The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been officially revealed, showcasing the Korean brand's most ambitious car yet.
Hyundai unveiled its second-generation four-door Genesis in the capital of Seoul, stating bold intentions to initiate a global fight against European premium rivals that will include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Hyundai Genesis sedan is being considered for Australia, to join the Genesis Coupe due in 2015, as the brand continues to advance its market image.
Technology for the sedan, which was caught undisguised recently, includes active safety systems such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning, head up display, radar-controlled cruise and automatic emergency braking.
Inside, the central dash is dominated by a 9.2-inch touchscreen, and there's a rotary menu controller dial on the console.That's one of a few interior areas hinting at a BMW design influence, with the climate and audio control sections another.There's also an uncanny exterior resemblance to the 5 Series – especially from the profile view.
The new Hyundai Genesis seems to mimic the 5's long and low bonnet with a bluff front end, the metal-to-glass ratio is similar, and the Korean luxury car appears to have a sharper interpretation of BMW's Hofmeister Kick – where the side glass intersects with the rear quarter panel.
There are fewer creases in the sheetmetal compared to most other Hyundai models. The Genesis features the second iteration of the company's 'fluidic sculpture' design language, which has a smoother, more restrained look that is expected to transfer to other next-generation Hyundais.That also applies to the bold, new hexagonal grille that makes a statement at the front of the Genesis.
The Genesis falls 10mm short of five metres in length, with a width of 1890mm. The wheelbase has been stretched by 75mm to 3010mm to help create what Hyundai claims is class-leading cabin space.V6 and V8 engines carry over from the model launched in 2008 but with enhancements.
They will generally power the rear wheels, though the Genesis will also be available with Hyundai's new HTRAC all-wheel-drive system.
Other developments for the Hyundai Genesis include a new multi-link rear suspension and a stiffer body construction.
Hyundai plans to sell 62,000 Genesis sedans annually, split almost evenly between its domestic and overseas markets.
