gear-changes take place. It isn’t a major issue, but it will be remedied for 2012 as Hyundai has announced all Genesis trim levels will receive their in-house eight speed automatic. Another improvement for 2012 will be more power for the V6 as direct injection is added to make 333 horsepower.
Despite its inevitable fall into the shadows of the upcoming 2012 trim, the 2011 Genesis Sedan doesn’t disappoint. It is made to mask its low entry price and for the most part, it does just that. The exterior is a nice blend of style and aggression that doesn’t go overboard. With a stance that is low and lean, the sedan looks powerful. Multi-spoke wheels and sculpted side skirts give the profile a presence of constant motion and the rear is elegantly subtle. The Genesis Sedan doesn’t stand out in a crowd though and sometimes, a bit more aesthetic muscle is wanted. Some features, like the exhaust tips and rounded bumpers, appear to designed so Hyundai wouldn’t offend anyone. Fortunately, gripes such as these have been listened to as the 2012 body will be lower and sharper.
Inside the cabin is where the Genesis V6 truly shins. For a base model, the technologic goodies are high. Adaptive cruise control and satellite radio, which was not found on the base 528i, are present on the Hyundai. The seats have a refined sense of luxury and the dark brown appointments are absolutely beautiful. It is sad then to see cheap looking switches and buttons meshing with such a wonderful interior. Looking like they were pulled straight from a Sky Mall catalog, the switches for the digital clock are the most bothersome. And when the day turns into night, a bit too much blue made itself present through the interior lighting.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan V6 isn’t perfect, but then again not too many vehicles are. It has its flaws, but the majority of them are easily overlooked and many will be remedied for the 2012 model year. That being said, the 2011 is still a competent car as it is smooth, plenty powerful, fun and comfortable. It is also one of the quietest vehicles that we have tested in a while as road noise never once made itself know inside: no matter what. It is difficult to find a fun-t0-drive premium sedan that manages to be inexpensive and efficient at the same time, but Hyundai seems to have done it. During our time with the V6, we averaged 24 mpg in mixed driving and no other premium brand can match the Hyundai’s standard, 10 year or 100,000 mile full powertrain warranty. Considering the options list for the Genesis reads very similar to a base BMW 528i, it makes little sense that the German costs 20 grand more than the Hyundai. For the price, a buyer will find it difficult to complain about the 2011 Hyundai Genesis V6 as it is quick, comfortable, efficient and well-built. This car is proof that the German flag doesn’t have to be behind a successful sports sedan.
Photos: © Copyright 2011 Ossamah Shabbir
