“The success of the Genesis brand reflects Genesis global leadership with their confidence and desire to keep growing the brand to new heights. With the auto industry in a transformational period, Genesis really strikes a great balance of having wonderful resources behind it globally which gives us a great position. We’re also very agile, still lean and still growing. The new G70 is a great combination of digital and analog, of performance and safety. It’s a great blend of speed and agility coupled with luxury.” Ash Corson, Director – Genesis Product Planning
The warm, beautiful environs of Phoenix, Arizona played host to the media launch of the newly-enhanced 2024 Genesis G70. The G70 is more agile and powerful and offers a new interior that sets a standard for the sport sedan segment.
Genesis’ Rapid Brand Growth
Genesis first entered the U.S. market in 2016 with two offerings, the G70 and G80, both designed to be uplevel, performance-oriented sport sedans from parent company Hyundai Motor Group.
Sales were a trickle back then as Genesis struggled to gain a sales foothold in the U.S. market. But a master stroke occurred, as Genesis and Hyundai Motor Group as a whole poached the father of the vaunted BMW “M” cars, Albert Biermann, away from BMW.
Biermann quickly went to work imbuing Genesis (and Hyundai and corporate cousin Kia performance models) with German-like chassis dynamics and spirited performance DNA. I had several opportunities to chat with Mr. Biermann, and he always was super helpful and patient with my myriad questions about his plans to raise the image of Genesis as a legit contender to European and Japanese sports sedans. Biermann retired but still serves as Executive Technical Advisor for the Hyundai Motor Group based in Europe, and his legacy continues through the enhanced 2024 G70 Sport Sedan, with the iconic BMW 3 Series as a sales conquest target.
It’s important to note that across the model lineup, Genesis sold 69,175 vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, a 23% increase year-over-year. So the timing was perfect to unveil their super new Sport Sedan.
Starting at $41,500, the 2024 G70 features an improved driving experience and braking capabilities, added standard convenience features, and a renewed focus on the interior cabin experience.
“The 2024 G70 strikes the perfect balance between performance and comfort,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “The standard 300-horsepower engine and high-performance Brembo brakes offer an even more dynamic driving experience, while the refreshed interior cabin provides a heightened sense of serenity. We can’t wait for customers to experience the newly enhanced G70.”
G70 Performance
The G70 offers two powertrain choices: the aforementioned standard 2.5-liter turbocharged, inline four-cylinder outputting 300-horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque; and a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 offering 365-horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Both engine choices are available with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive underpinnings.
Road Manners
Genesis arranged a three-pronged approach to ride dynamics and performance evaluation. First, we carved up smooth Phoenix-area roads, including mountain pass driving.
Second, we had the opportunity for on-track and autocross driving at the new Apex Motor Club (AMC) in nearby Maricopa, Arizona. AMC is a members-only club offering a wide array of amenities including childcare while mom and dad get it in on the track. Apex calls the track “Arizona’s fastest and most sophisticated multi-configurable road circuit.” It’s also the longest Arizona track at 4.2 miles and features a 3,400-foot straightaway.
Sadly for me, I was not able to experience the G70 on the circuit, as my 6’9” height, the requirement to wear a helmet on the course, and the G70’s low-slung profile meant I could not safely sit up straight to power the potent G70.
I did have fun watching my media colleagues ball out on the course, including media road partner Kimatni Rawlins of NewsNet and AutomotiveRhythms.com. Regarding his experience, Rawlins said: “You know I’m a big BMW fan. This G70 is dialed in like a German-built machine handling-wise, and the 3.3-liter twin-turbo six powers its way through turns and down the straightway like a consumer version of an IMSA racecar, but with a lot more comfort. Well done Genesis!”
The third prong was an autocross course. I was able to autocross the G70, as no helmet was required for participation. We drove the G70 on the timed cone course, and it was super well-balanced. I experimented with different configurations on the course: Normal mode set to second gear, Sport mode set to second gear, Sport mode set in drive, and Sport+ mode set in drive. After seven runs, I achieved my best course time of 24.7 seconds in Sport/Drive configuration. Alas, my colleagues had a bit more shine as the best time of the day was a sizzling 23.5 seconds set by the “Car Coach,” fellow auto journalist and veteran racer Lauren Fix.
The bottom line is this: all trim levels of the enhanced 2024 Genesis G70 excel in the performance arena, and are silky smooth on public roadways. Michelin is the exclusive tire brand for the G70 and developed curated high-performance Pilot Sport and All-Season Pilot tires, and the results were impressive. Great track handling and quiet, capable on-road performance are the results of this collaboration. Top 3.3T Sport Prestige trims in RWD and FWD feature electronically controlled suspension and limited-slip differential.
Luxe Interior
Interior comfort and convenience are also on par with or exceed interiors in sports sedans from Germany.
From the base G70 2.5T RWD with Hands-free trunk opening, dual automatic climate control, and 10.25-inch telematics display; to the mid-range Sport Prestige 2.5T (RWD or AWD) trim which adds a glass sunroof, leather seating with ventilated front seats, outstanding Lexicon premium audio, acoustic front door glass and alloy pedals; to the top ranging Sport Prestige 3.3T AWD which adds a head-up display, Nappa leather seating, microsuede headliner and pillars, power trunk and much, much more.
G70 Safety
The 2024 G70 comes with an impressive level of standard safety gear no matter the trim level. Top trims also get very useful surround-view and blind-spot view monitors.
Is the G70 a threat to BMW’s Three Series?
Absolutely! Right off the bat, consider the price differential and BMW’s penchant for a la carte optioning that can put a full tilt “3” above the $60,000 threshold.
The beauty of a G70 purchase is direct: choose the driveline and package, and the “kitchen sink” is included. Plus, the Genesis 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty is unheard of in the luxury sports sedan segment.
The 2024 Genesis G70, no matter the trim, engine, or driveline, represents performance, safety, and luxe comfort at very high levels.
2024 G70 Pricing
- G70 2.5T Sport Advanced-$41,500 RWD/$43,600 AWD
- G70 2.5T Sport Prestige-$45,700 RWD/$47,800 AWD
- G70 3.3T Sport Advanced-$49,950 RWD/$52,050 AWD
- G70 3.3T Sport Prestige-$54,350 RWD/$56,450 AWD
The Genesis House: Son-Nim
In November 2021, Genesis unveiled Genesis House New York, located in New York City’s Meatpacking District. Genesis House offers curated experiences influenced by Korean culture and community, culinary excellence, and innovative architecture and technology.
The theme “Son-Nim,” Korean for “Honored Guest,” reigns supreme at Genesis House.
From Genesis House, Genesis will showcase its vehicles through various types of experiences.
Designed by the Seoul-based architecture firm Suh Architects, the 46,000-plus square foot space is distinctly Korean throughout, inspiring the community to gather in a sanctuary that offers nourishment of body and mind. Genesis House’s curated programs will engage New York in cultural conversations about design, food, travel, health, and future mobility.
Genesis House is a custom-designed space that showcases the brand in harmony and balance with its surroundings. High ceilings supported by massive columns and Corten steel, LED lighting, copper highlights, and smooth oak flooring immediately communicate an industrial aesthetic complemented by eclectic displays of art.
As the showpiece of Genesis House, the second floor harbors the most iconic elements of distinctly Korean culture through refined, contemporary design. Whether in the restaurant, Tea Pavilion, or library, stacked oak beams and shingles unify the space under a single traditional Korean roofscape.
A New Look for Genesis Retailers
Pursutist recently had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Genesis of Cherry Hill – the first Genesis facility in New Jersey – and one of nine standalone Genesis retailers in the United States.
Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Genesis Motor North America, José Muñoz, president and CEO, Genesis Motor North America, Keri Lanzavecchia, customer experience manager, Genesis of Cherry Hill, Peter Lanzavecchia, president/owner, Genesis of Cherry Hill cut Grand Opening tape
As all Genesis dealers make the transition from sharing retail space with Hyundai vehicles, the goal of the standalone stores is to provide a seamless and personalized retail experience for customers. The new stores feature an open floorplan, embodying distinctive brand elements while showcasing Genesis’ impressive product line-up.
In addition to the in-store experience, visitors can take full advantage of Genesis Concierge, a complimentary service that pairs customers with a personal advisor to aid in creating a seamless shopping experience. Genesis Concierge assists in scheduling test drives, at the retail facility or at home, and arranging vehicle delivery to the customer’s residence or place of business.
Every Genesis comes with a complimentary three-year subscription to “Service Valet,” a service where customers can schedule maintenance online or via the “Genesis Intelligent Assistant” mobile app with the flexibility to choose the location of vehicle drop off and pick up. A courtesy vehicle is provided for the duration of service all at the customer’s convenience.
“We are pleased to have partnered with Peter Lanzavecchia and his team to open the first standalone retail facility in New Jersey,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America, who was present at the grand opening along with José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and the president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America; along with a very diverse host of Genesis/Hyundai executives. “Our first dedicated facility in the Philadelphia metro area represents a significant milestone on our journey to reach an even broader audience of American consumers.”
“Genesis of Cherry Hill represents our commitment to redefining the retail experience for customers,” said Peter Lanzavecchia. “We are proud to open the doors to a new standalone facility and share the award-winning Genesis product lineup with customers in our community.”
Genesis Philanthropy
To celebrate the grand opening and give back to the local community, Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Genesis Motor America, and Genesis of Cherry Hill presented the Jaws Youth PlayBook, led by NFL great Ron Jaworski with $20,000 to support its mission of supporting at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia Region with play and health initiatives.
Additionally, the Genesis Inspiration Foundation, a nonprofit organization in which Lanzavecchia serves on the board of directors, is committed to connecting youth to the transformative power of the arts. The organization and Genesis of Cherry Hill awarded Superior Arts Institute with a $20,000 donation to support arts education.
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