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Genesis lineup scores high on technology Featured

Posted On Sunday, 14 May 2017 03:11 Written by
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Genesis, Hyundai’s new upscale wing, is a fresh face in the world of high-end rides, but it came in with a bang. The 2017 lineup of the G80 and G90 are top-notch examples of quality luxury vehicles, exceeding what many expected from Hyundai.


For a full take on the Genesis G90, check out my review here (http://bit.ly/2iRolcn). In this review, I’m focusing strictly on the technology portion of the G90, and what it has to offer compared to its luxury rivals. Once you get beyond looks and comfort and overall ride quality, technology can be the decider for many when choosing a luxury ride, so it’s of ever-growing importance.

1. Big sounds

For a large luxury sedan, you want a large and luxurious sound. So the standard Lexicon 17-speaker 7.1 Surround Sound audio system in the G90 I tested did the trick quite well. It was a big, booming sound, but very adjustable and clear, and audiophiles will be happy with what they hear while driving around in the G90. The bass is impressive but not overdone, and the high-end sounds aren’t overly shrill.

2. Blue Link
Hyundai has extended their Blue Link telematics system to the upscale Genesis lineup, and it offers a variety of helpful features -- including car care information and updates, automatic crash notifications, plus apps that let you start or unlock the vehicle remotely. The system is operated by voice, but there is also a button on the rearview mirror you can use to activate it.

Blue Link also offers a “Voice Local” search that lets you find POI destinations -- either by business name or business category, and is connected to the navigation system so it can guide you to the location you find. The entire process of using the system is very simple and responsive, and I experienced few, if any, hiccups along the way. Navigation system did not disappoint either, getting me where I needed in quick measure every time.

3. Well-designed controls
What sets good tech/infotainment systems apart from bad ones is how easy the driver can figure them out and use them. It shouldn’t be a complicated matter.

Part of what creates a good system is the design, and the Genesis setup features a helpful physical layout of the buttons in the center dash as well as on the steering wheel. Central to the system is a knob in the center that also works as a button. It can be easily used even while driving and doesn’t distract.

Buttons are clearly labeled, and in my time with the G90 I had one of the better experiences I’ve found in the current crop of luxury vehicles.

4. Voice response
Beyond the physical, you want a high-tech car to understand you well via voice commands. Too often, voice recognition is offered but doesn’t really work that well, which can be incredibly frustrating if you want to focus on your drive.

Thankfully, I did not experience any frustration in the G90. All my voice commands to the vehicle were understood well, and if I wasn’t sure what to say, there were helpful tips offered on screen as to how to phrase my commands. You’ll be able to quickly figure out what to say based on the info offered.

5. Tons of safety features

When luxury vehicles cost as much as they do (the G90 runs about $70,000), you come in expecting top-notch safety offerings. Nothing should be spared. The G90 had pretty much all angles covered here in terms of keeping you safe, including:
-- The heads-up display allows drivers to keep eyes on the road and not on speedometer.
-- Nine airbags
-- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (works well if detects even chance of an accident)
-- Smart Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
-- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist (keeps you from drifting)
-- Driver Attention Alert
-- Bi-Xenon HiD headlights with dynamic bending light

While it faces an uphill battle to gain market share in the competitive luxury car battlefield, overall Genesis knocks it out the park with its tech offerings and it's one of the most appealing aspects of this upstart luxury offering. If you’re looking for an intuitive and responsive tech setup in your luxury ride, Genesis vehicles (G80 and G90) will fit the bill.

 

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.

Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

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