Social climbers: Hyundai Genesis vs Lexus GS

For decades, the executive saloon class has been dominated by upmarket German cars. However, in recent years, a number of ambitious brands from outside Europe have attempted to cash in on this lucrative sector. 

Perhaps the boldest effort yet comes from Hyundai, which has just pulled the wraps off its latest Genesis saloon. Already a familiar sight in its native Korea and the US, the luxury four-door has now made its way on to UK soil for the first time.

• Best executive cars

Featuring a roomy interior, an extensive list of standard kit, a powerful V6 engine and suspension specifically tuned for British roads, the newcomer certainly has all the bases covered. And with an eye-watering price tag of £47,995, it demands to be taken seriously.

One of the few non-European makers to have cracked the executive market is Lexus. Its hybrid-powered GS models deliver class-leading emissions and build quality, plus they’re refined, comfortable and well equipped. 

So, do either of our contenders have what it takes to make buyers sidestep the executive elite?

• Hyundai Genesis review

• Lexus GS review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which alternative executive car comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Back seats

28

The Hyundai’s wheelbase is 155mm longer than the Lexus’, making for more rear legroom. However, both cars feature a front passenger seat with a ‘chauffeur’ function that allows those in the back to remotely move it forward to create more room, plus a rear bench that slides and reclines for extra comfort. Our duo also feature standard heated rear seats, but only the Genesis has a cooling function. 

Customer service

28

Lexus came top of our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey for dealer service, so your car should be in safe hands when it goes in for a check-up. Hyundai’s sales network finished in 13th, but as only seven dealers will be authorised to sell the Genesis, customer care should be excellent.

Sounding off

28

Both our contenders get high-end sound systems as standard. The Hyundai’s 500W 14-speaker unit is produced by Lexicon, while the Lexus has an 835W Mark Levinson set-up with 7.1 digital surround sound. Interestingly, both hi-fi brands are owned by American company Harman International.

Verdict

1st place: Lexus GS

28

The GS 450h costs more to buy than the Genesis and doesn’t come as well equipped, but it’s a more polished performer and its hybrid powerplant delivers significant savings. It’s also beautifully finished, refined, spacious and is backed by one of the best dealer networks around. It still lags behind the best European models, but is an attractive and accomplished alternative for buyers who don’t want to follow the herd.

2nd place: Hyundai Genesis

28

You can’t fault Hyundai’s ambitions, and the new Genesis proves that the brand is capable of rivalling upmarket makers for quality and hi-tech kit. However, the car lacks the sophisticated driving experience that’s expected in this class, and by aping European design cues, it doesn’t have any real identity. The good news is that this car’s quality and kit will filter down to more affordable models.

Key specs: