Power is good. But unless you're driving in a straight line, you need more than just power. You need braking, handling, good chassis dynamics. And in different conditions, you'll need different levels of each.
And that is what makes the 2024 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T Sport Prestige such a rewarding car to drive.
Genesis has developed such a great reputation as a builder of luxury cars in a short amount of time that the performance side has become lost in the shuffle. This year at the New York Auto Show, Genesis unveiled a group of performance concept vehicles called Magma---so that light may not stay under a bushel much longer.
As the name says, it's rear-wheel-drive, with a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. 365 horsepower, 376 lb-ft. of torque. Sixty happens from a standstill in 4.5 seconds and the EPA fuel economy estimate is 21 mpg combined city/highway.
Shifting's done by an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, there's a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, Brembo brakes with red calipers, 19-inch sport alloy wheels, a variable exhaust valve system and adjustable drive modes.
Unlike some cars, those drive modes actually have distinct characteristics. Comfort is fine for around town and highway driving and would probably be adequate in the twisties, but do yourself a favor and use the Sport setting the moment the road gets curvy. The side bolsters grip you a little bit tighter, and you can feel the suspension and the gearing hunker down for some fun.
Where it gets really good is Sport+. Suspension goes to its firmest setting, and the transmission upshifts and downshifts to always keep you in the sweet spot of the torque curve. You'll be looking for the long way home every single time. Just be advised that in my 75-mile loop of freeway, surface streets and Sierra foothill backroads, I was in Sport+ for about a third of it, and my mileage was closer to 17 than it was to 21.
If there's a shortcoming, it's trunk space. 10.5 cubic feet is not a lot for a car that can carry five people.
Then, rear seat legroom is a bit tight, as well---34.8 inches. So, maybe it's you, a significant other and whatever won't go in the trunk can be in the back seat.
The 2024 Genesis G70 RWD 3.3T's base price is $51,200 including destination. For it to be a Sport Prestige requires the Sport Prestige Package (electronically controlled suspension, limited-slip differential, head-up display, Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, power trunklid and heated steering wheel) and that's another $4,400---so really, for this car, you're starting at $55,600.
There's a lot of standard equipment in that price---everything we've talked about so far, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features, power-folding ECM outside mirrors with puddle lamps, high beam assist, power front seats with four-way power lumbar, proximity key with pushbutton start, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 90-day SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial, a Lexicon premium audio system, a wide sunroof, ventilated front seats, forward and reverse parking distance warning, wireless phone charger and carpeted floor mats.
There was only one extra-cost option on our test vehicle---Bond Silver paint at $1,500, so the bottom line on the window sticker reads $57,100.
That price puts you in the same ballpark as the similarly-sized BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, both of which would need a lot more in expensive upgrades to match the power and handling capabilities of the G70. That's a classic move in the Genesis playbook---offer more, charge less.
