2024 Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Luxury Review

It’s a high-powered and premium sedan aimed at over-delivering on luxuries and refined driving, all while undercutting its established European rivals.

For 2024, the Genesis G70 has picked up some key equipment updates as well as a revised adaptive suspension system, while the wider range has been slimmed down to just two variants.

Buyers have the option of the 2.0T Shooting Brake, a turbocharged four-cylinder station wagon at the base of the range, as well as the range-topping GV70 3.3T Sport Luxury that is offered solely with a twin-turbo V6 petrol.

Despite all the new tech, the G70 represents a pretty old-school package, namely with its twin-blower V6 powertrain and rear-wheel drive package, so is it a slice of driving purity priced at a fraction of its European rivals?

To find out, we got behind the wheel of the Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Luxury to find out whether it’s worth the $8,000 upgrade over the base model and how the G70 holds up against the rivals it hopes to dethrone.

Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Luxury Sedan Competition

How Much Does the Genesis G70 Cost?

Genesis has made some changes to the latest G70 lineup here in Australia, with the company slimming down the range to just two variants.

The G70 range is kicked off by the 2.0T Shooting Brake Sport Line Luxury which is priced at $81,000.

Stepping up to our review unit, the G70 3.3T Sport Luxury Sedan brings the price to $88,000.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include on-road costs.

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Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Luxury Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Luxury Have?

Sitting at the top of the range, the Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Luxury picks up a long list of features.

Specific to the range-topper is an updated electronic control suspension system as well as an active variable exhaust system that adds some more meat to the G70’s exhaust note in Sports mode.

G70 buyers also pick up performance-focused hardware like a set of 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, a limited-slip differential and large Brembo brakes.

These are in addition to LED head & tail lights, a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, Nappa leather upholstery with power-adjustable, heated and ventilated sport seats, heated rear seats, alloy driving pedals, a suede headline and panoramic sunroof.

Rounding out the list of G70 features are the usual suspects like dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, as well as a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors and some more safety equipment we’ll cover later in this review.

Genesis G70 Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Genesis packages the G70 range with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system atop the dashboard.

It’s a solid unit that offers a high-definition resolution and feels responsive to inputs, but it’s not the best in the segment.

It certainly gets the job done, though the only problem is that when you stack it up against even Hyundai’s latest vehicles, the GV70’s infotainment system feels a little lackluster in comparison.

Put it under the microscope with the latest infotainment systems coming out of Europe and once again the gap widens, but not by a huge degree.

That said, the 10.25-inch infotainment system is now packaged with over-the-air updates, as well as DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation with live traffic updates which makes it feel nice and modern. 

Sound for the Genesis G70 is provided by a lovely fifteen-speaker sound system from Lexicon that offers a tonne of power and looks great in the front of the cabin with its metallic finish.

Does the Genesis G70 have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Another area that the Genesis G70 falls a little short on the tech scene compared to its rivals, even internal siblings within the wider Hyundai group, is the lack of wireless smartphone connectivity.

Instead, Genesis requires you to bring your own USB cable, because there is currently no wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support on offer.

This does, at least, streamline the process of pairing your phone with the GV70’s infotainment system which connects in just a few seconds and reduces the chances of a random drop-out in a wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connection.

Is the Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Luxury Fun to Drive?

It absolutely is - the G70 is a cracker.

We were quite surprised with what a driver-focused package the G70 actually is, as well as how dynamic the platform can perform while remaining user-friendly around town and a comfortable long-distance cruiser.

Achieving all three of these things is quite the feat of engineering, so we tip our hat to Genesis and Hyundai in that respect.

Underneath that long, swooping bonnet, the G70 3.3T hides a serious powertrain that makes it one of the leading pound-for-pound fighters at this end of the price spectrum.

Over the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered in the entry-level G70, the 3.3T picks up a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol unit that kicks out 274kW of power and 510Nm of torque.

It’s the same engine that powered the now-defunct Kia Stinger that was quick to become a cult classic with Aussies - it’s not hard to see why.

Power is thrown to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the G70 hitting the 100km/h mark in just 4.7 seconds.

Off the line, the G70’s acceleration is seriously impressive, throwing you into the seat when the two turbochargers spool into life, though there is some turbo lag lower down in the rev range.

There’s no two ways about it - this engine is seriously impressive and it’s versatile, too, providing endless torque through the curves on a weekend drive or effortless overtaking when needed.

In terms of handling, Genesis has done a great job with the G70 - it’s sharp and pointed but not to the detriment of its daily driving accessibility.

Take a look inside the wheel arches and you’ll find a beefy suspension package with some trick adaptive dampers that stiffen up in sports mode.

Combine that with the G70’s sharp, well-weighted steering rack and a limited-slip differential and you’ve got yourself a serious performer in the bends.

Throw it in a corner and the G70 holds on impressively, with clear communication from the rear-wheel drive and LSD as the weight pivots around while you’re powering out.

It’s fierce performance in a very confidence-inspiring and approachable way that doesn’t offer any nasty surprises if you’re a little over-zealous with the throttle.

On a long, windy road, the G70 eats up kilometres and proves itself as a great grand touring machine.

It just carves through corners and slingshots out of the bend with ease thanks to that lovely twin-turbo V6.

Better yet, when you’re just cruising around town, flick the G70 back into comfort or eco mode and the adaptive dampers soften up and make it a pretty refined daily driver.

It’s still a reasonably firm ride, but not to the extent that you have a heart attack if you spot a pothole at the last minute.

The G70 is also super easy to pilot around town thanks to its lightweight steering in comfort and eco mode, while the modestly-sized wheelbase means it’s easy to park or make a quick three-point turn.

All things considered, we commend Genesis for ensuring the G70 ticks important boxes for driving enthusiasts while remaining a comfortable daily driver.

Is the Genesis G70 3.3T Fuel Efficient?

With a twin-turbocharged V6 beating heart, the G70 certainly isn’t the last word in fuel efficiency.

If, however, you’re restrained with your right foot, you can get some decent fuel economy figures, especially out on the highway where the V6 just cruises along nicely.

On a combined cycle, the G70 with the 3.3-litre V6 engine is rated at 10.2L/100km.

Around town, the Genesis G70 is undeniably thirsty, drinking 14.9L/100km, while time spent on the highway will see it sipping a more reasonable 7.5L/100km.

For reference, the G70 2.0T with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a more fuel-efficient option, but not by a huge margin, consuming 9.1L/100kmon a combined cycle.

This means that all the extra performance in the G70 3.3T isn’t penalised massively when it comes to outright fuel economy figures.

• G70 2.0T Combined Cycle Fuel Economy: 9.1L/100km

• G70 3.3T Combined Cycle Fuel Economy: 10.2L/100km (claimed)

• G70 3.3T Combined Cycle Fuel Economy: 8.6L/100km (tested)

Is the Genesis G70 Practical and Spacious?

Things are great up front, but the G70 disappoints when it comes to rear accommodation.

Climb aboard and you’ll notice immediately just how sporty the G70 feels with its low-slung sports seats while offering up a neat, mature and premium-looking interior package.

On the visual front, the G70 is certainly a premium-looking package, with its quilted Nappa leather upholstery, multiple displays and mature aesthetic that holds its own with European rivals.

The driving position is fully adjustable and fantastic when everything is dialed in with its chunky steering wheel and wheel-mounted paddles that fall perfectly in hand, while the raised centre console provides the perfect place for your elbow.

There are some cheques the interior’s visuals simply can’t cash, though.

For example, the majority of trim elements and switchgear that look metallic are actually plastic and don’t have the same satisfying weight and somewhat detract from the cockpit’s premium look.

Likewise, the centre console has a bit of a plastic flex and doesn’t feel tied together compared directly to a Euro rival, though admittedly, the G70 is a bargain compared to them - so you’ve got to cut it some slack.

Headroom is on the tighter side in the front cockpit, too, with the panoramic sunroof eating up some potential.

Genesis’ new 6.0-inch climate control panel looks great, though, and provides some haptic feedback from the touch-sensitive display as you play with the temperature, fan speed or the heated and ventilated seat settings.

In terms of storage, the G70’s substantial centre console has a large tray with a wireless charging pad at the base, as well as a small storage area inside the folding armrest.

There’s also a pair of cupholders, an average-sized glovebox and two compact door bins for loose items and smaller bottles.

Move to the second row and things get pretty cramped.

While the G70 has a remarkably similar wheelbase to European rivals like the BMW 3 Series, so much of that real estate has been taken up by the long bonnet.

Why? Well, in the name of performance, the engine has been positioned rearward, as close to the front axle as possible for optimised weight distribution. This has very much come at the expense of rear seat accommodation.

You won’t have much of an issue behind a small driver or front passenger, though the driving position tailored for anyone north of 180cm leaves a lot to be desired in the rear.

Headroom is also pretty cramped if you’ve drawn the short straw and you’re sitting in the back, with the panoramic sunroof eating up the limited headroom and making things pretty cramped for adults.

Amenities in the G70’s rear cabin include heated seats, USB charging ports, air vents and a folding armrest with cupholders.

That said, kids will have a ball in the back seats of the G70, while parents out there will be pleased to know you pick up two pairs of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts, though you’ll be limited in terms of the size of child seats the G70 can accommodate.

How Big is the Genesis G70’s Boot?

Once again, Genesis’ attention to the front-engined packaging looks to have taken a toll on its ability to lug around a family’s worth of cargo in the boot.

Lift up the power-operated boot and you’ll find 330L of space for cargo with the rear seats standing, meaning it falls far short of benchmarks set by its European rivals, but gets the job done for a weekend away.

The rear seats fold forward allowing you to squeeze in some bulkier cargo, though you’re limited to what the G70’s rear boot lid can accommodate.

Those looking for a much more usable boot should pay close attention to the G70 Shooting Brake which offers a healthier 465L worth of boot space.

• G70 Sedan Boot Space: 330L

• G70 Shooting Brake Boot Space: 465L

Is the Genesis G70 Safe?

Genesis has thrown a boatload of safety equipment into the G70 that won’t leave any safety-conscious buyer wanting more.

The G70’s safety equipment list is headlined by an autonomous emergency braking system with junction assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as blind-spot assist with a blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control.

Buyers also pick up a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist with lane-centring, multi-collision braking and leading vehicle departure alerts.

There are also ten airbags, rear occupant alerts and safe exit warnings.

While the sheer volume of safety gear is not to be dismissed, some of the active safety systems can be a little overbearing with their warning lights on the digital instrument cluster and constant beeps.

These can, thankfully, be turned off easily but they will reset back to the default ‘nanny mode’ when you turn the G70 off.

Does the Genesis G70 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Genesis G70’s five-star ANCAP rating expired in December, 2024.

For reference, the G70 scored its five-star safety rating after scoring the following marks in its 2018 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 81%

• Child Occupant Protection: 86%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%

• Safety Assist: 81%

What Warranty Does the Genesis G70 Come With?

Genesis is amongst the best in the class when it comes to its ownership program.

Buyers pick up the usual five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, though the addition of free scheduled servicing for five years is a great perk.

Buyers also receive a ten-year roadside assistance package as well as a five-year membership to the ‘Genesis To You’ ownership program, which offers a concierge service when its time to service your vehicle, as well as a courtesy vehicle.

The vehicle concierge does, however, require you to live within 70 kilometres of your nearest Genesis service centre, otherwise known as the ‘Genesis Studio’.

Our Verdict: Is the Genesis G70 Worth it?

While it doesn’t come cheap, for a certain type of buyers, the G70’s glorious twin-turbo V6 will be reason enough to sign the dotted line.

The G70 celebrates the things enthusiasts have come to love about the internal combustion engine and provides a lengthy list of equipment to keep the majority of buyers happy, but it does come with some catches.

Namely, the G70’s limited rear seat accommodation detracts from its appeal as a premium family-friendly sedan and creates a bit of a chasm between it and its more practical European rivals.

If you look at it as more of a two-plus-two package, though, the G70 is a very appealing sedan that tears up the road and over-delivers as a premium grand tourer.

Don’t forget that our team of car-buying specialists are waiting on hand to help find your next car at the best possible price.

Five Genesis G70 3.3T Sports Luxury Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 (274kW / 510Nm)

3. Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential and ten-speed automatic

4. 10.2L per 100km combined cycle fuel economy figures

5. 330L boot space