2015 Hyundai Genesis - pricing, specification and engines

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis will be priced from £47,995 when it goes on sale in the UK this April.

Though long confirmed for the UK market, Hyundai says the delay in bringing models to the UK has been down to the popularity of the left-hand drive Genesis in Europe. The car made its debut at last year's Detroit motor show, and has since been driven by Autocar.

Hyundai will sell the 2015 Genesis in right-hand drive guise from seven specially selected dealers in this country. The near 5.0-metre-long car will become a flagship model for Hyundai in the UK, though officials admit that very few are likely to be sold this year. Instead, Hyundai sees the Genesis as a technology showcase for the brand. It's already known the Genesis coupé won't be coming to this country.

The design of the new Genesis has been modernised for this second generation, the interior is more upmarket, and there are mechanical and technological advances over the outgoing model.

The first-generation Hyundai Genesis arrived in the USA in 2008. The Korean saloon mirrored executive cars like the BMW 5-series but featured pricing inline with the compact executive class. The Genesis ticked most of the boxes on paper but it lacked the cohesive styling and chassis dynamics of the German competition and didn’t offer the option of all-wheel drive which is important for the American market. 

Hyundai calls the design of the new Genesis Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. This is the second phase of the design language first introduced in 2009 on the Sonata saloon, the American version of the i40. The Korean company claims this evolution encapsulates fluid aesthetics, the modern Hyundai look, and a premium ambience.

Inside, special attention has been paid to simplify controls, increase storage area functionality, and give buyers “ultra-precise” fit and finish.

Advanced smartphone apps offer Google Glass integration and can message owners advising the use of the remote engine-starting feature based upon scenarios such as outside temperature and their commuting schedule. A premium navigation system is available with a large, while a 720p high-definition screen and the climate control system utilises a CO2 sensor for increased air quality and driver safety. 

The engine setup is similar to the outgoing Genesis. The base 3.8-litre V6 engine develops 311bhp and 293lb ft of torque. It is available paired with either rear drive or the new “HTRAC” all-wheel drive system. The 5.0-litre V8 - which won't be offered in the UK - puts out 420bhp and solely sends its power to the rear wheels. Both engines feature direct injection and are hitched to Hyundai’s in-house 8-speed automatic. There is no diesel option. 

The styling and technology improvements combined with optional all-wheel drive should dramatically increase the reach of the new Genesis in the USA. The lack of a diesel will limit the appeal in Europe but offering both the steering wheel on the right and official imports is a step in the right direction and an opportunity for Hyundai to move upmarket in the EU.