2022 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Review

The Genesis G70 is one of the most under appreciated models in the highly competitive mid-size luxury sedan segment. The reason? As you might have guessed, its be-winged badge.

In the premium world, brand heritage is almost more important than the car itself. It has taken Australians a few decades to come around to the idea that Korean cars are more than just cheap A to B transport with long warranties. They now compete almost on an equal footing with long established Japanese marques and is currently the top five car manufacturers in Australia.

However, are we ready to splash Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series money on a young premium off-shoot from Hyundai? Only time will tell but for intrepid few who dare to venture away from the Germans, the G70 is a seriously convincing alternative.

Updated recently to bring it in line with the rest of the brand’s model line-up, the new G70 scores Genesis’ bold new face with distinctive quad lamp design first introduced on the GV80 SUV. In fact, the entire front facia is brand new, including its new signature Crest grille and restyle front bumper. It’s a similar story at the back, with new taillights, bootlid and rear bumper design. It’s a striking facelift. One that turns heads wherever you go.

Underneath however, the sports sedan remains largely unchanged except for a modest power increase on the G70 3.3T tested here.

How much is the Genesis G70?

Unlike the previous 6-tier line-up, Genesis has streamlined the updated G70 range with just one trim level per powertrain.

Kicking off the range is the $63,000 Genesis G70 2.0T, with the V6 3.3T Sport starting from $76,000 – both before on-road costs.

The 2.0T can be optioned with the $4,000 Sport Line package to match the sporty looks of the 3.3T Sport, while both the 2.0T and 3.3T Sport are available with the $10,000 Luxury Package. Matte paint is a further $2,000.

Is the Genesis G70 well equipped?

The answer is yes.

All variants come with the following as standard:

• Updated and larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with split-screen functionality
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation with life traffic update
• DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 9-speaker sound system
• Updated 8-inch LCD and analogue cluster
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Panoramic glass sunroof with power sunblind
• Improved Qi wireless charger that accommodates larger devices and quicker charging
• Keyless entry and start
• 12-way power front seats including 4-way driver’s lumbar support
• Passenger walk-in switch
• Genuine leather upholstery
• 60:40 split rear seat
• Auto high-beam
• Dual-zone climate control
• Tyre-pressure monitoring
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Electro-chromatic wing mirrors

The optional Sport Line Package (standard on the 3.3T) adds:

• 19-inch Sport style dark-finish alloy wheels
• Mechanical limited-slip differential
• Brembo brakes
• Dark chrome grille surround and black grille inserts
• Dark chrome window surround
• Sport leather seats (Nappa when paired with Luxury Package)
• Suede headlining/pillars
• Aluminium pedals and trim

The optional Luxury Package adds:

• Forward Attention Warning
• Intelligent front-lighting system
• Acoustic laminated windscreen and front door glass
• Nappa leather appointed interior
• 16-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
• Suede headlining/pillars
• Electrically operated steering column
• 3-inch fully digital 3D instrument cluster
• Heads-up display (HUD)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated outboard rear seats
• 15-speaker Lexicon premium sound system

There are also new capacitive door locking and unlocking pads that are incorporated into the G70’s front door handles, replacing the conventional buttons, while Luxury Package brings a power operated boot. 

How safe is the Genesis G70?

Reassuringly, the 2022 G70 comes with a five-star crash rating from ANCAP.

It also brings additional Genesis Active Safety Control over the superseded model:

• Forward Collision Avoidance with Junction Turning Collision Avoidance function
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Safe Exit Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert
• Lane Following Assist
• Surround View Monitor
• Reverse Light Guide
• Driver Attention Alert (Luxury Package)

The G70 is also one of the first models to come equipped with a front-centre airbag that, when deployed, prevent the two front passengers from hitting each other in a side on collision.

Together with its unique Blind-Spot View Monitor which presents the driver with a convenient live video feed of the left or right blind-spot in the instrument cluster, the G70’s safety equipment is on-par and in some instances, better than any German rivals.

What is it like on the inside?

And while the G70’s exterior has been extensively revised; its interior has not received as much attention.

Headlining the update is a larger 10.25-inch high-resolution infotainment screen with satellite navigation, while new luxury touches include richly tactile G Matrix quilting and classy geometric patterned trim inserts. The red seat belts and stitching also add a touch of sportiness to the interior

The novel 3D effect instrument cluster might feel gimmicky to some but brings a point of difference to the car and we really liked it. Both it and the infotainment screen are almost HD-like in crispness and highly responsive to inputs.

Nevertheless, overall the interior remains good with a sound driving position with tonnes of adjustment in both the fabulously comfortable and supportive seat, and the electrically telescopic steering wheel.

Unlike some of its European rivals, the G70’s controls are logically laid with big buttons and old school dials instead of being buried within the touchscreen or frustratingly difficult to use touch-sensitive buttons. Here’s hoping common sense prevails with Genesis.

However, some material choice remains questionable. The silver window buttons, centre console switchgear and paddle shifters might look like metal at first glance but lay your fingers on them and the plasticky feel immediately betrays the initial perception.

The lack of wireless Apple CarPlay is also a big letdown when it’s standard on a $30k Hyundai i30 Sedan.

While the front seats are adequately spacious, the rear seats feels a little cramp for taller passengers, particularly headroom and footroom under the front seats. The 330L boot space is satisfactory though certainly not class-leading and well under the close to 500L of its rivals.

What’s under the bonnet?

The 2022 G70 gets carried over powertrains.

The 2.0T features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 179kW of power and 353Nm of torque.

The 3.3T Sport is powered by a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 producing 274kW and 510Nm of torque, the former an increase of 2kW compared to the pre-facelift model thanks to a new variable exhaust system.

Both models are rear-wheel drive and connected to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

What is it like to drive?

Our test car for this review was the 3.3T Sport with Luxury Pack and with 274kW on tap, it certainly is powerful.

As befitting a premium car, the powertrain is smooth and responsive with hardly any low-down lag. Power and torque come on hard all the way through to the redline, making the G70 an effortless cruiser. Genesis could have made the 3.3-litre sound a little better, but it isn’t a deal breaker and certainly not unpleasant.

The eight-speed automatic does a respectable job of channelling power to the tarmac via the rear wheels and is decently quick when left to its own devices. Flappy pedals are available for those who wish to take a little more control but the transmission programming is clever enough in most situations to figure it out on its own.

The G70’s steering wheel is relatively sharp and direct, while its adaptive suspension is compliant in Comfort mode and perfect in ironing out road pimples but gets noticeably firmer in Sport mode for some corner carving fun in the twisties.

Speaking of which, the driver’s seat bolsters also inflate to grip you better in Sport mode.

What is the G70’s running costs?

Genesis claims the G70 3.3T uses 10.2L/100km on the combined cycle, which, for the first time ever, is matched by our real-world average of 10.2L/100km.

All Genesis models are covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with five years, or 50,000km free scheduled servicing.

Owners also benefit from the Genesis Concierge Service which picks up your vehicle from your house and leave you with a Genesis loan car if you live within 70km of a Genesis Studio.

Verdict

2022 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport pricing and specification

Competitors: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60