What's New: 2019 Genesis G70

Exterior
The G70 bears some basic similarities up front to the New York Concept that previewed it, but the rear keeps nothing of the concept’s hyper-stretched elements. Still, it’s tasteful and fresh — in the latter case in contrast to the nose, which looks like an Infiniti Q50 with busier bumpers. The headlights carry twin LED daytime running lamps that “foreshadow the future Genesis signature quad lamps,” Genesis says. Ergo, expect four headlights from Genesis at some point.

Interior
The dashboard sweeps downward on the passenger side to encompass the center controls in one of the few preservations of the New York Concept’s wild interior. A tabletlike 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto perches above the air vents, and the controls have plenty of physical shortcut keys and prominent dials for temperature, volume and tuning. Cabin materials feature Nappa leather seats, quilted-leather door inserts and genuine metal for the door handles and speaker covers. Options include a Lexicon surround-sound premium stereo — all the better to blast Phil Collins and Tony Banks, because one good Genesis deserves another.

Under the Hood
The G70 will offer two engines for the U.S., both turbocharged: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter V-6. Genesis estimates 250 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque for the four-cylinder, and 365 hp and 376 pounds-feet of torque for the V-6 (exact U.S. specifications are still pending). A 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder planned for overseas markets won’t make it here.

Genesis reserves the V-6 for the G70 Sport, which the brand says can hit 60 mph in the mid-4-second range. That’s on par with manufacturer-estimated times for the Audi S4, BMW 340i and Mercedes-AMG C43. Both engines in the G70 will come with rear- or all-wheel drive. Genesis didn’t reveal transmissions, but spokesman Michael Stewart told us “the plan is to offer a manual in the U.S.” That should go a long way toward elevating the brand’s street cred among three-pedal enthusiasts. (For everyone else, an automatic G70 is all but assured.)

Safety
The G70 has an active hood, which opens when sensors detect an imminent pedestrian collision to add impact absorption and reduce injuries. Automatic braking, blind spot warning and driver alertness warning are also available.