What is Genesis? Korean Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi challenger explained

Whether you’re upgrading to Business Class on an international flight or forking out some extra cash at Disneyland so you can skip the lengthy ride queues, it’s nice to have an option where you can treat yourself to something special by spending some additional coin. And for Hyundai buyers, that option is Genesis.

As Lexus is to Toyota, Genesis is the luxury division of South Korean car manufacturers Hyundai, and while more expensive than comparative models of Hyundai, Genesis has a range of vehicles that offer a more luxurious driving experience for those willing to pony up some extra money for the privilege.

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Who makes Genesis cars?

Genesis is a sub-brand of Hyundai, which became an independent marque in 2015, with its first vehicle off the production line being the flagship G90 luxury sedan. 

Genesis cars are built at Hyundai factories in South Korea, but designed all over the place: Rüsselsheim in Germany, Namyang in South Korea, and Irvine in the United States. 

Genesis price

Genesis cars range in price from $63,000 for the base model Genesis G70 compact sedan, to $108,600 for the top-of-the-range Genesis GV80 large SUV.

Genesis cars sell through flashy shopping centre spaces instead of traditional dealerships, with pop-up showrooms the only place you can get up close and personal with whatever particular model you have your eye on. 

All new Genesis cars in Australia come with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, five-year servicing and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Future plans

Three Genesis EVs are headed to Australia in the first half of 2022, each coming with the option of vehicle-to-load (where you can charge things up using the car - great for camping, or BBQs) functionality and a solar roof. 

The models are the all-electric GV60 - which is rumoured to be able to charge wirelessly - the hybrid G80, and a yet-to-be revealed third vehicle, which may very well be the electrified GV70 all-wheel-drive SUV that Genesis recently announced globally. 

Genesis will also phase out its internal-combustion cars entirely by 2030, with all future models having either electric or hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains after that date.

Genesis cars available in Australia 

Genesis G70

Price: From $63,000, plus on-road costs

Coming with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged petrol engine, the G70 is Genesis’ compact, entry-level model. It comes in two grades - the base model, which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and the 3.3-litre six-cylinder Sport model. Standard equipment for both variants include auto-dimming chromic mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, ‘touch type’ front door handles, LED headlights and tail-lights, wireless-charging pad, leather-appointed interior trim, 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Genesis G80

Price: From $84,776, plus on-road costs

A bigger number after the ‘G’ means bigger cabin space, and an increase in engine specs for this mid-size luxury sedan (either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, or a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine). Standard on all grades of the G80 is a 14.5-inch touchscreen media display with sat nav, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and dual-zone climate control. The 3.5-litre model also comes with Road-Preview adaptive electronic suspension that has been tuned to Australian driving conditions. 

Genesis GV60

Price: TBC

The new Genesis kid on the block is the GV60 mid-size SUV, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, and it’s due in Australia in the first-half of 2022. Three powertrain options will be available: a 168kW/350Nm single-motor variant with rear-wheel drive (451km of range), a mid-range 234kW/605Nm dual-motor version with part-time all-wheel drive (400km of range), and a ‘Performance’ model with 368km of range and a dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive (320kW/605Nm in Sports Mode, but for up to 10 seconds in Boost Mode, outputs can increase to 360kW/700Nm).

Genesis GV70

Price: From $66,400, plus on-road costs

Occupying the same space as other mid-size luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Lexus RX, the Genesis GV70 has tried to blitz the competition thanks to an incredibly luxurious interior and attention-grabbing design. The base model comes with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and is available as either AWD or RWD. There’s also a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel variant, with the top tier being the Sport with a 3.5 litre V6 turbo petrol engine.

Genesis GV80

Price: From $90,476, plus on-road costs

This four-wheel-drive large SUV is the Big Daddy of the Genesis car range, with the base model coming with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, five seats and RWD. For $5000 more you get a 2.5-litre engine, seven seats and AWD. Other options are a 3.0-litre diesel engine, and the top of the range model with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that can hit 100km/h from a standstill in a brisk 5.5 seconds. For those wanting to lug about a caravan or trailer, the GV80 has a 750kg unbraked and 2722kg braked towing capacity.