Genesis' Four-Banger Baller

There is no stopping Genesis. 

If you noticed at the New York Auto Show, the (South) Korean luxury car brand rolled out a sportier line of their vehicles called Magma. Their molten lava orange concepts are turning heads and projecting dreams upon the enthusiast crowd. They are doing so with ICE and gasoline propulsion – some of which are based on current models.

Still, the luxury brand has to sell their mix of sedans and SUVs. They do so with a unique touch, inspired by forging their own interpretation of their definition of luxury. 

You have to start somewhere. Therefore, the Genesis G70 sports sedan is a good gateway for the brand. 

Gateway vehicles are ways to introduce the essence of the brand for those who want to experience it the first time. For several decades, the sports sedan is the model newbies to the brand gravitate first. Think BMW’s 3-Series, Audi’s A4, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Lexus IS…and so forth. 

Which was why we embraced the Genesis G70 upon its arrival a few years ago. It was ready to battle with the other premium/luxury sports sedans. The formula was there: Rear-drive biased platform, a selection of engines and drivelines, oodles of luxury and sporty features, and a competitive price tag.

Since its arrival, the G70 received an on-brand mid-cycle refresh along with tweaks here and there. In all, the G70 was never broke to be reinvented into something else. 

Perhaps the biggest update was with its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Older G70s rocked the Theta II 2.0-liter turbo engine. It was fine and competitive against its rivals. However, the corporate group had a better standard engine to slip underneath the G70’s hood.

This year, Genesis welcomes the debut of the larger 2.5-liter Smartstream turbo engine for the G70. With 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, the G70 is now competitive with its rivals. All thanks to a jump of 50 horsepower! Power still runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission and my tester’s all-wheel drive system.

Why this engine is important? In my case, previous G70s arrived with the more desirable twin-turbo V6 engine. That would be the engine enthusiasts would gravitate to. Yet, there are enthusiasts who would rock the four-banger than the six. There are also consumers who are new to Genesis that would like a good starting point. 

Getting a G70 with the standard turbo four is a treat, indeed. With this larger unit, I want to see if continues to transform the sport sedan into newer territory. 

The key word here is “competitive.” There is no need to repeat which vehicles are on the G70’s competitive set. If you have driven any of those rivals, then imagine the G70 as an equal to them at this point. 

What attracts me to the G70 is a combination of style, ingenuity, and a solid chassis. Maybe it’s a bit too stylish? I disagree. In the premium/luxury market, you must stand out in the crowd. The design must be timeless, distinctive, and easily recognizable from a distance. 

The split horizontal lighting units is a major distinction. They do work, by the way. A trivial point, but please give the designers at Genesis credit for building function out of form. 

In all, the exterior design is a study in subtlety. It is also an extravert without being too loud in any crowd.

Stepping inside, the recent change in the climate control touchscreen is a welcomed upgrade. It is easy to understand and use within reach. Everything else is familiar – except for the badge on the steering wheel. That’s another recent change. 

I’m not one to complain, but I have to admit finally that the G70’s cabin is quite small. The doors are small, but not as small as a certain Italian rival. There’s not much room behind me in the rear. However, four average-sized adults can make space inside. The seats are firm, but they are form-fitting for exciting driving. The trunk is small – 10.5 cubic feet – and will not fit the rollator without folding down the rear seats and redoing one set of handles. And, it still requires a USB cord for smartphone mirroring, 

Yet, I love the cabin and cockpit design. I love that it induces fun behind the wheel while delivering on premium and luxury touches. The use of satin metal throughout informs the status of the G70 as a car worth driving – regardless of what’s underneath the hood. The controls are of high quality and function. If nothing has changed since my first turn in a G70, it is that quality feel inside that induces a day out on the open road.

Let’s not forget about the upgraded Lexicon audio system – all 15 speakers worth of beautiful sound. 

About that four-cylinder turbo, it is spot on. Performance-wise, it delivers where you need it to be. The rev range is attainable without having to force the throttle into ushing it harder to achieve dramatic results. The engine wants to run, but it wants to do so without resorting to unwanted key changes from the transmission. 

As a driving package, it is wonderful. Sport mode will harden the steering feel, but it is only for those who want that. Otherwise, leave it normal mode and it will be as rewarding as expected in a driving machine. 

Getting a G70 with a four-cylinder engine will also save you money. Fuel-wise, there is no restriction of octane that I noticed. However, I did average 23.0 MPG. 

As for pricing, the 2024 Genesis G70 lineup starts at $41,500. This 2.5T AWD Sport Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $49,700. 

Refinement is what you expect in the G70. This is no longer some “new kid on the block.” It has matured into a something worthy for your consideration. 

It remains a very competitive segment. Driven by badge, pedigree, and an enthusiast following. One can say that Genesis is now earning its place among the crowd of upwardly mobile brands catching the discriminating consumer.

No matter which engine you select, the G70 will satisfy your quest for the next rung on the ladder. Because of this, Genesis continues to roll onward. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America

All photos by Randy Stern