Comparison : 2009 Hyundai Genesis V8 vs. 2008 Lexus GS 350
Edmunds has went ahead and pitted the Lexus GS 350 against the brand new Hyundai Genesis, resulting in a mismatch that places far too much emphasis on the pricetag:
So the Genesis is a large, rear-drive luxury sedan that's priced like a smaller front-drive one — at 195.6 inches long it's just 2.4 inches shorter overall than Lexus' flagship LS 460, but the $33,000 base price for the V6-powered Genesis is more than a grand cheaper than the base price of the entry-level ES 350. There isn't really anything directly comparable to the Genesis at Lexus or, for that matter, at any other manufacturer.
As tested, the GS 350 came fully equipped at $49,670. The Genesis showed up with a $4,000 Technology package and a $42,000 sticker. That's a thick $7,670 price difference, in case you haven't already made the calculation yourself. Yet the Genesis essentially matched the Lexus luxury for luxury, gizmo for gizmo.
Basing a vehicle's value entirely on the MSRP is faulty for so many reasons -- consider the residual value, which will favor the Lexus heavily. If the Lexus maintains 50% of its value over three years, and the Hyundai only 40%, the initial price difference will be reduced by more than half.
Now factor in Lexus' superior customer service, Hyundai's unfamiliarity with luxury customers, and the better fuel efficiency of the GS 350's V6 (5.3 mpg better). What's left?
Don't forget the Lexus (V6) was also faster than the Hyundai (V8).
And 5 MPG more efficient.
Is a Lexus worth $7k more than a Hyundai.
Yeah!
DrFill
Lexus all the way!!!
ahahahaha
DrFill? Haven't I seen you before on LeftLaneNews?
since the Genesis has nothing on the GS, they had to put that ugly front plate on the GS to make the Hyundai look "slightly" better
Well, if the buyer keeps his car a long time the Genesis could be a great deal with a great warranty. Depreciation on the GS today is pretty high actually. It all depends what you value. The GS is no bargain in my opinion.
I test drove the Genesis V6, all I can say is that it very close to driving my 460. Lexus watch out.
Over 600 people stampeded Hyundai dealers nationwide to get a hold of this world-beater in July.
DrFill
@kev: Noticed that awful plate as well.
@Anon: True enough, the Hyundai warranty is 10,000 miles longer. I didn't account for that.
@LEX460L: If the Genesis V6 is directly comparable to the LS, then the entire luxury car market is in trouble.
DrFill: Just read that Hyundai's hoping to sell 50,000 Genesis a year, though that also includes the upcoming coupe version.
Can they handle that many buyers?
They haven't over the last 3 years, with a totally new lineup!
I guess if you go from 7 to 13 models, eventually, you have to show a YTY incrase.
Right?
DrFill
I think it's a ploy that Hyundai's using over and over again, and that's overstating their goals.
My true feeling is that they're hoping to strengthen their Hyundai brand to the level of Toyota and Honda, and they're using the Genesis to boost the perceived quality.
What's most confusing is the absolute lack of branding on the Genesis. Why make it so generic looking?
they can make it as competitive as they want but in the end there is still a big Hyundai logo on the front of the car.
Fact is Lexus is still gonna win and the fact that it came down to $7K to make them think the Hyundai is better means Edmunds is just retarded.
Please Note, I did not say it was comparable to my 460 I said it drove the same.I had it up to 100mph and it was just as smooth and NVH was comparable to my 460 also the suspension felt the same. I know nothing about the quality of the car.
In May 2006 I paid $26,000 for a 2006 Hyundai Azera Limited. Prior to buying the car you probably couldn't have paid me to own a Hyundai. But the more I read about the car and Hyundai's improved quality the more curious I became. After test-driving the Azera I was sold. The fact that I paid way less than a top-of-the line Avalon or ES350 just makes it that much better.
I really don't care about the residual value of a car. With few exceptions there are virtually no cars out there that hold their value well beyond three years. Since I keep my cars for ten years and put less than 10K/year on my car (so my Azera will still be under warranty) I don't care about resale value.
My Azera has more interior room than a BMW 7-series (excluding the L version) or a Mercedes S-series. The car is quiet, it gets me 28 mpg on the freeway, it has airbags everywhere, an excellent stereo system, and it looks great.
I won't be buying a Genesis because I feel no need to purchase a new car so quickly. But when the time comes my first stop will be at a Hyundai dealership.
@LEX460: Gotcha -- I don't know, with an endorsement like that, I'm going to have to head over to the dealership to check this car out myself.
@sundevils: As the nephew of a 1980's Pony owner, I'll admit to some bias, I'll admit I have a dim view of Hyundai, but that's been slowly fading with each successive model.
Targeting the luxury market with a single model is bold, and if it's even remotely successful (which I think it already is), it may lead to a large shift in car company thinking. My thinking is that the Genesis will lead to more luxurious offerings from Toyota/Honda & Nissan, rather than any response from the luxury brands.
Just thinking out loud here.
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