It was only a few days ago that Hyundai took the wraps off of its Genesis New York Concept. The concept car was meant as a preview of sorts for the G70, aka the car that will take the fight to the BMW 3 Series. Of course there are other cars in this segment that the Genesis will have to do battle with. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 come to mind. However, we believe that Hyundai is targeting BMW with the compact and four-door Genesis G70 because it's the top dog and biggest name in the game.
It's still much too early to tell whether the G70 will be any real threat to the 3 Series. All we've seen so far is a concept, and we know automakers go nuts with concepts. However, we do think that some of the concept's key features could carry over to production. If so, the G70 could become a legit 3 Series competitor. In terms of engines, all we know is that the Genesis concept has a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. We don't know the specs of the electric motor (or motors?) but total power output is rated at 242 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This compares favorably to the BMW 330e, the 3 Series plug-in hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter turbo-four good for 180 hp with an electric motor chipping in an extra 76 horsepower.
That's a total of 247 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, although the BMW offers an electric-only driving range of 14 miles. While the hybrid could be comparable, the 3 Series lineup overall has an impressive array of engines that will be difficult to top. The advantage there will likely stay with the 3 Series, but with regard to styling we think Genesis could have an edge. The BMW 3 Series certainly isn't ugly, but the New York Concept was something else. Now the production car obviously won't look this outrageous, especially on the inside. But certain features should carry over, such as the door handles that sit flush with the body and the air vents on the quarter panels.
These little features combined with the overall athletic and elegant look of the New York Concept would turn heads. The 3 Series is a good looking car, but it's definitely not a neck-snapper. Styling could be the G70's biggest advantage over the 3 Series. (Its stunning Ceramic Blue paint would be number two.) In addition to going all in on its bold design, we think Hyundai should push the envelope when it comes to in-car tech. The 21-inch touchscreen in the New York Concept was a bit ridiculous but we like what the designers were thinking. Why not change the game and capitalize on unused dashboard space? Why should touchscreens be little squares shoved into the center console?
If Genesis intends to set itself apart from the pack it needs to take chances and a dashboard touchscreen with multiple functions and a suite of in-car apps could do the trick. If nothing else it'll get people talking just like the gigantic screen in a Tesla Model S does. It's still too early to tell whether the G70 will ever pose a serious threat to the 3 Series or even the Lexus IS. However, based on the bold look of the New York Concept we think Hyundai has a chance.
