For a long time, people relied on companies like Mercedes and Audi to make top-notch luxury sedans. Some models, such as the S-Class, date back to the early 70s. With a long history of honing their craft, it is hard to imagine any carmaker taking over reputable German manufacturers in the luxury sedan segment, but not impossible.
When Hyundai introduced their luxury sedan concept car in the 2007 New York International Auto Show, it attempted to make a “progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.” Although it might have taken a while for Genesis to find a reputation, it has undoubtedly grown popular in the last couple of years. But can these Korean luxury sedans redefine the market and take the place of their German rivals? Let us find out!
They Have Great Performance And Reliability
When customers think of Korean cars, they might think of cars that belong to the more affordable side of the spectrum. Or they might reflect on the relatively poor quality of Korean cars from the 90s. But it is worth mentioning that neither of those statements is necessarily true these days. Yes, companies like Kia and Hyundai still manufacture more affordable cars, but that hasn’t stopped them from making cars for those with a luxurious taste. And indeed, the quality is no longer a downside of Korean vehicles.
The Genesis G80 is a prime example of that. After Hyundai's success with two generations of the Hyundai Genesis, Genesis Motors was formed as a separate company under Hyundai to work on manufacturing more Luxurious cars. The G80 offers performance that can easily rival cars like the BMW 5-Series or the Mercedes E-Class.
If you’re looking for something bigger and bolder, Genesis can offer you the G90, a luxury full-size sedan that spoils you with luxury and comfort. The G90 is arguably the most dangerous Korean rival to cars like the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7-Series.
Another magnificent Korean luxury sedan is the Kia K900. Debuted in 2012, the K900 is Kia’s way of fusing a sporty engine to a classy design. And to describe it as anything less than “extraordinary value for the price” would be an understatement.
The Genesis G80, as an example, offers a 3.3 L V6 engine as the standard, capable of producing as much as 365 horsepower. But that’s not all; as long as you’re willing to pay extra, Genesis is happy to offer you their 5.0 L V8 engine. The V8 can output 54 more ponies, resulting in 419 horsepower. Both the V6 and the V8 engine provide plenty of torque (376 and 383 lb-ft of torque, respectively) which help acceleration quite a bit.
Exquisite Designs Both Inside And Outside
Elaborating more on the Genesis G80 and the Kia K900, both cars have had facelifts and redesigns in the past years, making them look elegant and classy. The exterior of the G80, for example, follows a very wild, radical, and futuristic design language that gives it a distinctive look. Especially the upcoming Genesis G90, that looks more elegant than ever.
A car like the Genesis G90 goes on par with its German rivals in terms of interior design. Top-tier materials, excellent finished with everything feeling sturdily in its place, and many tech features give the G90 an appropriately luxurious interior that satisfies most customers’ needs.
But it’s not just the looks that matter. The interior's practicality and notable safety features make driving a car like the Genesis G90 a safe and soothing experience. Besides being generous in offering headroom and legroom, optional massaging front seats make sure long trips are enjoyable from start to finish.
When stepping inside the G90, the passengers are greeted with leather seats and a wooden accent on the dashboard. A gigantic infotainment screen dominates the center of the dashboard. What’s more, there are wireless charging pads for smartphones and other tech devices that support them.
Lower Price Tags Draw Significant Attraction
Arguably, the price tags are the most significant selling points of Korean luxury sedans on the market today. The Genesis G80, for instance, has a starting price of just about $60K, and that is significantly lower than the starting price of a German car like the Mercedes S-Class. Korean luxury sedans are proof you don’t need to spend six figures to experience an elegant driving experience, that is, as long as you don’t care about the German badge on the steering wheel.
All in all, cars like the Genesis G80 are powerful, reliable, exquisite, and offer great bang for the buck. And that is why it wouldn’t surprise us to see Korean luxury sedan take over their German rivals in the near future.