2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

What's New for 2015

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is fully redesigned.

Introduction

Since its debut back in 2009, the Genesis sedan has helped Hyundai establish its beachhead with American luxury car buyers. This big, well-appointed four-door can just as smoothly carry a small executive staff to meetings across town as it can your young stars of the local AYSO team. Even better, the Genesis has done this for less than the typical cover charge for European and Japanese premium sedans. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis aims to cement the model's place among the traditional choices without relying solely on the value proposition.

The 2015 Genesis is built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform, with a 3-inch-longer wheelbase that eclipses both the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Most of the extra space goes right into the rear seats. The existing 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and 420-hp 5.0-liter V8 engines carry over, however, and continue to send power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. New all-wheel-drive availability should make the sedan more appealing to shoppers in the snow belt.

And while the Genesis is not a particularly sporty sedan, an optional driver-adjustable Sport mode alters transmission, steering and suspension settings for more responsive and aggressive driving when the mood strikes.

Inside, the 2015 Genesis gets a comprehensive update with revised center stack and center console layouts, a larger navigation display, more dash curves and a tasteful blend of wood, aluminum and metallic trim. The dial-and-button media controller in the center console is also retained. It's not the most original execution, but along with increased seat comfort and a reshaped steering wheel, it brings the Genesis on par with the luxury intangibles offered by its German and Japanese rivals.

The Genesis also offers two new innovations. One is a CO2 sensor that will automatically open outside vents when it detects levels of human C02 emissions that can induce drowsiness. The other is a hands-free trunk-opening system that will pop the lid if the driver stands next to the trunk for 3 seconds.

The 2015 Genesis goes on sale this spring. Pricing hasn't been announced, but don't expect it to stray far from its current range of $36,000-$44,000. That should keep it in close company with other luxury sedans including the Acura RLX, BMW 5 Series and Lincoln MKZ. Check back for a full review of the new Genesis, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.