#NYIAS: Genesis Turns Up The HEAT With Its All-new G70 — Should The 3-Series/A4/C-Class Rest Easy?

#NYIAS: Genesis Turns Up The HEAT With Its All-new G70 — Should The 3-Series/A4/C-Class Rest Easy?
Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis, has been very interesting to watch over the past handful of years. Although we're sure there's going to be a lot of noise about the surprise halo car concept it brought to the 2018 New York Auto Show, we were a bit more concerned with the all-new production vehicle it displayed.

That's because we're a bit mixed over it.

New York Auto Show

Because of this, we wanted to consult the Spies for their thoughts. Given the tastes of our audience, we know we'll get the most real and straightforward commentary. So, let it rip.

The G70 is a sport sedan that's aiming to take on the biggest and best in this segment. This, of course, includes the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Also keep in mind the Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50 and Alfa Romeo Giulia.

So, what say you, Spies? Do the BIG guns have anything to worry about or should they kick back and rest easy? Also keep in mind that this segment's shoppers are very keen on branding and their peers' perspective.


New York Auto Show




















































































cidflekkencidflekken - 3/31/2018 12:33:46 AM
+1 Boost
The 3/C/A4 have little to be concerned with. The IS/TLX/Q50 should definitely be watching their backs.


F1_DriverF1_Driver - 3/31/2018 5:53:05 AM
+3 Boost
That's what they said about the Kia Stinger and how are Stinger sales? Highly doubt anyone in their right mind would pay a premium for a non-premium car.


F1_DriverF1_Driver - 3/31/2018 3:20:13 PM
+5 Boost
February 2018 Sales:

3 Series 4,255
C-Class 3,947
Q50 3,904
TLX 2,744
A4 2,331
IS 1,524
Stinger 1,344

As you can read, the Kia Stinker ... I mean Stinger isn't doing too well considering it's a brand new model that's been on sale since November 2017.


cidflekkencidflekken - 3/31/2018 3:32:48 PM
+1 Boost
Well, in fairness, the Stinger is a Kia. This one at least has a "premium" nameplate and the G80 has a solid reputation, while not being a major seller.


jameswisrikjameswisrik - 4/2/2018 8:16:17 AM
-3 Boost
Not a Genesis fan...but I would buy it over any German POS. IF the engine comes on every morning and gets you to point B- the Gerneric Germans should be very worried. German Dna and Heritage is to build POS and market it very well to the badge whores


TheSteveTheSteve - 3/31/2018 12:51:19 AM
+1 Boost
I'm not a cross-stitching fan, but the look of this car would make me curious enough to investigate it more closely. Is it a truly upscale car, of just a dressed-up cheapy?


Agent00RAgent00R - 3/31/2018 9:36:34 AM
-2 Boost
I didn't spend enough time inside it to judge. Hopefully we'll have one for testing once it hits the fleet.

I think if it drives killer it could give people something to consider. People made fun of the original Genesis sedan but it did a lot of nice work and made people rethink luxury.

I was super impressed with the G90 and if the G70 does the sporty thing right — like the G90 did luxury right — I think the IS/TLX/Q50 are prime targets. I think the German trio are harder to unseat due to their brand equity and certain particular strengths in each vehicle.


TomMTomM - 3/31/2018 7:15:51 PM
+1 Boost
AS you know 00R - at this level - the "Brand" of vehicle may be just as important as anything else - in an area where PRESTIGE counts.

Just as there were people who did not want to be seen in a cheaper Premium car - when Lexus came out- the same would be here. Genesis - no matter how you take it - has NO prestige - so it will sell to the Wannabes who don't quite have enough money. It won't sell to the "haves" - they want the real thing.

There are a lot of lesser wannabe cars out there that can compete on performance with BMW and Mercedes - especially the Higher line products of a model. THAT is not what Premium buyers are looking for - or they could get the same with a Mondeo ! Prestige - on the other hand - takes time - Lexus - because its big sellers are really Toyotas - never quite attained the top level of premium status - neither did Infinti - or Volvo- or Audi -all of which should have been 2nd tier Premiums - along with Buick and Citroen DS.


cidflekkencidflekken - 3/31/2018 1:39:43 AM
+4 Boost
Why are there shots of the seatbelt connection?


Vette71Vette71 - 3/31/2018 9:17:40 AM
+6 Boost
They look cheap.


carloslassitercarloslassiter - 3/31/2018 7:03:57 AM
+2 Boost
Not red enough.


llaroollaroo - 3/31/2018 9:19:26 AM
+4 Boost
looks more like an Alfa Romero Gulia to me, don't like either


Agent00RAgent00R - 3/31/2018 10:56:40 AM
+1 Boost
I agree.

I am reading A LOT of Giulia in the G70's design.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 3/31/2018 10:00:04 AM
0 Boost
Looks pretty good although I would get rid of the giant front fender vent.


TruthyTruthy - 3/31/2018 10:52:10 AM
0 Boost
It looks great and seeing that it is based on the Stinger architecture should drive well. I have read a few reviews that are very positive. They also comment on how quiet the car is. They do not have to beat the Germans to be successful.
However, you have to ask your self what are you getting for the substantial premium you are paying? Higher maintenance costs? Higher insurance premiums? Faster depreciation?


countguycountguy - 3/31/2018 12:30:40 PM
+5 Boost
lmao, no. They may get some sales from buick, lincoln, Acura and maybe Dodge/Chevy.


MDarringerMDarringer - 3/31/2018 3:59:44 PM
-5 Boost
The Kona and the new Santa Fe will take care of that.


MDarringerMDarringer - 3/31/2018 3:59:11 PM
-7 Boost
If this and the Stinger came with the high-end engine in the base model, they both would fly off the lots. Being as good as the Germans is not how to win. Being better is how to win. The one big way Hyundai can win is value. The Stinger is a value but not enough of a value to be truly compelling to dissuade BMW/Audi/Mercedes owners. If the G70 had a rumbly V8 under the hood, the muscle car crowd would give it the time of day.


mplsmpls - 3/31/2018 4:28:32 PM
+3 Boost
Peugeot and mercedes called to ask for their rear end back..
and the front .. everyone else ..


scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 3/31/2018 6:06:38 PM
+8 Boost
This is one of the most derivative cars I have ever seen.


carsnyccarsnyc - 3/31/2018 8:57:27 PM
+7 Boost
The photos of the seatbelt connector say it all. What a missed opportunity this car is for Hy/ Genesis.


focalfocal - 4/3/2018 10:03:06 AM
0 Boost
I really like this car. The 2.0T an the 3.3L engines. Especially the lighter 2.0T sport. It's going to be a great value in getting a RWD manual sedan. Just nothing like this available anymore here in Canada. FYI I drive a BMW RWD F30 328i manual (4 cyl turbo also). The interior of the G70 definitely is leaps above my car.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC