Mike's Car Review: The 2019 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Dynamic Edition

2019 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Dynamic Edition

About ten years ago, I started writing that Korean cars---Hyundai and Kia---were roaring up in the rearview mirrors of the established Japanese automakers---Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda---and would soon be as just as solid a choice to buy. That came true. Now, it's the Europeans' turn to worry.

Hyundai's luxury-sport wing, Genesis, has just introduced its first true sport sedan, the G70. And I just finished a week driving the highest-performance version, the G70 3.3T Dynamic Edition.

Genesis G70 3.3T RWD Dynamic Edition engine

Powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 365 horsepower, with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters and rev-matching software, the G70 3.3T can get from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. That is only one-tenth of a second slower than the BMW M340i I told you about a week ago.

2019 Genesis G70 3.3T RWD Dynamic Edition

None of that is by chance. Genesis benchmarked the 3-series when designing the G70. The dimensions of the two cars are within just a hair of each other.

The G70 is a cousin of the Kia Stinger, but shorter and tighter, with a trunk rather than a hatchback and meant to be more luxurious without diluting the sport. And again, that combination is what puts the BMW 3-series squarely in the G70's crosshairs. The base model takes on the 330i. The 3.3T is aimed straight at the M340i.

While I praised the M340i's "bank vault" solidity and still find it appealing, the G70 feels every bit as planted on a winding road, but also more nimble.

The other advantage the G70 3.3T Dynamic Edition has is price. $50,250 is where it begins and ends. There are no options. The M340i begins at an even $54,000 and the one we drove ended up, after options, at $67,070.

2019 Genesis G70 3.3T RWD Dynamic Edition

Here's what you get for your $50,250 in the G70 3.3T Dynamic Edition:

  • Drive mode select with Custom mode setting.
  • Vehicle stability management.
  • ESC with traction control and brake assist.
  • Blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning.
  • Lane-keeping assist.
  • Driver attention warning.
  • Surround-view monitor.
  • Rearview camera with parking guidelines.
  • Parking distance warning.
  • High-beam assist.
  • Hill start assist control.
  • Brembo braking system with performance brake pads.
  • Rack-mounted motor-driven power steering with variable gear ratio.
  • Electronically controlled sport suspension.
  • Limited-slip differential.
  • 19-inch sport alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires.
  • Dual muffler exhaust.
  • Proximity key with pushbutton start.
  • Automatic full LED headlights and LED taillights.
  • Low-beam assist.
  • LED daytime running lights.
  • Heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators.
  • Power-folding auto-dimming outside mirrors.
  • Auto-dimming inside rear view mirror with HomeLink.
  • Wide sunroof.
  • Microfiber suede headliner.
  • Black Nappa leather seating surfaces with sport quilting and contrast stitching.
  • 16-way power driver's seat including four-way lumbar.
  • 12-way power front passenger seat including four-way lumbar.
  • Heated seats and ventilated front seats.
  • Integrated memory system.
  • Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
  • Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  • Dual automatic temperature control.
  • Heads-up display.
  • Smart cruise control with stop-and-go.
  • Seven-inch color LCD multi-information display.
  • Eight-inch touchscreen navigation system.
  • AM/FM/HDRadio, SIriusXM Satellite Radio (90-day trial).
  • Lexicon 15-speaker auto with Quantum Logic Surround and Clari-Fi music restoration.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Bluetooth.
  • Wireless charging.
  • Three USB ports (two front, one rear).
  • Rain-sensing wipers.
  • Hands-free smart trunk with auto open.
  • Electronic parking brake.
  • Aluminum interior trim.
  • Copper headlight bezel accents.
  • Dark tint headlight covers.
  • Dark chrome grille and window trim.

All that, plus Hyundai's 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. With $995 inland freight and handling, the bottom line on the window sticker reads $51,245. And to underscore the value equation, about five grand of what's standard in the G70 3.3T can only be had as extra-cost options on the M340i.

Don't get me wrong---the M340i is a brilliant car---one I'd like to have. And someone who'd drop 67 grand for a BMW 3-series is probably not going to cross-shop a Korean alternative to save $16,000. But for drivers who want that performance and whose budget is a lot friendlier to a $51,245 purchase than to a $67,070 outlay---there is a lot to be said---non of it excuses---for the Genesis G70 3.3T.


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