SPIED: Hyundai's Premium Brand, Genesis, Continues Its Expansion With A 3-Series Competitor That MAY Look Killer

When it comes to all-new concepts that blow our doors off, it's pretty few and far between. Not to sound like a snob but, frankly, a lot of the latest and greatest concept vehicles aren't mind bending like they use to be.

Creativity, innovation and sex appeal is hard to come by in one package. Yet, Hyundai's premium brand managed to accomplish that with the all-new concept it displayed at this year's 2016 New York Auto Show. Simply put, we loved every bit and piece of it.

Well, now the concept is making its transition to reality. While we doubt the concept will remain largely intact, we do believe if there's a good chunk of the concept's DNA in the auto's styling, it may stand a chance to lure buyers.

Dubbed the G70 it is slated to go head-to-head with the likes of the Lexus ES/IS, Infiniti Q50, Jaguar XE, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

After leafing through the flurry of spy shots snapped by Brian Williams' crew, to me it looks more like a Mazda 6 than anything else at this stage. Obviously it's camouflaged quite a bit but there's some telling bits and pieces here and there.

**SEE the FULL collection of spy shots, below, by clicking "Read Article."

As a refresher, scope out the concept Hyundai brought to New York, below.




















































































Read Article

MDarringer - 8/30/2016 10:49:52 PM

-7 Boost

Bold prediction: Genesis will target the 3 Series better than Jaguar or Alfa.

SanJoseDriver - 8/30/2016 11:39:18 PM

-1 Boost

Slick design. Hope what they eventually bring to market will resemble this concept.

valhallakey - 8/31/2016 1:02:28 AM

-1 Boost

Agreed, this is one of the better concept cars with styling that could be a production vehicle and not be passé in a year or two. As for competing with BMW on all levels, it would take a great team of engineers AND development drivers to get all the little things right...steering feel, the interaction and placement of all the critical controls, throttle feel/travel etc... This is where companies like BMW and Porsche have years of experience racing and producing road cars that have that extra something that swoons enthusiasts. Lexus has been trying but they just are not there yet. A more robust racing program would probably help them get to that next level but as it is, they just are not there yet in my opinion. Will be interesting to see if Genesis can leapfrog all that real world experience.

MDarringer - 8/31/2016 8:17:48 AM

-4 Boost

Given how BMW has greatly watered down the BMW "experience" most notably with softer ride and terrible steering, closing the gap is easier especially when the supposed benchmark is off game.

The advantage that Lexus and Genesis have is that in once crucial way they operate like a mainstream Toyota or Hyundai respectively: reliability.

PUGPROUD - 8/31/2016 5:36:27 AM

-2 Boost

Wake up BMW they are coming for you with designs that stir passion, inspiration and a gotta own one desire. Your conservative stodgy style for the past couple decades is going to cost you sales, big time. To many BMW owners, particularly the ones who cannot tell front from rear wheel drive, The Ultimate Driving Machine means nothing to them. Cost and being seen do and they will go for these cars if they look anything like this concept. It will be cool to be seen in one..."This is not your father's BMW" should be Hyundai's ad tag line.

valhallakey - 8/31/2016 8:20:54 AM

+1 Boost

I remember similar thoughts about the Lexus IS series and the Infinity G3X models... It is more than styling, let's see hat Genisis can bring to the table.

cidflekken - 8/31/2016 3:36:47 PM

+2 Boost

At your local Hyundai dealer.

W208 - 8/31/2016 10:34:19 AM

+2 Boost

If you're calling that a 3-series competitor, you're giving the 3-series waaaay too much credit.

cidflekken - 8/31/2016 11:56:03 AM

+3 Boost

So...did any of you bother to open the actual article and see the (supposed) test car? It almost appears to have nothing in common with the concept. It looks (shocker!!) like Genesis stole the design sheets for the Acura TLX and Lexus ES, but only 3-4 years too late.

monopoly1 - 8/31/2016 5:57:31 PM

+2 Boost

This is one of the many dumb miscalculations being made by Hyundai & it's Genesis brand. Instead of focusing on a small, entry level luxury model, Genesis should strictly concentrate on developing a CUV/SUV lineup first & foremost to garner more sales which in turn will bring more attention & awareness to the brand itself.

MorePower - 8/31/2016 11:57:23 PM

+2 Boost

Curved electronic dash looks interesting . . .

it needs a shroud/hood.

MorePower - 8/31/2016 11:58:12 PM

+2 Boost

It will probably be a LG or Samsung sourced oled