This isn’t the first time we’re writing about Hyundai, here at BMWBLOG. Though, most of you laughed at the idea of the new Genesis G80 taking on the BMW 5 Series. Admittedly, it is a bit of a stretch for the Korean brand, to think its newcomer can take on a German luxury stalwart. However, the G80 performed admirably, even if it did end up being the worse car. It’s closer than many people expected. So considering that, could Hyundai fair better the second time around, at a lower price point? It’s certainly going to try, as the upcoming Genesis G70 will take on the BMW 3 Series.

The new Genesis G70 will launch in South Korea at the end of the month and it will join possibly the most hotly contested luxury car segments in the industry. Not only is it going to be taking on the 3 Series but the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Jaguar XE. All of which are sensational cars and extremely difficult to compete with. So the G70 will need to be damn good if it wants to just survive this segment, never mind genuinely compete in it.

It will launch with three engine options to start with and they’re pretty typical. A 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 3.3 liter twin-turbocharged V6 petrol and a 2.2 liter turbo four-diesel. It’s really the two petrol engines that are important, as they will be the enthusiasts’ choices. The turbo-four will make 248 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and the twin-turbo V6 will make 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. According to Hyundai, that twin-turbo V6 can hustle the G70 from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. So, on paper at least, the G70 can hang.

Those engines will only be mated with an eight-speed automatic and will power the rear wheels as-standard, though there will be optional all-wheel drive. It will also come with an 8.0 inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 15-speaker Lexicon surround sound system.

Considering how good the Genesis G80 is, we’re expecting the G70 to be even better. Hyundai has had some time to realize how to improve its rear-wheel drive platform. Will it be able to compete with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? We won’t know for a little while. But it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Don’t laugh.

[Source: Digital Trends]