2022 Genesis G70 Review

When we drove the last generation G70 in 2.0-litre turbo form, we knew that the new South Korean brand was a good thing. While we were left wanting a bit in the power department on that occasion, our love affair with the Kia Stinger rages on and knowing that at the top of the G70 line-up was a vehicle with that level of luxury AND the 3.3-litre turbocharged engine, was the stuff of dreams.

Since then, Genesis has released the latest iteration of the sports car and I must admit, when I first saw the sketches, I was a bit worried. Although the front end was a bit controversial on paper, in the flesh, it really does look the part. My main concern was the new quad headlamps, which appeared a bit alien, but after standing and staring at them, along with that crest grille, I think it all ties in really well together.

Given our tester has the 3.3-litre turbo powerplant, it starts off at $76,000. Ours also had the $10,000 Luxury Package fitted, as well as premium paint which adds $2,000, bringing the grand total to $88,000.

What’s it like inside?

The exterior may look like a brand new vehicle, but on the inside things are quite familiar in the 2021 Genesis G70.

Not too much has changed inside, with the exception of a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital cluster, again, part of the Luxury Package. That’s not a bad thing, because, even though some dials and buttons may be getting on in age, the overall package still says “luxury”, as opposed to “outdated”.

The Luxury Pack adds in quilted Nappa leather seats with 16-way adjustable electric seats and adjustable lumbar support, the same level of impact visually (and on the rump) as you would expect from one of the German brands. Our tester was clad in the Sevilla Red option, but you can also pick Sandstorm Grey or black.

As with the last model, the driver’s seat will adjust its bolstering based on the driving mode you select, which really reinforces the sporty feel of the 2021 G70. Shift into Sports+ and you get a nice snug fit.

Both the driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated, helping everyone deal with Sydney’s hot one second, raining the next weather.

Measuring in at 10.25-inches, the new infotainment screen looks much more crisp, while offering up a bunch of functionality. Where a standard 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T would come with a 9-speaker sound system, the Luxury Package sees that replaced with a 15-speaker Lexicon premium sound system.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard as does DAB+ and Qi wireless smartphone charging, now with a larger footprint in order to accommodate larger mobile devices.

Like many competitors in this class, the rear seats are quite tight. I struggled to get in the back behind my driving position. You could shuffle across to the other side (or fight someone else to sit there), or cheekily reach forward to use the buttons on the side of the passenger seat and move their seat forward, but I imagine that would get old quickly.

Headroom is scarce too, no doubt affected by the large sunroof.

It's a bit of a shame too, as the back is a nice place to be for those that can fit, with plenty of luxurious touches. The quilted leather carries over, as does the premium knurling around the cupholders. Occupants also benefit from heated seats and a reading light well-positioned above the center seat.

With all that being said, there is no doubt that this vehicle is very much set up for the driver.

Genesis G70 boot

At the back, underneath those quad tail lights, the boot gets electric open and close, allowing access for the 330 litres of space available.

However due to the shape of it, you may struggle to get larger items (which could otherwise fit) through the boot’s opening. We tried fitting some larger moving boxes in there. We just couldn't get them in and ended up having to sit them across the backseat.

Underneath the floor is a space saver spare tyre and some warning triangles.

It also comes with a first aid kit bag, little cargo nets on the side and a roadside assistance package.

What’s it like on the road?

Powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 274kW and 510 Nm of torque, there is no doubt that this measures up to the competitors. It is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission that was developed in-house by the engineers at Genesis.

It sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential and the combination of all of the above means that 0-100km/h is dispatched in 4.7 seconds.

A new bi-modal exhaust (which has added 2kW over the outgoing model) means that there is a fairly pleasing note as the revs climb.

Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension (GACS) reads the road ahead and can adjust damping up to 100 times per second in response to either the surface or driver input. This makes for impressive control and responsiveness.

19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres add to the dynamics. The chassis has very much been set up for a sporty drive. Even in comfort the ride is on the harsh side, albeit not uncomfortable. If you need to chew up the miles on highways quite regularly, there could be an argument for opting for the new Genesis G80 instead.

There are ample driving aids available too, all of which work quite well and intuitively. Blind-spot monitoring, for instance, uses a video feed relayed to the digital cluster and is a great addition. As is the surround view monitor, which gives you a much more accurate indication of how close you are to objects.

We did find lane-keep assist to be a bit too aggressive for our liking, but the good news is that it can be turned off via the infotainment screen.

How safe is the Genesis G70?

The 2021 Genesis G70 gets a comprehensive safety suite and boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The airbag count has also increased for this new model with no less than 10 fitted around the cabin including 2 rear side airbags.

The overarching safety suite, known as Genesis Active Safety Control, gets the following advanced driver assistance systems:

• Blind spot collision-avoidance assist
• Rear cross traffic collision avoidance-assist
• Forward collision avoidance
• Lane following assist
• Surround view monitor
• Forward attention warning
• Intelligent front-lighting system
• Safe exit warning

2021 Genesis G70 ownership

Another area that Genesis really excels in is after sales service. The fledgling luxury brand from Hyundai has really put it all on the table to ensure customers are happy.

Complimentary scheduled servicing means that you will receive free scheduled maintenance for 5 years or 50,000kms, whichever comes first. This doesn’t mean Genesis will look at the car and hand you the bill for anything that needs replacing, either. It is all included.

When you factor these savings into the price of the vehicle, it helps to recoup a chunk of $10,000 for the Luxury Package.

There is also the “Genesis-To-You” program, a vehicle pick-up and return service for your G70 as long as you live within 70kms of a Genesis studio. Company representatives will pick your car up, leave you a loan vehicle and return your car when everything is done. How simple is that?

What’s the warranty like on a Genesis G70?

The 2021 Genesis G70 comes with a 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, as long as the vehicle isn’t used for commercial purposes. If your intention is to use the vehicle for your business, a 5-year/130,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty applies.

Genesis roadside assistance

A 5-year, 24/7 roadside assistance plan comes with the purchase of a new G70. It will also cover flatbed towing, should the worst occur.

The verdict

The package that Genesis is offering with the 2021 G70 is truly compelling. When you consider you would need to fork out an additional $20,000+ to get into a German competitor, it's hard to argue that the additional money could be better spent.

Not to mention the after sales service that is up there with the best of them, providing you live within 70kms of a Genesis studio. They currently exist in Sydney and Melbourne, which we see as one of the only reasons you may want to look elsewhere.

As the brand's physical footprint expands in Australia though, your reasons not to purchase one decline drastically.