Performance and luxury normally demand high prices. That’s the cost of going fast in style. Genesis, a new brand that’s making quite a name for itself, seeks to squeeze into a spot between the likes of Audi and BMW. With their combination of sporty turbo models and refined interior accoutrements, they have a chance. Whether or not Genesis will ultimately be successful though, remains to be seen.
Genesis boasts the “G70 will deliver a rush of power, doing what G70 does best, finding the next limit.” They certainly aren’t holding anything back. The real question, however, is whether or not it’s a luxury vehicle that fits your style — or budget. Believe it or not, this classically-trained sportster may park itself in your garage for less than you think. Keep reading to find out more. Well help you decide if the growing Genesis bandwagon is right for you.
Performance Specifications
The 2021 G70 seats five. It comes in both rear- and all-wheel drive, though rear-wheel drive is standard. The base engine consists of a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder. It puts out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mate it with the optional six-speed manual and you’ll achieve three more horsepower — and a mechanical parking brake.
Finally, there’s also the option of a 365-horsepower 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 that makes 376 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Available Colors
Genesis paints the 2021 G70 in the following colors.
- Mallorca Blue
- Vik Black
- Adriatic Blue
- Siberian Ice
- Uyuni White
- Savile Silver
- Havana Red
- Himalayan Gray
- Black Forest Green
Trimlines and Pricing
There are technically only two trim levels on the 2021 G70 — the 2.0T and the 3.3T. However, with the optional AWD and manual transmissions, as well as various upgrade packages, you can actually configure many different versions of the car to suit your wants or needs.
2.0T
Starting at $36,000, the base model Genesis G70 comes with powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A hands-free trunk lid makes loading and unloading easy. This model also comes with Bluetooth, synthetic leather seating, and keyless entry. Upgrade to AWD for an extra $2,000.
2.0T Manual Sport
Much the sportiest model of the trio, the M/T Sport takes full advantage of the manual transmission. Other upgrades include a limited-slip diff, Brembo brakes, a Lexicon sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sport exhaust. This version starts at $38,600, but isn’t available in AWD.
3.3T
Sport-tuned suspension components are a must on this V6 model, along with variable ratio steering, leather seats, wireless charging, navigation, and of course, a sunroof. A heated steering wheel keeps hands warm during the winter. The more powerful version of the G70 comes with a starting price of $46,200. Opting for AWD will once again add another two grand to the price.
Upgrade Packages
The 2.0T can be upgraded in a couple of different ways. First, there is the $4,150 Elite package. It comes integrated GPS, auto folding and auto dimming mirrors, an upgraded 15-speaker audio system, leather seats, and aluminum trim.
The Prestige Package adds a whopping $8,000 more than the base price. However, you’ll get luxury niceties like a microfiber suede headliner, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nappa leather seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a surround view monitor, heads-up display, and wireless device charging.
On the 3.3T model, the Prestige package only adds an extra $2,850 to your bottom line. However, the $4,150 Sport package looks fun. It adds every thing from the Prestige package, but adds a dark chrome grille, dark tint taillight covers, and an electronically controlled suspension. This top of the line G70 would ring up at $53,375 in AWD mode.
Safety
The 2021 G70 has not yet received ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA did list one recall for the model, indicating “insufficient fuel supply” due to a “plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process.” Check with your local Genesis dealer for more information.
The 2021 G70 comes standard with a variety of safety features. These include lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, stop-and-go adaptive cruise, a driver condition monitor, and automatic high-beams. For an additional fee, you can take advantage of the surround-view parking system, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and a heads-up display (HUD).
Fuel Efficiency
For a performance-oriented machine like the G70, the fuel efficiency ratings on both turbocharged engines score fairly high. For instance, the base 2.0-liter model achieves 18 city and 28 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon when purchase with the manual transmission, which only comes in rear-wheel drive.
Automatics in RWD and the smaller engine achieve 22 city and 30 highway MPG. Switching out to all-wheel drive brings the numbers down to 20 city and 27 highway MPG.
The stronger V6 models struggle a bit to achieve 17 city and 26 highway MPG in rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive brings the ratings down a point on the highway.
Competitors
With the success of the SUV market, it might seem frivolous for Genesis to enter into the sedan segment. However, there’s still ground to gain and room to grow in that particular sphere of the automotive world. Yes, even if you’re a luxury brand like Genesis.
Experts have compared the 2021 G70 to brands such as Audi and BMW. The Kia Stinger also combines sportiness with the newfound refinement the brand gained within the last few years. Many consider it to be unlike the rest of the Kia lineup in terms of styling. The BMW 3-Series has always been a way to get your foot in the door of the Bavarian lineup. However, we’d argue style takes a slight back seat to performance when it comes to that German brand. All the same, any of the Audi sedans effortlessly combine style and speed. All considered, it’s hard to say where exactly the 2021 G70 fits in at the moment.
Kelley Blue Book named it the “Winner of the North American Car of the Year.” They noted that the same sound system pumping through the G70 resides in a Rolls-Royce as well. Although many main body parts come from Hyundai and Kia, that doesn’t mean Genesis engineers bargained when it came to outfitting the G70.
For instance, Edmunds relayed that the 2021 G70 “features a richly detailed cabin that might surprise shoppers new to this nascent Korean luxury brand.” KBB gushed that the “G70 achieves a superb balance between poise and plushness.” After being thrown around corners, the G70’s “nimble handling and refined ride” impressed those at U.S. News. For a newcomer entering the ring, Genesis has earned its place among legends.
There are a few instances, however, where the armoring of this luxury sedan is lacking. For instance, Edmunds wanted more feedback from the manual transmission. “Genesis still has a way to go to establish itself in this luxury sphere,” notes KBB. The “small trunk” and “below-average fuel economy estimates” irked U.S. News slightly. However, those small complaints blend into the background when you consider the 2021 G70 as a whole. There’s a lot to like about this newcomer sedan, even if all the edges aren’t smoothed out quite yet.
The Last Word
The 2021 Genesis G70 lifts the spirit of a four-door into a world of luxury and speed. It’s proof that you can chauffeur the family around and still hustle through your morning commute — even if that’s only to the grocery store and back. Stop by your local Genesis dealership today to test drive a brand-new G70. Check out the rest of the Genesis lineup while you’re there. There’s plenty this unassuming luxury sedan can offer you, if you give it the space to grow.
Source: Genesis
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