The Lexus GS350 AWD (top) is sportier than the Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec.


In a case of history repeating itself, two decades after Japan’s Lexus showed its more established German luxury brands a thing or two about value, Korea’s Hyundai dropped the same value bomb on Lexus with its 2009 Genesis luxury sedan.

Four years later, and the 2013 Genesis R-Spec eight-cylinder’s mid-$50,000 price is still up to tens of thousands of dollars less than rival V8 luxury sedans. But to counter its upstart Korean rival, Lexus has introduced a new, V6-only GS sedan, with more aggressive styling and driving characteristics.

The question is: Are the Hyundai’s two extra cylinders enough to make it a better sports luxury sedan than the six-cylinder Lexus?

First Place: 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD

Lexus dropped the eight-cylinder GS a few years ago, leaving a pair of rear- or all-wheel-drive gas six-cylinder models and an RWD-only gas-electric hybrid for 2013. The mid-range $54,900 GS 350 AWD comes closest to the Hyundai in price, but takes the lead when it comes to overall refinement and driving pleasure.

The Lexus’ 3.5-litre six-cylinder’s 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque are no match for the R-Spec V8’s higher numbers
The Lexus’ 3.5-litre six-cylinder’s 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque are no match for the R-Spec V8’s higher numbers. And the Japanese car’s six-speed automatic is down two gears. But the GS 350 AWD’s lighter weight (1,765 kilograms versus 1,884) allows it to go from rest to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The Lexus also scores at the pumps with 11.1 L/100 km city and 7.6 L/100 km highway ratings, compared to the Hyundai’s respective 13.5 and 8.5 numbers.

Numbers are cool, but the GS 350 AWD has it all over the less-than-co-ordinated Genesis 5.0 R-Spec subjectively.

Typical Lexus buyers can cruise all day in sensory deprivation mode, but the GS’s Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system gains a “sport-plus” mode that selects a more driver-oriented profile for the adaptive suspension, electric steering and loosens the stability control limits.

Set up accordingly, the GS 350 AWD’s autobox fires off gear changes like a sharpshooter at the range. While the crisp exhaust notes created when the transmission blips the throttle on downshifts is almost as tasty as the R-Spec’s V8’s rumble. And where the Hyundai wallows in turns, the Lexus remains incredibly stable, able and willing. The only blemish on the Lexus’ resume is its too-light electric steering system, something the Hyundai suffers from as well.

Inside, we also liked the new GS 350 AWD’s interior better. Its seats are more supportive, and the quality of materials and build quality are typical Lexus — top notch.

Overall, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD is the better sports luxury sedan for the money. And we haven’t even mentioned its all-wheel-drive, a must-have for many Canadians in this segment.

Second Place: 2013 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-spec

No doubt, the Hyundai has the “luxury” part of the sports luxury sedan equation nailed. For its all-in $53,499 MSRP, you get a long list of goodies (a rear sunshade, upgraded sound system, navigation, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, a cooled driver’s seat, and heated rear seats, etc.) that costs thousands more in the Lexus, and — of course — two more cylinders with a lot more power.

Interestingly, though, despite having a 5.0-litre eight-cylinder that generates 123 hp and 99 lb-ft of torque more than the V6 Lexus (and the requisite higher fuel consumption), the Hyundai isn’t proportionally quicker. Its zero-to-100 km/h run is only half a second faster. We’ll blame the Genesis’ extra weight and its eight-speed slushbox that changes gears slower than a melting glacier.

Compared to the pre-2012 Genesis V8 models, the newer R-Spec adds larger front brakes, retuned steering, and a beefier rear anti-roll bar. The result is much-improved body and wheel control, but with a ride that never gets overly harsh.

That isn’t meant to imply that the R-Spec is now a bona fide luxury sports sedan. Sure, its steering is sharper and more responsive, but it still feels artificial. Any extra cornering or braking grip the Hyundai’s 19-inch rubber (one inch larger than the Lexus) may promise is washed away by its extra weight. And although you give up foul-weather driving traction with the Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive setup, understeer at the limit comes quicker than in the GS 350 AWD.

Just as the GS 350 AWD delivers a quiet cabin and luxurious ride, the R-Spec is nearly silent when cruising. There’s little wind noise and nary a peep from the road. But when you want to hustle the Hyundai, its wide and soft driver’s seat offers little support, and although its interior is nearly the match of the Lexus for fit and finish, many of the controls seem like add-ons or afterthoughts.

Luxurious, the Hyundai is. But sporty? Meh, not so much.