2008 Hyundai Genesis vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E550
In the grand tradition of singing the laurels of vehicles we haven't driven and aren't yet in production, let's discuss how game changing the Hyundai Genesis will be. We feel this is a safe bet given Hyundai's, well, genesis, in the past decade or so. It went from making the Pony, which couldn't pass emissions testing in the U.S., to the spectacularly good current-generation Sonata, which struck the fear of plummeting profits into the collective heart of the previously sewn-up Japanese-family-sedan segment.
Hyundai is not messing around. The Korean automaker has set its sights on one of the most prestigious segments extant, the premium sports sedan. Doing a couple of the Japanese contenders better, Hyundai is dropping into the fray swinging, with a rear-wheel-drive platform and a choice of three engines, starting with a 264-hp V-6 and topping out with a 368-hp V-8 attached to a six-speed ZF automatic -- and a price tag under $40,000. It'll feature hot bits such as adaptive everything, a premium interior, eight airbags, and even an optional backup camera. And the Genesis really does look the part, if only because it's a visual mash-up of every other successful car in the segment.
Let's compare the Genesis with the unquestionably good Mercedes E550, a four-door luxo-rocket that will fling your passenger's latte into another time zone with a 4.8-second 0-to-60 sprint. Endless torque and a wonderful seven-speed automatic transmission ensure that acceleration, like everything else, occurs quickly and smoothly. The E-class is rightfully a gold-standard in the "effortless speed and luxury" segment. It'd be quite a coup if Hyundai could also outclass the E550's interior.
Despite Hyundai's claim that the V-8 Genesis will accelerate to 60 mph in "under six seconds," unless the company installs a leaden floorpan, we can't imagine it won't be on the land somewhere right around five seconds, considering the V-8's output. And even if it's not quite as quick or the interior is a touch more plasticky, the V-8 Genesis should cost at least $20,000 less than the Benz.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X vs. 2008 BMW 335xi
That Mitsubishi has excised much rawness from its all-wheel-drive Evo likely has Subaru -- perennially unable to best the Mitsu's transcendent talents with the hard-charging STI -- breathing a bit more easily, but the latest Evo is capable of dethroning more than merely its traditional opponent. The corner-noshing Evo X is just good enough to challenge BMW's pricey 3-series. The $41,575 335xi features an all-wheel-drive system in addition to the habit-forming turbocharged inline-six and makes for an interesting comparison.
The 335xi's 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, generated from 3.0 liters of displacement, are virtually lag-free. The same can't exactly be said of the Evo's output of 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but it's being generated with two fewer cylinders and a full liter less displacement. If BMW is the author of the notion of a proper rear-wheel-drive sedan, the $33,615 Evo is the standard for how anything with all-wheel drive should drive at any price.
Premium bits such as lightweight Enkei wheels (BBSs come on the uplevel MR trim) and Brembo brakes, expensive for car companies and enthusiasts alike, are part of the deal with the Evo. What does the BMW's extra $10,000 get you? Furtive looks from marriage-ready commuters, middle fingers from Prius drivers, and a passenger cabin that is one of our happy places, if a bit cramped for bigger folks. We're not going to pretend that the Evo's interior is even close to par with that of a 3-series, although it is marginally larger. It is, however, better than the last-generation Evo's and a good bit quieter; it now also features available navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Mitsubishi spent the right money on the interior bits that matter for this most focused machine: excellent, supportive Recaro front seats.
As a rear-wheel-drive car, the BMW is a barn stormer with a sub-five-second 0-to-60 time, but the Evo is quicker. The BMW works the skidpad; the Evo owns it, with a supercarlike 0.97 g of grip. The BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine; the Evo X is your partner in speed, facilitating a level of fast that, in the BMW, would place you in the passenger seat and Hans Stuck at the wheel.
