It’s one of the best moves by an automaker this year. I’m talking about Genesis’ move to upgrade the engine of its entry-level G70 luxury sport sedan. I recently spent a week with the 2024 Genesis G70 2.5T RWD Sport Prestige. It was my second opportunity to try out its new powertrain. The first opportunity was brief at a Texas Auto Writers Association event earlier this year. I was as impressed then as I am now.

Exterior

The Genesis G70 is a beautiful sports sedan. My test vehicle is painted Cavendish Red and rides on 19-inch alloy sport wheels that are simply stunning thanks to the Sport Prestige package. The new Genesis badge adorns the hood above a dark chrome grille, flanked by Genesis’s signature slim, two-row LED headlights.

The Sport Prestige package also offers adds Electrically folding side mirrors with puddle lights with Genesis logo. Double exhaust tailpipes at the rear and a diffuser in body color undoubtedly convey a sporty atmosphere to the viewer in the rear-view mirror.

Performance

The big news for the 2024 G70 is what’s under the hood of my test vehicle: a new 2.5-turbo four-cylinder engine that significantly increases power over the previous 2.0-liter engine. Mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a much more enticing 300 horsepower compared to the previous engine’s 252 horsepower. Torque increases from 260 to an impressive 311 pound-feet.

Those specs put it much closer to the range-topping 3.3T with its 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. And while the 3.3T is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, let me tell you that the new 2.5T offers impressive performance as well. And oh, happy day! High-performance Brembo brakes are standard on the 2.5T, and they are AWESOME. However, you’ll have to upgrade to the 3.3T to get its great-sounding V.variable exhaust valve system.

My vehicle is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. As you can imagine, the 2.5T is more fuel efficient than its more powerful sibling. Comparing the rear-wheel drive versions, this model gets a high 24 mpg compared to 21 mpg for the 3.3T.

Inner

Genesis’ luxurious interiors are, in a word, wonderful. The two-tone Mist Gray interior of my test car complements the exterior color perfectly. On my Sport Prestige model, the seat surfaces have been replaced with synthetic leather. There are soft-touch surfaces everywhere, including on the synthetic leather-covered dashboard.

Genesis also stands out for its high-quality, premium switchgear. The craftsmanship is unmatched and the attention to detail is evident throughout. For 2024, Genesis adds even more detail to the multifunction switches, door and console trim patterns, air vents, cup holders and key fob.

The driver’s seat is supportive yet comfortable and both front seats are heated and ventilated. The driver’s seat not do not have the seat cushions and cushion extension available on the 2024 3.3.T Sport Prestige model I tested, nor the quilted seats and door panels. My Sport Prestige model, however, comes with a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. An 8-inch digital driver cluster also features analog elements.

Oh yes, and I must mention the wonderful power seat adjustment switch on the left side of the passenger seat, within easy reach of the driver or back row passengers.

The entire product range will receive an updated center console for 2024. The designers replaced the conventional climate controls with a touch display for climate control. A slim and elegantly designed center console provides access to a leather gear lever as well as various controls for driving modes, automatic braking, the electronic parking brake and the optional surround view camera. The wide sunroof above is a real eye-catcher.

The 60/40 split second row of seats isn’t huge for a compact sedan, but I’d say it’s still comfortable for passengers. A fold-down cup holder console accommodates two cup holders.

Carpeted floor mats are standard equipment. New features for 2024 across the range include USB-C charging and a rear side airbag as standard.

The optional Smart Trunk with hands-free functionality offers up to 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

technology

A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen displays high-quality graphics and navigation, as well as great rear camera resolution. Voice control is simply great, and the upgraded 15-speaker Lexicon sound system is outstanding in terms of sound. It’s all really fantastic, the only downside being the fact that it doesn’t offer wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Driving and driving

As I’ve already hinted, the improved 2024 G70 2.5T impresses in terms of driving dynamics! Excellent acceleration, fun, sporty handling – it’s all there. Of course, the ride is also comfortable and quiet.

Standard equipment

The Sport Prestige package ($4,200) includes the incredibly cool 19-inch sport alloy wheels, a dark chrome grille, sporty aluminum trim, a wide sunroof and power-folding outside mirrors with Genesis ground lights.

Inside, you’ll find leather seats with memory, ventilated front seats, the outstanding Lexicon sound system and a wireless phone charger. The package also includes forward and reverse parking sensors.

Security

The G70 comes with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane following warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beams, driver attention warning, exit warning and rear seat occupant alert. Genesis’ Highway Driving Assist is absolutely outstanding. My test vehicle also has Smart Cruise Control. You’ll need to upgrade to the top-of-the-line 3.3.T trim for the Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor.

What you will pay

When I price it on the Genesis lot with the Sport Prestige package, I get $47,600 including destination. An incredible value for a sports sedan with so much luxury and performance – don’t forget the Brembos!

Verdict

The Genesis G70 2.5T is a brilliant move by Genesis to take its entry-level luxury sports sedan to an impressive new level of performance.

1. What I liked most: Improved powertrain, driving dynamics, Brembos, looks, luxurious cabin.
2. What I would change: Add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
3. Total RRP: Pricing as listed on the build site. Base: $41,500. Equipment: $47,600.
4. Fuel consumption: 21 City/29 Highway/ 24 together.
5. Mileage at the time of inspection: 4,346 miles.
6. Weight: 3,774 pounds.
7. Spare tires: Temporary spare part
8. Length Width Height: 184.4 inches long / 72.8 inches wide / 55.1 inches high.
9. Tank capacity: 15.8 gallons with filler neck on driver side.
10. Trailer load: N/A.
11. Official color: Cavendish Red ($650)
12. 2024 Genesis G70 2.5T in a few words: A brilliant move by Genesis to give its entry-level sedan impressive performance!
13. Guarantee: 5 years/60,000 miles new car warranty; 10 years/100,000 miles warranty; 3 years/36,000 miles free maintenance.
14. Location of final assembly: Seoul, South Korea.
15. Manufacturer website: genesis
    

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