Reviewed by Susan Frissell, Womenwithwheels.com

According to automotive writers, the fully redesigned 2015 Hyundai Genesis’ base engine delivers more than enough power for most drivers. Various reviewers report, the Genesis has nimble handling and feels composed on windy roads, though a few say that rivals like the BMW 5-Series are a bit more nimble.

One can give praise for the cushioned ride in the Genesis luxury car. Equipped with all the amenities one expects in a luxury vehicle, Genesis comes with standard Intelligent Drive Mode system, which adjusts transmission, throttle and suspension settings for Normal, Sport, Snow and Eco modes, leather seating, Electronic Stability Control w/traction, nine airbags, including driver knee airbag, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection w/rear cross-traffic alert, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management System, 12-way power front seats, Tilt/Telescopic/Haptic Steering wheel, leather-wrapped, and 7-inch LCD Multi-Info Display and electroluminescent gauges.

Genesis sports a navigation system with 8-inch display, rearview camera and parking guidelines. This reviewer still finds herself getting accustomed to the rearview camera feature in newer vehicles, and found Genesis’ parking guidelines to be spot-on. The guidelines assist well when backing up the vehicle.

The redesigned 2015 Hyundai Genesis offers a polished, quiet cabin with controls easy to operate and materials of premium level. The Genesis’ seats are roomy and comfortable, as expected, but this reviewer found this time around, that she wasn’t as enamored with the Genesis as has previously been the case.

Refinements and higher level features are a given in luxury vehicles, but the Genesis seemed somewhat dated to this reviewer. The IP, for instance, seemed dated and uninspiring. The controls for nav/sound system were situated too far back on the middle console to be managed easily. The driver generally is required to take her eyes off the road while turning her head to utilize the controls. The nav system is intuitive and easily managed, unlike some.

Cargo space in the 2015 Genesis is competitive for the class. The hands-free trunk release system is handy. Seating for five is easily managed, and during winter months, the heated leather seats are appreciated. This reviewer found herself adjusting the driver seat several times during any one test drive.

Upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are standard on the 2015 Genesis RWD model. Wind and road noises were for the most part, absent, but the Genesis does not provide a ‘sealed off’ impression.

Optional features include lane departure warning, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, navigation with an HD 9.2-inch LCD screen, a head-up display, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side window sunshades, a Lexicon 14-speaker audio system and a Lexicon 17-speaker audio system. Our test car came equipped with all of the above.

Our test Genesis AWD came equipped with a few options, including the Ultimate Package (heads-up display, premium DIS navigation with 9.2-high definition display, Lexicon 17-speaker discrete logic 7-audio system), Continuous Damping Control Suspension, Power Trunk Lid and Dual-Mode vent control with C02 sensor, $3250.

The Lexicon sound system isn’t as spectacular as some, even with 17 speakers, but includes as most do, Sirius/XM radio, Travel Link.

The Hyundai Genesis is also available with the 6-cylinder engine (3.9-liter); average pricing for the Genesis is $37,225-$50,152. Genesis gets a 5-star rating from NHTSA in all categories, and to this reviewer’s knowledge has had one recall involving the power train (automatic transmission) gear position indicator.

SPECS

MSRP: 51,500; total vehicle price $55,700; destination $950

Engine: 5.0-liter DOHC V8 GDI and Dual CVVT Aluminum engine; 420 hp.

Transmission: eight-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC and paddle shifters

Wheelbase: 118.5 in.

Height: 58.3 in.

Width: 74.4 in.

Length: 196.5 in.

Tires: P245/40R19 front; P275/35R19 rear

Wheels: 19-inch alloy

EPA fuel economy: 15/23 mpg., average 18 mpg.

Warranty: 5 yr./60,000-basic; 10 yr./100,000-mile powertrain