The Hyundai Equus/Genesis Story by John Krafcik
#42
Three Wheelin'
Forget the fugly RL, how 'bout a 2010 Genesis 3.8 versus a 2009 BMW 528i?
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
#43
The Dumb One
iTrader: (1)
although i usually turn down all the food and drink items im offered..
i have never been screwed by my Acura Dealer in the least. always complimentary deeds and always a by name basis with everyone there.
in fact, there have been times when they game me cheap parts for FREE. i've also paid wholesale for parts many of times just because im a regular customer.
i know nothing about the Hyundai dealerships, but i know my local acura dealer kicks major ass... hopefully they come out with a desirable car in the future so i can continue getting work done and buying parts there.
#44
Senior Moderator
Forget the fugly RL, how 'bout a 2010 Genesis 3.8 versus a 2009 BMW 528i?
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
#46
Three Wheelin'
I went with the 528i because the 535i is more in line with the performance of the Genesis 4.6 than the 3.8.
The 528i and the G3.8 are actually quite equal in many of their specs, which bodes well for Hyundai's new versus new argument given the price disparity. I still don't know if the argument of a new G3.8 versus a barely used 528i at the same price holds as much water.
For me, I'd choose the 528i in a heartbeat and never look back, but it appears more and more people are opening their eyes to Hyundai...
The 528i and the G3.8 are actually quite equal in many of their specs, which bodes well for Hyundai's new versus new argument given the price disparity. I still don't know if the argument of a new G3.8 versus a barely used 528i at the same price holds as much water.
For me, I'd choose the 528i in a heartbeat and never look back, but it appears more and more people are opening their eyes to Hyundai...
#48
Senior Moderator
I went with the 528i because the 535i is more in line with the performance of the Genesis 4.6 than the 3.8.
The 528i and the G3.8 are actually quite equal in many of their specs, which bodes well for Hyundai's new versus new argument given the price disparity. I still don't know if the argument of a new G3.8 versus a barely used 528i at the same price holds as much water.
For me, I'd choose the 528i in a heartbeat and never look back, but it appears more and more people are opening their eyes to Hyundai...
The 528i and the G3.8 are actually quite equal in many of their specs, which bodes well for Hyundai's new versus new argument given the price disparity. I still don't know if the argument of a new G3.8 versus a barely used 528i at the same price holds as much water.
For me, I'd choose the 528i in a heartbeat and never look back, but it appears more and more people are opening their eyes to Hyundai...
...as they should. Hyundai is doing a great job despite some of the odds stacked against them.
#49
Banned
I hope that more brands pick up on the Service Valet feature. I know it would be a huge tipping point if I were looking at two similarly priced and spec'd vehicles.
Oh, and door latches? WTF, Hyundai.
Oh, and door latches? WTF, Hyundai.
#50
Dragging knees in
iTrader: (2)
At the last national dealer meeting I saw a computer generated image of an upgraded, premium dealership space for Equus owners. It's basically a sub-section within the dealership, catering to Equus owners and potential buyers exclusively.
But that is if they come to the dealership at all after purchase because their cars will be picked up for service.
I can't really say much that hasn't been said already. But at $60k, I think the Equus will sell. I've driven them numerous times and they are absolutely amazing cars whether you are driving, sitting shotgun or in the VIP seat (like the Lexus Executive feature in the LS but perhaps better).
But that is if they come to the dealership at all after purchase because their cars will be picked up for service.
I can't really say much that hasn't been said already. But at $60k, I think the Equus will sell. I've driven them numerous times and they are absolutely amazing cars whether you are driving, sitting shotgun or in the VIP seat (like the Lexus Executive feature in the LS but perhaps better).
Last edited by Pure Adrenaline; 06-16-2010 at 08:46 AM.
#51
Senior Moderator
All that said, the question to me is: for similar money, would the buying public opt for a well equipped new Genesis 3.8 sedan OR say a CPO 09 Acura RL (ugly though it may be). And this is question that I've pondered on a personal level NOT something to cast any aspersions on Hyundai's plans.
#52
Senior Moderator
Forget the fugly RL, how 'bout a 2010 Genesis 3.8 versus a 2009 BMW 528i?
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
A mildly spec'd Genesis 3.8 (premium pkg, no nav) will run about $36K (I just built one at www.hyundaiusa.com). It took me 2 seconds to find a 2009 BMW 528i Premium with 11K miles for $36K on Autotrader.com.
I find it hard to believe given those two scenarios, a buyer would choose the Hyundai. But Genesis sales are pretty strong, so I guess people are
And his experience at the Hyundai dealer was far better than the one at the BMW dealer when he was comparing and looking at a 5 series. I dont think there should be any concern about the dealers.
Last edited by fsttyms1; 06-16-2010 at 09:25 AM.
#53
hail to the victors
Thread Starter
Car & Driver four-way comparison--Genesis 3.8 smokes Buick LaCrosse CXS, Ford Taurus Limited, and Lexus ES350.
Interesting stats from the article:
Genesis - fastest to 60, fastest 1/4, fastest rolling, fastest 30-50, best road holding - .83 g, fastest lane change - 59.4, lowest sound level across the board except for 70 mph cruise.
Ride: 9 of 10. Best in class.
Interesting stats from the article:
Genesis - fastest to 60, fastest 1/4, fastest rolling, fastest 30-50, best road holding - .83 g, fastest lane change - 59.4, lowest sound level across the board except for 70 mph cruise.
Ride: 9 of 10. Best in class.
#54
Senior Moderator
#55
hail to the victors
Thread Starter
RL is a very nice car. but too bad it looks like a 35k car. you park genesis next to RL and you would think Genesis should cost at least 10k more.
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
#56
אני עומד עם ישראל
It was a very good read. I wish more industry execs will reach out to the public in that manner.
#57
AZ Community Team
Good article thanks for posting
#58
Another new Hyundai: The Equus
Interesting article from the CEO of Hyundai.
I'm curious what others think about this. Now that they will have 2 premium sedans, I'm not sure the whole "let's have the 50k cars and the 20k cars in the same dealership" is going to work well.
I like the valet service idea though, that is very cool. We'll see how long that lasts though.
Read away and comment.
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/eq...n-krafcik.html
I'm curious what others think about this. Now that they will have 2 premium sedans, I'm not sure the whole "let's have the 50k cars and the 20k cars in the same dealership" is going to work well.
I like the valet service idea though, that is very cool. We'll see how long that lasts though.
Read away and comment.
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/eq...n-krafcik.html
#59
Go to Edmunds and read the latest 5 of 6 reviews of the Genesis. Although the overall rating is pretty good for the number of reviews, the less than favorable reviews expose some cause for concern. Numerous reviews complain about the transmission surging, finding the wrong gear etc. One person said the ride was so jerky that it literally made him sick.
Another common complaint was the suspension. Again, adding to a terrible ride. Maybe all the hype about this vehicle was a little premature.
To be fair I checked out the reviews for the RL in 2006, the year after the initial release. Again, the reviews were good for the number of responses and there were some negative reviews. The complaints were more in line with comfort or defects not associated with the overall drive experience.
I'm not writing off Hyundai, they are trying to overcome the bad rep they earned years ago. They just need a few more years of refinement before I would consider buying one, valet service or not.
Another common complaint was the suspension. Again, adding to a terrible ride. Maybe all the hype about this vehicle was a little premature.
To be fair I checked out the reviews for the RL in 2006, the year after the initial release. Again, the reviews were good for the number of responses and there were some negative reviews. The complaints were more in line with comfort or defects not associated with the overall drive experience.
I'm not writing off Hyundai, they are trying to overcome the bad rep they earned years ago. They just need a few more years of refinement before I would consider buying one, valet service or not.
#60
Back From The dead
I spent months researching the Genesis in 2009. My research involved everything from written, to test drives and finally joining Hyundai's think tank (which I have been actively involved in for about a year now). The 09 Genesis was plagued with suspension problems and detail issues that kept me from buying. The other major issue was dealing with the sharks in all three dealerships that I dealt with. In the time that I have been involved with the think tank, the biggest issue I have tried to get them to address has been changing their method of distribution. They can't possibly be successful selling the high end products they have in the existing dealerships.
They have since worked the bug out of the Genesis, and the Equus is incredibly well put together. The new concept of going to market could very well be another notch on the belt. This company is going places. I still don't own one, but I see the writing on the wall...who knows, maybe #38?
They have since worked the bug out of the Genesis, and the Equus is incredibly well put together. The new concept of going to market could very well be another notch on the belt. This company is going places. I still don't own one, but I see the writing on the wall...who knows, maybe #38?
#61
Senior Moderator
Moving to Car Talk.
BTW, I sat in the Equus at the NAIAS in January. This car is freaking amazing. It will sell like hotcakes, and will eat Acura's lunch. I'm hoping Acura responds to this competition in some meaningful fashion with the next RL.
BTW, I sat in the Equus at the NAIAS in January. This car is freaking amazing. It will sell like hotcakes, and will eat Acura's lunch. I'm hoping Acura responds to this competition in some meaningful fashion with the next RL.
#62
But I hope I'm 100% wrong.
#63
Suzuka Master
Freaking love it! Loaded to the hilt with luxury, has about everything the Lexus LS and Audi A8 have. The only grip I have is their execution on the wood trim, looks a little cheap and laid out a little weird on the dash. Have no clue how it drives though, alos I'm sure it's priced very aggressively knowing Hyundai.
#64
Senior Moderator
Go to Edmunds and read the latest 5 of 6 reviews of the Genesis. Although the overall rating is pretty good for the number of reviews, the less than favorable reviews expose some cause for concern. Numerous reviews complain about the transmission surging, finding the wrong gear etc. One person said the ride was so jerky that it literally made him sick.
Another common complaint was the suspension. Again, adding to a terrible ride. Maybe all the hype about this vehicle was a little premature.
To be fair I checked out the reviews for the RL in 2006, the year after the initial release. Again, the reviews were good for the number of responses and there were some negative reviews. The complaints were more in line with comfort or defects not associated with the overall drive experience.
I'm not writing off Hyundai, they are trying to overcome the bad rep they earned years ago. They just need a few more years of refinement before I would consider buying one, valet service or not.
Another common complaint was the suspension. Again, adding to a terrible ride. Maybe all the hype about this vehicle was a little premature.
To be fair I checked out the reviews for the RL in 2006, the year after the initial release. Again, the reviews were good for the number of responses and there were some negative reviews. The complaints were more in line with comfort or defects not associated with the overall drive experience.
I'm not writing off Hyundai, they are trying to overcome the bad rep they earned years ago. They just need a few more years of refinement before I would consider buying one, valet service or not.
#65
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
Man, that's a good looking car. Look at that interior and rear seating!
#68
_____ like a rabbit
#69
Burning Brakes
RL is a very nice car. but too bad it looks like a 35k car. you park genesis next to RL and you would think Genesis should cost at least 10k more.
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
What kind of Hyundai do you own chungkopi?
#70
It's the same formula by size, power, luxury, etc., but it still isn't in the same class as a 5-Series, A6, XF, E-Class, etc.
In another example the new MKS has lots of the same technology, luxury, and size of something like the 7-Series or Audi A8 but it is still not a competitor to those cars.
#71
RL is a very nice car. but too bad it looks like a 35k car. you park genesis next to RL and you would think Genesis should cost at least 10k more.
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
WSJ agrees with me.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/20...-inspire-lust/
Indeed, the RL has its fans and they like to say theirs is the thinking person’s car, not meant for conspicuous status seekers. Deep down I know they have a point, but I still couldn’t buy an RL because it fails tow of my main tests: It neither turns heads nor sets my heart afire. Is it asking too much of a car to do both?
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...uattro/250486/
For a diesel-powered limo weighing substantially over two tonnes as tested, the A8’s performance is frankly preposterous. Making full use of its all-wheel drive system, that 590lb ft of torque and its army of tightly stacked gear ratios, it hits 60mph in 5.0sec flat and 100mph in 13.0sec, numbers you’d have needed a supercar to match 10 years ago. It is the fastest-accelerating diesel car we have tested, and by a huge margin.
For a diesel-powered limo weighing substantially over two tonnes as tested, the A8’s performance is frankly preposterous. Making full use of its all-wheel drive system, that 590lb ft of torque and its army of tightly stacked gear ratios, it hits 60mph in 5.0sec flat and 100mph in 13.0sec, numbers you’d have needed a supercar to match 10 years ago. It is the fastest-accelerating diesel car we have tested, and by a huge margin.
It is all from non-turbo engine with fuel economy of V6.
Only new Audi A8 meets definition of super sport luxury class. It is ride height adjustable with airsuspension, tubular rollbars, sport differential, and new lighting and one of the best ergonomically design interior.
Car without effective AWD system is not sport luxury anymore. as luxury does not just mean interior refinements but aerodynamcis, handling and height adjustments for such long vechicles.
i am not even going into aero measurements.
Acura has to follow Audi. upgrade Sh-AWD, improve interior which is already very good design and aerodynamics, introduce LEDs, put standard 19inch like ZDX. and boost power to 370bhp with hybrid addition. after all Audi with 375 bhp is beating 5.5L MB and 4.4 turbo BMW 7 in straight line.
#73
hail to the victors
Thread Starter
#74
Honda Accord has become bigger in size with 195 inch length and 72.5 inch width with $30K price tag. RL is very understated design but with quality. Just like Toyota Land Cruiser. No one thinks that it is $65K SUV. Most people think it is a Highlander.
#76
Suzuka Master
Didn't see the story at the beginning of this thread because of the merge. I like the idea of them sending a salesman to your house to show you the car and the idea of having them come and pick your car up for service and bring you a loaner in the mean time. Also like the iPad owners manual haha! I really think this company is gonna change the industry over time. They still need to build a dealer network though IMO given time.
#77
Safety Car
yumcha should grant you a nice break now
#78
Back From The dead
didn't see the story at the beginning of this thread because of the merge. I like the idea of them sending a salesman to your house to show you the car and the idea of having them come and pick your car up for service and bring you a loaner in the mean time. Also like the ipad owners manual haha! i really think this company is gonna change the industry over time. they still need to build a dealer network though imo given time.
#80
Suzuka Master
THis is clearly not well written piece. how those plain $50K E/5 turns heads around?. Acura RL turns more heads around than all those plain cars.
Only Audi A6/RS with S line packages to create that brute look, pearlacent paints and LEDs turns head around
remember 4.2TDI is 200kg heavier than 4.2TFSI with 30 bhp less. your essentally looking at car that goes 0 to 100mph under 13sec second time. and goes to 0-130 mph in about 22 second. all on 19inch standard rims.
It is all from non-turbo engine with fuel economy of V6.
Only new Audi A8 meets definition of super sport luxury class. It is ride height adjustable with airsuspension, tubular rollbars, sport differential, and new lighting and one of the best ergonomically design interior.
Car without effective AWD system is not sport luxury anymore. as luxury does not just mean interior refinements but aerodynamcis, handling and height adjustments for such long vechicles.
i am not even going into aero measurements.
Acura has to follow Audi. upgrade Sh-AWD, improve interior which is already very good design and aerodynamics, introduce LEDs, put standard 19inch like ZDX. and boost power to 370bhp with hybrid addition. after all Audi with 375 bhp is beating 5.5L MB and 4.4 turbo BMW 7 in straight line.
Only Audi A6/RS with S line packages to create that brute look, pearlacent paints and LEDs turns head around
remember 4.2TDI is 200kg heavier than 4.2TFSI with 30 bhp less. your essentally looking at car that goes 0 to 100mph under 13sec second time. and goes to 0-130 mph in about 22 second. all on 19inch standard rims.
It is all from non-turbo engine with fuel economy of V6.
Only new Audi A8 meets definition of super sport luxury class. It is ride height adjustable with airsuspension, tubular rollbars, sport differential, and new lighting and one of the best ergonomically design interior.
Car without effective AWD system is not sport luxury anymore. as luxury does not just mean interior refinements but aerodynamcis, handling and height adjustments for such long vechicles.
i am not even going into aero measurements.
Acura has to follow Audi. upgrade Sh-AWD, improve interior which is already very good design and aerodynamics, introduce LEDs, put standard 19inch like ZDX. and boost power to 370bhp with hybrid addition. after all Audi with 375 bhp is beating 5.5L MB and 4.4 turbo BMW 7 in straight line.
I can see your point about Hyundai not being on the same tier as Audi, but for the money/features list they are def getting there. Audi obviously is true luxury simply because of having the performance to go along with all the bells and whistles and they have an established image that pretty much defines luxury. I have a feeling Hyundai will be the next Acura though and play the value card much better in this category than Acura has lately.