2009 Hyundai Genesis: Gauges Don't Look Very Luxurious

its because its missing backlighting/outlines.. that said, they dont look "cheap" they seem normal.

I personally think the Lexus IS300 had some of the best looking and most luxurious gauges ever. http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Lexus/100172547/2003.lexus.is300.23324-E.jpg Looks like a designer watch.

for examples.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/assets_c/2009/02/370z-gauges-thumb-555x350.jpg

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/6ip.jpg

they look fancy because things are outlined and there's an ambient light

I agree, the ones on Azera look more upscale than these. IMHO, Audi seems to have the best cluster-clean & straight to the point.

But I'd prefer these compared to the ones on Lexus though.

They look good to me. No chrome please.

I think it's the font. It's way to pedestrian to be in the "luxury" Genesis. The numbers seems very tall and narrow.

Obviously, I don't want them putting in a script fonts... but if they take the time to do something that's both legible and different it will make a difference... it's these details that count.

Yeah, a big NO on chrome too. The cars with Chrome in the interior are an absolute painfully blinding to drive in sunlight.

See what happens when there's too much 'Bling' in the interiors?
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2008/04/2008-buick-enclave-cx-my-eyes-my-eyes.html

I'll say it again, NO chrome or shiny things in the interior!!!

I think it's the paleness of the blue that makes it look so dinky. If the blue were darker/brighter some kind of richer shade i.e. Audi/VW's blue it would look better. But alas, that's why it's a 30k-40k Hyundai, because to get "more luxurios" gauges you have to spend 15k more.

They arent great. Do they look cheaper than gauges in the $66k X5? I certainly dont think so.

the only thing i car about is whether or not the gauges are easily legible. so i don't really care if it has the same set-up as my 1992 Camry (minus the electroluminescent lighting), all i care about is does it have a tach and temperature gauge, and can i read them at a glance.

Only five years ago, electroluminescent lighting was for luxury cars only. Now even a base civic has electroluminescent gauges. I think it's time to move on.

Last I checked Electroluminescent isn't on the Civic at all. It's just the face design.

Like I said before; dollars store Mercedes.

These gauge look cheap compared to the X5's or 1 series? You have got to be kidding me. When will the madness end?

They'd be fine if they were "crisper" or "higher resolution", if that makes sense...

They just look boring. Yeah, they're clearly legible, but boring.
The Subaru Legacy gauges are pretty nice looking.

What what this pic taken with? A cell phone with Vaseline on it? For a better pic, go here:

http://www.hyundainews.com/assets/Media_Kits/2009_Models/Genesis/asset_upload_file967_2832.jpg

See the Azera's here:

http://www.hyundainews.com/assets/Media_Kits/2009_Models/Azera/asset_upload_file894_2790.jpg

I really don't see the big difference between the two. Both are clearly legible, with nothing distracting. Seems to me that suits the purpose and market for these two cars. Afterall, both will be driven by a large number of people whose vision isn't so great any more. And not having to squint is a true luxury when you get to that point.

By the way, let's make it clear who had elecroluminescent lighting first. It was Chrysler: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:66ChargerDash.jpg

Actually I was looking at the 06 Azera. I forgot they changed it in 07'
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2006/hyundai.azera/06.azera.gauge.500.jpg

"Afterall, both will be driven by a large number of people whose vision isn't so great any more."

dg0472, I own an Azera & I'm 30 & my vision is perfect!! I'm NOT old!!! Lol!

I love the luxury but did I make a mistake buying an old man's car??

Not very impressive at all.

They look easy to read for me (primary requirement for me). Looks like those are the daytime lighting level. If so,even better, so many luminescent gauges are tough to read in the sun.

I remember reading how one of the editors hated that everyone was going to electric blue and how hard it was to read. Guess you can't please everyone.

Hey Ed, your an idiot. Chrome only blinds the driver.

Iam not one to nitpick about guages but these do look a little plain. But like someone said, they are normal, which is okay.

I think the gauges look just fine. They look like they do exactly what they're meant for. I think it was a smart move for Hyundai to keep it simple. This is - afterall - their first kick at the luxury game, and maybe they just wanted to keep it clean and uncomplicated. And quite honestly, i think some people have a real issue with a solid Hyundai and are just looking for things to make a fuss over.

After all, let's be realistic. How many people HONESTLY say - "Hmmm...those gauges don't look cool enough, so i'm not going to purchase this car afterall." Not likely. Hyundai did a marvelous job on the Genesis, and it is a nice, solid car at a reasonable price. And imagine how many people on limited incomes now have the opportunity to drive their first luxury car. To complain about the instrument panel seems a bit nit-picky.

Ed,

You have to be kidding. Is this the best you can do in your long term review? I have driven this car and the gauges look just fine. Get real!

I dont really like the font that was used but the overall look is fine. I also think the prominent km/hr numbers are a little silly looking. At least they are electro-luminescent gauges. There are numerous expensive cars that dont even have them.

wobbly_ears,

I said large number. Not all. It's just a matter of economics, not style. This isn't a car priced for the majority of young families just starting out or with kids headed off to college. The Azera too skews slightly older, but if you like the car, what does it matter who else is buying it? It's a nice ride. Lots of younger folks like luxury.

I've driven the Genesis as well and the gauges definitely look better in person than they do in this picture. I'm not sure why clean and simple has to be out of place in a luxury car. Besides, if Hyundai had decided to pick some decorative font for the gauges, half of the people would hate it and comments would flying about the taste of "those wacky Koreans."

I was pretty underwhelmed by the gauges in real life, so I was sort of expecting this post. There is nothing really WRONG with them, per say, but they're just not interesting at all. I agree that the font is an issue.

IMO, the entire interior design was underwhelming. The material selection/placement and fit/finish was great, but the overall design was really bland and uninteresting - sort of a let down.

Am i the only (other) one impressed with the 66 Charger gauges? I like them a lot, all the required gauges are there and they are easy to read. Why do most cars only give you a temp gauges these days?

It seems to have taken the center info center from the VW/Audi parts bin and the gauges from the 1st generation Lexus LS400,except these appear brighter and "cheaper" looking.

For milt721, most cars only give you a temp gauge because it's cheaper to build,easier to build and most of the car buying public doesn't care about anything besides turning the key and going.