“Is {that a} Bentley?” My neighbor asks, pointing to the slinky matte-black sedan parked in my driveway. No, sir, it’s not—however I’m certain the wonderful of us in Korea can be pleased to listen to their newest Genesis G80 mistaken for a $350,000 British tremendous saloon.

That’s a typical theme with Genesis, although. Folks usually lump their merchandise in with pricier, upmarket automobiles. That’s a results of how new the model nonetheless is—solely a decade previous this 12 months—and a testomony to how damned engaging practically all of its merchandise are. Or, perhaps it’s simply because the logos look comparable.

Regardless, once we spoke to Hyundai’s head of design, SangYup Lee, in April, he emphasised the necessity for the model to face out: “We don’t have the model energy like Mercedes has. But. So we’re taking dangers… as a result of our buyer profile is so completely different.”

By most measures, that danger has paid off.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

The G80 is by far the very best that Genesis has to supply—at the very least, on this creator’s humble opinion. The place different manufacturers race to make their sedans overly fussy and obnoxiously sporty, Genesis is just content material with constructing the very best luxurious mid-sizer on the market. No ridiculous powertrains, no rock-hard suspension settings, no nonsense. Simply excellence throughout.

What’s humorous, although, is that for as remarkably upscale because the G80 is, you might theoretically stroll just a few hundred toes down the shared vendor group parking zone and drive residence in one thing diametrically completely different. But, it’s inbuilt the identical manufacturing unit.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

The Hyundai Elantra N shouldn’t be a luxurious automobile. It usually rides just like the suspension is made from rocks. Its inside is wealthy with plastic, and previous to this most up-to-date refresh, it was a reasonably garish-looking factor—like one thing Jeremy Wade would have pulled out of a river deep within the coronary heart of Laos.

But, very similar to the G80, the Elantra N is peak for its class. It’s hotter than a Honda Civic Si, extra enjoyable than a Volkswagen GLI, and extra satisfying to drive than one thing like a Subaru WRX. It’s punchy, fast, and lovable (particularly with the brand new face), and genuinely inexpensive in an period the place automotive costs are uncontrolled: Simply $35,445 out of the field.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Parking the 2 automobiles subsequent to one another is an fascinating train within the Hyundai Group’s spectacular dichotomy. There’s nothing—and I imply nothing—that will lead you to consider that these vehicles have been constructed by the identical auto conglomerate, just some hundred toes aside.

The G80’s svelte, upscale design is a galaxy away from the Elantra’s edgy, juvenile seems. Juvenile within the finest manner, I ought to add. The G80 has a luxurious V-6 on this Sport mannequin that sends it easily down the street with a refined rumble, whereas the Elantra N’s rowdy turbocharged four-cylinder pops and crackles with each upshift.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

There’s nothing—and I imply nothing—that will lead you to consider that these vehicles have been constructed by the identical auto conglomerate, just some hundred toes aside.

Sliding into the G80 doesn’t really feel far off from a Bentley, both—and that’s not hyperbole. The Genesis is quiet, refined, and upscale, with luxurious pink leather-based and a premium audio system that bounces musical notes off the acoustic glass. Hopping into the Elantra N—effectively, its rattly plastic solely provides to its boyish allure, and the tinny audio system is finest suited to screamo, performed loudly, home windows down.

Certain, you might actually draw comparable comparisons inside different automakers—just like the gulf between a Toyota GR Corolla and a Lexus LS500, or a GTI and an Audi A7. However the truth that the G80 and Elantra N each characterize the very best of (or practically the very best of) their respective segments exhibits the spectacular breadth with which the Hyundai Group operates.

For my cash, no firm presently does it higher.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

The G80 and Elantra N, although, merely make up a small pattern measurement of the Hyundai Group’s bigger capabilities. Having lately pushed the three-row Ioniq 9 and spending time within the K4, the identical is true of these automobiles, too: Each spectacular and aggressive of their respective courses, however dramatically completely different in execution.

You need a pickup truck? Hyundai has the Santa Cruz. You need a minivan? Kia has the Carnival. You need a tiny electrical SUV that will get to 60 in 4 seconds flat? Genesis has you lined with the GV60. Hell, the bigger Hyundai Group even has complete companies devoted to energy tools, medical analysis, and, consider it or not, elevators.

One factor that can by no means be up and down (I’m so sorry) is Hyundai Group’s dedication to creating glorious vehicles. Lengthy gone are the times of Hyundai and Kia being the butt of the joke, the corporate actually has come a great distance.

46

Supply: Jeff Perez / Motor1