Hyundai's 2011 Genesis sedan gets an advanced new transmission and some styling tweaks as part of an overall mid-cycle freshening. Likely available around the new year, the 2011 Genesis seeks to build on Hyundai's burgeoning luxury reputation ahead of 2012's introduction of the even larger and fancier Equus sedan.

In 2008, Hyundai launched the Genesis with considerable fanfare. Built on a rear-drive platform and driven by the company's first V8 engine, the Genesis took aim at a luxury segment dominated by entries from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Initial reviews were nothing short of glowing, praising the Genesis' power and smoothness, but sales in the intervening years have been slow, due in no small part to an economic climate that doesn't favor luxury cars.

Starting at well under forty grand, the 2011 Genesis is offered in both six- and eight-cylinder variants. Both Genesis trims (the 3.8 and the 4.6) ride on an advanced chassis that sends power to the rear wheels, just like the competition. Hyundai also borrows many styling elements from its rivals, creating an overall shape that resembles, from various angles, BMW's 5 Series, Lexus' LS 460, and Infiniti's M. For 2011 the Genesis gets a few design tweaks, including newly sculpted LED headlights. While distinguished, the face-lifted Genesis still looks rather plain and lacks its own identity, a trait that is manifested in the lack of discernible badging on the nose.

Though some of the blame for the Genesis' failure to reach its lofty sales targets may lie in its bland styling, it is surely not rooted in the sedan's polished driving experience. With the attention to detail that now distinguishes all of the company's products, Hyundai's engineers have labored to produce a luxury sedan that rides and handles nearly as well as the best from Japan and Germany. The 2011 Genesis' well-isolated structure is commendably stiff, and its sophisticated suspension (consisting of an independent multi-link arrangement all around) soaks up bumps with a minimum of discomfort. The chassis tuning strikes a balance between the sportier BMW and the cushier Lexus, delivering precise control with a (mostly) comfortable ride. The Genesis' thick anti-roll bars keep body lean in check, but result in a slightly choppy ride over uneven pavement.

For 2011, the base Genesis 3.8's six-cylinder engine develops 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The smooth-running V6 offers a wide, flat power band and near-instantaneous throttle response. Genesis 3.8 trims gallop from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and feature an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission that is a willing partner in performance, even if its shifts can be a bit abrupt. The top-dog Genesis 4.6 trim features Hyundai's award-winning Tau V8 engine, the company's first. For 2011 the V8 gets a 10-hp bump to 385, while torque output remains unchanged at 333 lb-ft. Though it's just a bit less refined than the competition, the Genesis' V8 delivers an impressive surge of power and, as a bonus, doesn't demand premium fuel. Backing up the V8 is Hyundai's first eight-speed automatic transmission, developed in-house and also destined for the upcoming Equus.

Inside, the 2011 Genesis impresses with an elegant interior that's chock-full of expensive materials. The standard leather seats are quite nice, but the Genesis 4.6's “ultra-premium” cowhide really gets noticed. The ultimate Genesis also gets French-stitched leather on the dash and doors, while all Genesis' feature power windows, locks, and seats, along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and push-button start. The Genesis' broad, ergonomically friendly dashboard looks great, but the dowdy steering wheel appears to have been lifted from the Entourage minivan. Both Genesis trims offer a powerful Lexicon stereo system. A 14-speaker unit with CD player is optional in the Genesis 3.8 and standard in the 4.6, while an even better-sounding 17-speaker system is available as part of the 4.6's technology package. Also available are two different navigation systems (one with a 7-inch screen, the other with an 8-inch display and a rear-view camera), a ventilated driver's seat, and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai's 2011 Genesis undoubtedly offers great value, providing a driving experience that rivals the best of Europe and Japan at half, or even a third, of the price. While the details can't quite match the competition, it's amazing how well Hyundai has thought through the big bits. For a company known for compact econoboxes to have produced a world-class V8 engine and an eight-speed gearbox speaks to the ambition and ability of its engineering and product development corps. While label snobs will probably continue to ignore the Genesis, intelligent car buyers looking for luxury and performance should place it at the top of their list.