11/12/2000
The Genesis G70 made quite the splash when it first arrived, challenging established luxury saloon contenders like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 with its compelling blend of performance, style, and value. It quickly became a favourite, even earning an All-Stars contender nod. Fast forward just a couple of years, and Genesis has unveiled a dramatically refreshed G70 for 2022. So extensive are the exterior changes that one might be forgiven for thinking it's an entirely new model. However, beneath the bold new skin, the 2022 Genesis G70 is fundamentally a heavy cosmetic refresh of the same acclaimed saloon. This begs the question: with such a significant overhaul to its looks, did Genesis apply the same transformative touch to the G70's interior?
The Cabin: A Focus on Digital Enhancement
From the initial glimpses and limited photography released by Genesis, it appears the brand has opted for a more restrained approach when it comes to the G70's interior. While the exterior has undergone a radical transformation to align with Genesis's emerging design language – seen on the larger G80 and G90 saloons, as well as the new GV80 crossover SUV – the cabin retains much of its familiar layout and aesthetic. This isn't necessarily a drawback; the G70's interior was already praised for being a handsome and user-friendly space, characterised by its clean lines, quality materials, and intuitive ergonomics.
However, beneath this consistent appearance lies one significant and highly anticipated improvement: the central infotainment display. The outgoing model featured an 8.0-inch screen, which, while functional, felt a touch small compared to rivals and presented menus that were perhaps a little too reminiscent of its Hyundai parentage. For 2022, Genesis has swapped this for a new, wider-format 10.3-inch screen. This isn't just a size increase; it comes loaded with fresh software, promising a more refined and Genesis-specific on-screen style and functionality. This upgrade is crucial in today's digital-first automotive landscape, where the infotainment system is often the primary interface between driver and vehicle. The larger screen provides more real estate for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, enhancing clarity and reducing the need for constant scrolling.
Infotainment Evolution: Old vs. New
To better illustrate the digital leap, let's look at the key differences in the central display:
| Feature | Previous G70 (Pre-2022) | 2022 Genesis G70 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8.0-inch | 10.3-inch (wider-format) |
| Software/Interface | Vaguely Hyundai-esque menus | Fresh software, Genesis-specific style & functionality |
| Connectivity | Standard | Includes Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability |
| Input Method | Touch inputs | Primarily touch inputs |
Beyond the screen, the new kit also includes over-the-air (OTA) update capability. This is a significant modern convenience, allowing the vehicle's software to be updated remotely, much like a smartphone. This means Genesis can push out enhancements, bug fixes, and even new features without requiring a visit to a dealership, ensuring the G70's digital ecosystem remains current and efficient throughout its lifespan. Despite the digital upgrade, Genesis has wisely retained the physical controls that drivers appreciate. The display still relies on touch inputs, but crucially, the row of large, easy-to-use climate control knobs and the hard buttons for the audio system remain. This blend of touch-screen modernity and tactile, intuitive physical controls is a thoughtful design choice, preventing driver distraction and ensuring ease of use on the move.
The Exterior Transformation: A Context for the Interior
While the interior changes are subtle, the exterior refresh is anything but. The 2022 G70 now fully embodies Genesis's signature 'Athletic Elegance' design philosophy, which has been progressively rolled out across its newer models. This transformation is so profound that it truly makes the G70 look like a new generation rather than a facelift.
The most striking elements of the new design are the twin-bar lighting elements, front and rear. These distinctive 'Quad Lamps' bifurcate the headlights and taillights, creating an unmistakable visual signature that instantly identifies the G70 as a modern Genesis. Complementing this is a bolder and pointier new chain-mail mesh grille, which dominates the front fascia and gives the car a more aggressive and sophisticated presence. The front fenders have also taken on a more sculptural aesthetic, and a new, subtle vent now resides just behind each front wheel, picking up on an existing chamfer in the G70's side doors. Furthermore, the new headlights and taillights align seamlessly with the G70's sharp shoulder crease, which runs elegantly just above the door handles from nose to tail. The net effect of these visual upgrades is remarkable; the 2022 G70 appears longer and leaner than before, even though its fundamental body shell and hardpoints remain unchanged. This dramatic exterior overhaul sets a high expectation, making the measured interior changes all the more interesting.
Under the Bonnet: Anticipated Mechanical Shifts
It's true that looks aren't everything, and while the 2022 G70's design has been revealed, Genesis has yet to disclose the full mechanical details for the revised model. However, there are strong hints that significant changes lurk beneath the G70's new bonnet. Currently, the G70 is offered with two engine options: a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a potent 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic for the 2.0-liter, while the V-6 is exclusively paired with the self-shifting unit.
For 2022, the automotive world anticipates a notable powertrain update. It's widely expected that the base 2.0-liter engine will be replaced by a new 2.5-liter unit, projected to produce around 300 hp. This change mirrors an upgrade seen in the G70's Kia-badged platform-mate, the Stinger, suggesting a shared strategy for performance enhancement. While this power boost is certainly good news for potential buyers, it comes with a bittersweet caveat: Genesis's decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2022 G70's option sheet. The manual gearbox, a rare offering in this segment, was a point of appeal for driving enthusiasts. Its discontinuation reflects a broader industry trend where manual transmissions are rapidly fading from the sports saloon segment. As for the V-6, it's not yet known whether it will receive a power bump or if Genesis will swap in the larger twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 from the GV80. These mechanical details, along with UK-specific information, are expected to be fully revealed in the coming months, providing a complete picture of the refreshed G70's capabilities.
User Experience and Practicality
Despite the limited physical changes, the G70's interior remains a strong point for the vehicle. Its inherent design, which prioritises driver focus and accessibility, is maintained. The new 10.3-inch screen, with its updated software, is expected to significantly enhance the user experience. A larger display means more information at a glance, better map rendering, and a more immersive feel for multimedia. The improved Genesis-specific interface suggests a more premium and cohesive digital experience, moving away from any perceived 'Hyundai-esque' elements. Over-the-air updates are a modern necessity, ensuring that software bugs can be patched quickly and new features can be deployed without inconvenience to the owner. This future-proofs the vehicle's digital capabilities and maintains its competitive edge. The decision to retain physical knobs and buttons for essential functions like climate control and audio is commendable. In an era where many manufacturers are moving towards touch-only interfaces, these tactile controls provide a level of familiarity and ease of use that enhances safety by allowing drivers to make adjustments without diverting their eyes from the road. The G70's cabin, therefore, continues to strike a fine balance between modern technology and traditional practicality, making it a comfortable and engaging place to be, whether on a daily commute or a longer journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the 2022 Genesis G70 refresh:
Is the 2022 Genesis G70 an all-new model?
No, the 2022 Genesis G70 is not an entirely new model. It represents a significant cosmetic refresh of the existing G70 platform. While its exterior has been dramatically overhauled to align with Genesis's latest design language, the underlying body shell and hardpoints remain the same.
What are the main changes to the G70's interior for 2022?
The primary change to the G70's interior is the upgrade of the central infotainment display. The previous 8.0-inch screen has been replaced by a larger, wider-format 10.3-inch screen with new software, Genesis-specific styling, and over-the-air update capability. Most other interior elements, such as the physical layout of controls, remain largely unchanged from the previous model year.
Will the 2022 G70 still be available with a manual transmission?
No, Genesis has announced that the manual transmission option will be dropped for the 2022 G70. This means all models will now be equipped with an automatic transmission.
Are there any changes to the engine options for the 2022 G70?
While full mechanical details are yet to be officially released, it is anticipated that the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be replaced by a new 2.5-liter unit, expected to produce around 300 hp. It is not yet confirmed if the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 will receive a power increase or be swapped for a larger engine from other Genesis models.
When will full details about the 2022 Genesis G70 be available?
According to Genesis, detailed specifications and market-specific information are expected to be released in the coming month. This will provide a complete picture of the refreshed model's features and performance capabilities.
Conclusion
The 2022 Genesis G70 refresh is a compelling update that prioritises a dramatic visual transformation while subtly enhancing the interior. While the exterior now truly embodies the brand's distinctive 'Athletic Elegance' design, making it appear longer, leaner, and undeniably more modern, the interior sees a targeted yet significant upgrade to its digital core. The larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen, coupled with new software and over-the-air update capabilities, ensures the G70's cabin remains competitive and user-friendly, without sacrificing the tactile controls that drivers appreciate. Though mechanical details are still emerging, the expected powertrain updates, particularly the more powerful base engine, promise to keep the G70 a formidable player in the sports saloon segment. The loss of the manual gearbox will be felt by enthusiasts, but it's a reflection of broader market trends. Overall, the 2022 G70 continues Genesis's impressive trajectory, offering a sophisticated and engaging driving experience wrapped in a truly eye-catching package.
If you want to read more articles similar to 2022 Genesis G70: Interior Refinements Explored, you can visit the Automotive category.