5 Reasons Why the Hyundai Genesis 5.0L Package is Worth Every Cent

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan is a beautiful machine worthy of the “luxury car” label in its most basic form, but for those prospective Genesis buyers who demand more modern technology, more standard features, improved driving dynamics and gobs more power – the 5.0L trim for the Genesis sedan is worth every single cent over the base model price.

The Hyundai brand has long been known in the US as being a very low cost brand, but as the company has flourished in the US market, they have moved upscale with models like the Genesis Sedan and the Equus. The Genesis Sedan is newly refreshed and while I have tested and loved the 2015 Genesis Sedan with the 3.8L V6, the performance enthusiast in me fell in love with the big Korean sedan with the 420 horsepower V8.

The “issue” is that the Genesis Sedan with the 5.0L V8 starts at $51,000, which is far from a budget buy for some people, but when you look at the price of sedans from other companies with comparable levels of power and standard features, the 5.0L Genesis Sedan is still a smokin’ deal.

Today, I bring you 5 clear reasons why the 5.0L package for the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan is worth every cent for those who want a true premium luxury sedan experience for less than $55,000. Most importantly, I want to point out that when moving from the Genesis Sedan with the 3.8L V6 to the Korean luxury sedan with the 5.0L V8 – you are getting far more than just a bigger engine.

#5 – High Tech Safety Gadgets – The first group of key additions that come with the 5.0L V8 pertains to safety features, as the Genesis Sedan in V8 form has a long list of very high tech gadgets to make driving safer and easier. This list includes, a Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop/Start functionality that will allow you to drive in highway traffic without touching the brake pedal, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) that allows the car to actively work to prevent collisions, front and rear parking assistance system with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, a high tech Lane Keep Assist system that will almost allow the car to steer itself on the highway, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH).

Really, most consumers hope that they will never have to use most of those systems above, but in the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L V8, the Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist system make long highway drives a breeze, while letting you know if you get too lazy and let the car do too much of the steering work. As one Hyundai rep put it, this new system is as close to a self-driving car as you can get without the car actually driving itself.

#4 More Key Standard Features – In addition to the safety bits mentioned above, the 2015 Genesis Sedan with the 5.0L V8 gets a spread of standard features that are sure to make an impact in living the luxury sedan life. This begins on the outside with auto leveling HID headlights, LED fog lights and LED tail lights in addition to 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped in low profile rubber.

Next, the gorgeous panoramic sunroof is standard with the 5.0L engine, as is the Electroluminescent Gauge Cluster with 7-inch TFT LCD screen, a Lexicon® 14-speaker Discrete Logic 7 surround audio that delivers more sound quality at higher volume levels than the V6 sound system and matte wood trim throughout the dash gives the Genesis 5.0L Sedan a modern, high end look.

#3 Improved Front Seats – The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan is comfortable in its base form and those who want something more comfortable, can opt for different seating packages in V6 form, but the Genesis Sedan with the 5.0L V8 comes with premium leather seats front and rear, with the front seats being heated and cooled while the back seats are simply heated. Also, the driver’s seat of the 5.0L model gets adjustable bolsters and thigh extension, which allows you to adjust the seat for improved comfort – especially during long drives and stints of spirited driving. The seats in the base Genesis Sedan are great, but the seats in the 5.0L model are truly the kinds of buckets you would expect from a modern premium luxury sedan.

#2 – The 420hp V8 – Surprisingly, the 420 horsepower V8 is not my #1 reason why the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L V8 package is worth the money. However, this engine is still awesome. When coupled with the 8-speed automatic transmission, the 5.0L V8 provides instant power when you put the pedal to the floor, sending more than enough power to the rear wheels than what is needed to spin the tires or propel the big sedan from a stop in a hurry. This engine offers tons of pull throughout the powerband, so whether you are launching away form a stop light or testing the top speed capabilities on the open road – this 420hp V8 is quick to put a smile on your face.

There is really nothing wrong with the output of the 3.8L V6, but in the world of luxury sedans, bigger power plays a big role in buying decisions these days. Because of that, the 420hp V8 of the Genesis Sedan asserts itself as a leader in the segment, especially when you consider the fact that you can get into one for just over $50,000. $50k isn’t cheap by any stretch, but when comparing the Genesis Sedan to other 400+ horsepower luxury sedans of this size, the 5.0L package is an incredible bargain based on power alone.

#1 – The 5.0L Ultimate Package with Sport Suspension – Finally, the most enticing aspect of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L Sedan is actually an option, as the Ultimate Package truly provides everything that you can expect in a modern luxury sedan of this size. Most notably, the V8 Ultimate Package includes a continuous dampening sport suspension system that allows the driver to adjust the driving dynamics for the situation. This way, when you are cruising on the highway, you can leave the suspension in the more comfortable Normal setting while the Sport mode makes the suspension stiffer and more responsive. This works with the dampers, as well as the transmission, the throttle and the steering system via the Intelligent Drive Mode system and when coupled with the Ultimate Package dampers – the Genesis Sedan provides the mix of performance and comfort that has become a must-have in the modern luxury sedan world.

Finally, the Ultimate Package for the 5.0L Genesis Sedan adds a stunning Heads Up Display, a premium infotainment system with a 9.2 inch screen, a Lexicon 17 speaker premium sound system and dual mode climate control. This package adds $3,500 to the final price, but in topping out at just $55,700 – the Genesis Sedan with the 5.0L trimline and the Ultimate Package might be the best bargain in the luxury sedan segment.

If you want a true premium luxury sedan with tons of standard features, tons of power and a price tens of thousands lower than the competition – the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L Sedan with the Ultimate Package is one vehicle that you have to experience before making your next purchase.