2020 Genesis G70 Review
Price as tested: $51,000
Specs: 3.3 Liter Twin Turbo V6
365 HP / 376 TQ
0-60: 4.5 Seconds
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
So I’m pretty sure I’m the last person left on the planet to drive a G70. So at this point, you have read everyone and their mother’s opinion on it. So what is left to say? Well not a lot but damnit to hell I’m going try anyway.
As far as automotive punditry is concerned, this is the most important car that Genesis will ever create. It will be their defining moment in blah blah blah. I’m sorry…to quote my Georgia upbringing here…it ain’t. Oh it’s very good but it isn’t going to make or break the brand. Why? Because it is 2020 right now and what makes or breaks an automotive brand is a three row crossover. So the real key to Genesis future lies in the GV80.
So why do I bring that up? Because if you frame the G70 in a different light, a light doesn’t have the burden of carrying an entire brand’s future on it’s back, then you lower that insane expectation. The G70 is good…hell it’s VERY good but it’s not a flagship vehicle. It wasn’t meant to be. It was and is meant to be a fun, fast, good looking and affordable sports sedan. With that expectation it lives up to the hype!
There is a bit of school magic in the G70. There is a bit of analog to it’s feel and dynamics that isn’t found in it’s competitors. It’s a bit rough around the edges, a bit raw but with a whole lot of soul and personality. It reminds me of a great another vehicle that set the world ablaze with its dynamics, looks and price. I’ll get to that vehicle at the end but this G70 is it’s spiritual successor.
Let’s go ahead and break it down:
The Great:
This engine. The 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 is a torquey, wonderfully fun power plant. Gobs of power, diesel like torque down low and smooth as well.
The chassis has superb balance and great steering feel. Combine that with a brilliantly tuned LSD, you have a ready, willing and able dance partner in the twisties.
The Good:
Cabin aesthetic does a pretty damn good impression of an Audi interior, from the quilted seats, to the dash layout to the look of the gauges…you would be hard pressed to tell the visual difference. Which all makes sense, considering the CEO of Genesis US is from Audi.
The Bad:
Unfortunately if you start touching said interior you can tell the difference. There is always a certain je ne sais quoi to any Genesis interior that lacks that ultimate feeling of richness found in it’s German and Lexus competitors.
Case in point, there is play (loose movement) in the knobs, switchgear and buttons along with a lack of weight which combined…just doesn’t feel that premium compared to the Germans or a Lexus.
Let me put it another way…the Genesis G70 occupies a perfect middle ground in the segment. The interior is a significant step up from anything Acura and Infiniti has to offer but it’s not quite as nice as the Germans or a Lexus. But with a more approachable price point than either, it’s the goldilocks.
The Ugly:
Brake feel is like stepping on a damp sponge. Nothing but squish the first 30-40% of travel. So needless to say, doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
The transmission is also just a step behind the rest of the field. It’s slower on upshifts, slower on downshifts and doesn’t have that rapid fire smoothness found in a ZF unit. Does it ruin the drive on the G70? Almost. It’s a story of ignorance is bliss. If you don’t test drive a S4 or a 3 series, then it’s a solid unit.
The Overall:
So at the beginning, I said the Genesis G70 reminds me of a great late Japanese sport sedan. That sedan…was the beloved G37. When it came out, it offered stunning performance and looks at a price point that the Germans could only dream about. Infiniti screwed up the successor to the G with the Q50 but this Genesis G70 feels like it’s kin. Superb dynamics, great steering, dynamite engine and at an excellent price point.
