Skip to main content

2019 Genesis G70 luxury sedan has the BMW 3 Series in its sights

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand established its footing with the G80 and G90 sedans, but now the real challenge begins. Genesis is taking on the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a smaller sedan.

The 2019 Genesis G70 launched in its home market of South Korea late last year, but its first appearance on this side of the Pacific is at the 2018 New York Auto Show. Like the German luxury brands Genesis aims to match, the G70 takes elements from its larger siblings and applies them to a more compact package. But will that be enough to make this Korean upstart stand out in an already crowded segment?

While it bears a familial resemblance to the G80 and G90, the G70 is a bit more stylish than those conservative-looking sedans. Genesis’ massive Audi-like grille is present, but the entire front fascia is aggressively folded and creased, almost like the car is squinting and wrinkling its face in an attempt to look intimidating. The G70 sports appealing long-hood, short-rear-deck proportions, while at the back big exhaust outlets and curled trunk lid try to convey sportiness.

U.S. G70 buyers get a choice of two gasoline engines. A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder produces 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while an available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. The V6 G70 is the quicker of the two, doing 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, according to Genesis. That engine is shared with the G90 and G80 Sport, as well as the Kia Stinger, which also rides on the same basic platform as the G70. As in those cars, the G70 gets standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Showing that it knows its target audience well, Genesis will offer a six-speed manual transmission on the G70. Considering that many other performance-oriented cars are shifting to automatics, it’s a major coup for driving enthusiasts. Granted, the manual can only be had in base 2.0-liter models with rear-wheel drive. If you want the V6 or all-wheel drive, you’ll have to settle for an eight-speed automatic.

On the inside, the G70 sports a clean-looking dashboard, marred only by an infotainment screen that seems to have been tacked on as an afterthought. The system that 8.0-inch screen is attached to supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, at least, as well as Amazon Alexa connectivity. The G70 also gets a host of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and  forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking.

The 2019 Genesis G70 goes on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

Update: Added U.S. specs and live photos

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?
Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Read more
Scout Motors Electric SUV: rumored price, release date, design, and more
Scout SUV Teaser

There's another electric SUV on the way, and this one comes with a familiar name. Volkswagen is reviving the classic Scout name for a new electric SUV that's billed as being an "RUV," or a rugged utility vehicle. And, it could well prove itself as the best electric SUV in its price range, when it does finally come out.

The new EV isn't due out for quite some time, but there's already a fair bit that we know about it. Curious to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Scout SUV.
Design
There's very little we actually know about the Scout SUV so far, but we do know a little about the eventual design. A few teasers for the upcoming vehicle have been released, showing sketches of both the SUV and the accompanying pickup truck, along with what's presumably the front of the SUV -- though in a dark environment, with little detail.

Read more
Volkswagen ID.GTI concept is another icon reimagined as an EV
Front three quarter view of the Volkswagen ID.GTI concept.

Volkswagen reinvented one of its most iconic models with the ID.Buzz, a modern, all-electric homage to the classic Microbus. But that's not the only fan favorite vehicle currently in the automaker's catalog.

Debuting at the 2023 Munich Auto Show, the Volkswagen ID.GTI concept aims to do for the Golf GTI hot hatchback — VW's signature performance car — what the ID.Buzz did for the Microbus. VW claims a production version has already been given the green light, although it won't say when it will appear.

Read more