Bought a 2011 Genesis 4.6 this week and thought I'd share initial impressions.
Ours looks exactly like this one; navy blue outside, tan interior.
For a 10 year old platform there is decent tech. The 4.6 cars get a Technology package standard and our car has a few extras and one notable omission. There is adaptive cruise control, parking assist warning, lane departure warning (not on our car), pivoting adaptive xenon headlights, bluetooth (calls only, no media streaming), navigation and a backup camera. Blind spot monitoring and remote start are not available on this generation.
The styling is derivative - more than anything else, it shares lines and proportions with the 2103-2018 Accord. The Genesis is about a half-size larger and looks for all the world like an Accord that got Juvederm.
First-gen Genesis (2009-2014) cars had an identity crisis. Some years wore Hyundai badges with Genesis model designations, some mostly carried the Genesis wing logo, and some went incognito. Our 2011 wears Genesis logos front and rear but displays a Hyundai H on the airbag cover and key fob. We're swapping in a NOS airbag with the wing logo 'cause we think it looks nicer.
On the road, there is no mistaking the Genesis for a German rival. Steering is precise but lacks feel when the pace picks up. Ride quality is smooth, with more body roll in transitions than the Europeans. Handling is nonetheless tidy for a relatively heavy and tall sedan. There is little or no float. Brake pedal travel is Euro-long. The brakes are sufficient but I think I’d like a more aggressive pad
Some of the curb weight is probably down to a stiff structure and extensive sound deadening. The Genesis is serenely quiet inside, which shows off the excellent top of the line 17 speaker Lexicon sound system. Infotainment is controlled through an expensive feeling rotary knob, on par with peers of the day, though we wish for the haptic knobs and buttons used on newer Genesis models. The central screen is large but lacks touch capability.
The rear seat is expansive, with generous legroom and a welcome power retractable rear sun shade. Rear seat comfort compares well to Lexus and other competitors. We would welcome side bolsters in the front seats, which are comfortable but flat. The 4.6 gets a ventilated driver seat. While we would prefer a slightly thicker steering wheel rim and gear selector knob, neither is much to fuss about.
The Genesis 4.6 has a good reputation for reliability. Engine problems, while rare, seem to concentrate around VVT or timing chain failure. Of all its features, our car's most appealing is the barely 17,000 miles on its odometer. We opted for an extended warranty for the added peace of mind. Owners should be prepared for occasional infotainment glitches which mostly resolve on their own, something we have experienced.
Power delivery of the 4.6 is strictly no-drama. It revs willingly and makes good torque to pair with its 385 horsepower. The owner’s manual reveals that use of 87 octane is acceptable. The trade off versus premium is just 10 peak hp or so, which we think is worth it given the price delta at the pump. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg highway, respectable for the car’s weight and engine output.
This was the last year for the 6-speed automatic. It would benefit from improved shift mapping and smoother tip in programming for the electronic throttle. At low speeds the car can be a little difficult to drive smoothly. There is plenty of power for spirited driving and the drivetrain is more certain when called on to move out authoritatively.
Value-proposition buys won't win you any respect from those with truly deep wallets, but we aren't very attracted to the high care and feeding costs of a used Mercedes or BMW and we aren't trying to score points with anyone. For us, the Genesis is basically a used Lexus at a lower price point, something we like very much.
