Comparison : 2009 Hyundai Genesis V8 vs. 2008 Lexus GS 350

Edmunds has went ahead and pitted the Lexus GS 350 against the brand new Hyundai Genesis, resulting in a mismatch that places far too much emphasis on the pricetag:

So the Genesis is a large, rear-drive luxury sedan that’s priced like a smaller front-drive one — at 195.6 inches long it’s just 2.4 inches shorter overall than Lexus’ flagship LS 460, but the $33,000 base price for the V6-powered Genesis is more than a grand cheaper than the base price of the entry-level ES 350. There isn’t really anything directly comparable to the Genesis at Lexus or, for that matter, at any other manufacturer.

As tested, the GS 350 came fully equipped at $49,670. The Genesis showed up with a $4,000 Technology package and a $42,000 sticker. That’s a thick $7,670 price difference, in case you haven’t already made the calculation yourself. Yet the Genesis essentially matched the Lexus luxury for luxury, gizmo for gizmo.

Basing a vehicle’s value entirely on the MSRP is faulty for so many reasons — consider the residual value, which will favor the Lexus heavily. If the Lexus maintains 50% of its value over three years, and the Hyundai only 40%, the initial price difference will be reduced by more than half.

Now factor in Lexus’ superior customer service, Hyundai’s unfamiliarity with luxury customers, and the better fuel efficiency of the GS 350’s V6 (5.3 mpg better). What’s left?

Comments

D
Dan
November 4, 2010

People who are "luxury car" owners are of the mind set that it would be below their status level to even consider a Genesis,much less owning one. To these people value is nothing compared to status. The affluent buy cars to impress and to show their peers how successful they are. For them to buy a genesis (OMG a Hyundai),what would the neighbors think; they would think that certainly their fortunes have taken a downturn.Well for my two cents these are just terribly misinformed & uneducated car buyers. As Hyundai has become a major player in all segments of the car business, as is evident by the upturn in LEV, and increased sales of Hyundais across their entire line, it would behoove all potential care shoppers to consider Hyundai regardless of what segment of car they are looking for. Don;t forget about the new Equos, "S" class buyers.

Popular Stories

Comments