2009 Hyundai Genesis or 2009 BMW 750i? Part II

How dare you, as a journalist, not uphold your profession and kiss the feet of BMW! I'm sure it's in your contract somewhere, or in some secret journalistic oath..."Thou shalt worship BMW products for all eternity."

To be serious, your pick of the Genesis is a breath of fresh air. BMWs are boring. They are the Ultimate Driving Machine and coax out the F1 driver in the people that own them.

But I don't want that in the car I drive. I don't want to ride in a four-wheeled Mr. Gadget. And for those that say "I don't get it" well....maybe you don't get it.

Scott, I'll join you in the Genesis.

"Not to mention it offers all it offers for 40% of the cost of the BMW."

But, he is getting paid to drive the car not actually paying for the car.

"I was called crazy, unreasonable and accused of writing something untrue just to get a rise out of our readers. "

If only you had thoroughly explained yourself in yesterday's entry...

Both cars are overrated. Solution: add the king of the luxury barges to your test fleet. The S600.

Sorry Scott for calling you a liar and thinking you were crazy. It is good too see your detailed reasoning behind your decision. I have not driven either of these cars so I was just thinking of cost, name, and of course history of these vehicles. Thanks for the follow up, and yes it does look good in your driveway.

It does look sweet...as does the Dubya next to it. A driveway featuring two (well?)above average rides.

I've said for a long time that somewhere around $50k the law of diminishing returns starts to apply with regard to cars. I don't think I need a car that's "better" than what $50k will buy (Infiniti M for example). Now that the Genesis is available, I might be able to knock a few grand off that.

Ironic isn't it?

Automotive journalists are accused of being biased towards BMW, yet when one chooses NOT to take home a BMW 750i his/her sanity comes into question....

I would have chosen Genesis as well. I am an auto enthusiast but I am also an adult & a family to support. Even if I could afford a 90k car, I would go for a 40k car & put the 50k away so that my family/kids would have a little more.

Forgive me for saying this. But every time I see a BMW 3 series or a C class, I see middle aged professionals who couldn't possibly buy that car but lease it. I wonder how they manage their finances. Also, (it is a personal opinion), I think of most BMW drivers as jerks (atleast in Houston). BMW is too much bling-bling for my taste.

Anytime I see a well to do professional but in a Camry or an Accord or a Genesis, I feel I can do business with a sensible person. Every one of my interactions with someone who drives a BMW has left me with a sour experience. I want to do business with someone who isn't a brand-snob, but a sensible-real wordly person.

My opinion, of course...

Oh boy, I must envy Mr.Oldham of his great job of getting to drive the best there is. The thing is, I gotta agree with him. I have driven a V8 Genesis for a week and oh sweet deity, what a car.

Scott, the implication of your other post was that the Genesis was a better car, price not being a factor. Why would you post that, other than to get a rise out of people?

"Ironic isn't it?

Automotive journalists are accused of being biased towards BMW, yet when one chooses NOT to take home a BMW 750i his/her sanity comes into question...."

It's not that he didn't choose the BMW, it's that he chose a Hyundai over a BMW.

Still not a huge fan of the Genesis, but now that I better understand Scott's view of the Bimmer and it's unBMW-like shortcomings, I can agree with him. BMWs not living up to the "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan should be spat upon, stoned, doused with acid, and burned.

Good for the Koreans. Very nice.

Wow look at all the BMW bashing in here. I can't help but to think that some people in this post feel a little resentment when it comes toward BMW & the people who drive them. To all you haters of BMW. Sticks & and Stones can break our bones, but your slow and sensible Genesis, Camry and Accords will never catch me!

@whickersham

You have to admit, BMWs have fattened up over the years. Bigger, heavier, and duller, the competition has closed in. Not to mention technologies like "Active Steering".

A boring-to-drive BMW is like a badly built Mercedes. The new, softer Z4, 5-Series GT, and M SUVs should be signs that BMW is about to go through some "dark years" of its own, at least for enthusiasts. But, like Mercedes and their quality issues, BMW will eventually come around again.

That's why we read the long term blog...

Good response Scott.

Scott, I really appreciate this post. As someone who is going to be cross-shopping the new 7-Series later this summer it is nice to hear your actual opinion on this matter. Not being able to find the "right" feel is something that really wouldn't show up in a test-drive, yet would really drive me crazy. I also understand you wanting a little bit softer ride for a daily-driver. That is one of the reasons I am still completely in love with my S550 despite that fact that it is almost 3.5 years old with nearly 70,000 miles on it. Eventually, we all need to grow up.

whickersham,

Different people want different things. I'm sure the folks driving Camrys, Accords, and Genesis' could care less if they catch you. Just like you would undoubtedly reassure yourself with thoughts of your nice interior, refinement, and BMW badge when my modded EVO mauls your heavy ass luxury car.

I can't help but to look at Old Glory. :o)

Nice response indeed, Scott. It's kind of like (but not completely) why some may prefer a Subaru Impreza WRX or Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to their more hardcore brethren, even if they have the financial means to obtain an STI or Evo.

wobby_ears, by the time I'm a middle aged professional I think I'll be able to afford a 3-series or C-class without being financially stupid. It's the young professional owners you should wonder about! But some can. Many are far more successful than I am.

Still, the BMW lovefest in the automotive media gets old, and I'm happy to see instances where another brand is given the nod instead. Naturally, it happened in a segment where softness is better than sport... I wouldn't expect the 7-series to be an ideal representation of BMW's strengths.

Man, just watch all the haters from yesterday caving!
;p

Going by Scott's rationale, the ultimate car is a Toyota Avalon...

someone posted recently "we drive what we love and we can afford."

truer words were never blogged...

I have owned several BMW's. I never bought one for the roundel either.
I researched extensively before every purchase.

There is one thing that sets them apart from MB, Lexus, Audi and Infiniti- the suspension tuning is the best out there.

And they may be the only manufacturer left to offer free total maintenance for 50,000 miles.

But...

the Genesis 4.6 V8 I test drove recently was one very fine car. And I would buy it over a 550i any day. Or a 535i. I had no issues with the suspension, steering, braking and it was considerably more quiet than anything similar.

I have discovered that the canyon-carver I always want represents only 20% of my driving and the Genesis is what I want for the other 80%...

This is so pointless...

Having both car keys on the table to choose freely without the money factor only idiots will take the Genesis over the 750i.

However, factor in money, unless you have $90k cash laying around somewhere you are FORCED to take the Genesis.

It's really as simple as that, without that enthusiast BS...

@ louiswei - Calm down! You are taking this WAY too seriously. I think da widdle baby needs a time out! Yes he does. Yes he does! =D

NEWS FLASH - not everybody is all over BMW's nuts like you are. If you want to be their little cheerleader, that's fine. But the only reason you're being such a HATER is because it's a Hyundai, and for NO OTHER REASON. Typical self-absorbed, selfish, ignorant hater. To even SUGGEST that a person who chooses a Genesis over a BMW is an idiot says a lot about your lack of character, and you shuld be embarrassed to write such a thing and let so many people know how big of a fool you are.

Get over it. Hyundai is killing the luxury game right now, and multitudes of automotive journalists are LOVING the Genesis. Car of the year baby. And there's nothing you can do to change that. Bottom line - they're just cars, people. If the guy chooses the Genesis, stop taking it so personal and getting your feelings hurt! Geez. =P

wobbly ears,

What makes you think a middle-aged professional in a $38,000 Genesis is managing his money any better than a middle-aged professional in a $38,000 3-Series or C-Class?

I disagree with Scott. If I had to choose, I would definately pick the 750i over the Genesis. Of course I would sell it the very next day and buy a brand new Genesis and a new 370Z and spend the rest modifying the Z.

kandeemann, I can't speak for louiswei, but for me, it's not about the BMW, but about the Genesis. I've played with the Genesis and it's just not that special. It's a fine car for it's price (which isn't all that low), but so are others. It certainly does not compete with cars twice its price.

The automotive media love fest with the Genesis bewilders me.

Btw: I'm not a BMW fanboy in the least. I think they are way overpriced.

ace47 has the right idea.

Anyone who knows me will know that the last thing I will be is a BMW fanboy...

This is not just about badge, sure Genesis is a great car, I've driven one before, want to read the review I wrote for it? Here you go...

http://lexusnet.com/blog/?p=256

However, it's hard to deny that the 750i is not a BETTER car. Is it $50k better? Probably not and I don't think it is but is it BETTER? Heck yes!

So like I said, if one gets to choose the 750i and Genesis freely without having to pay for it out of one's own pocket you SERIOUSLY think that the Genesis has a chance?

"I wonder how they manage their finances."

I manage extremely well, thank you.

The Bimmer is the flash car attention getter. It will do justice in the streets cause everyone knows its nameplate. I sure don't want to get pulled over because of suspicious activity just because i drive a BMW. Rich means bad behavior. I can't you know many times i seen people with nice cars get targeted for pull overs. The Genesis will be low key but its not for the rich. It raises another question, show that your a snob rich bastard or live it low key but dont get any attention for the money you push out. You decide. I for one believe 99.9 percent will choose floss for my making cost.

"The Bimmer is the flash car attention getter. It will do justice in the streets cause[sic] everyone knows its nameplate. I sure don't want to get pulled over because of suspicious activity just because i[sic] drive a BMW. Rich means bad behavior. I can't you know many times i[sic] seen[sic] people with nice cars get targeted for pull overs[sic]. The Genesis will be low key but its[sic] not for the rich. It raises another question, show that your[sic] a snob rich bastard or live it low key but dont get any attention for the money you push out. You decide. I for one believe 99.9 percent will choose floss for my making cost."

How eloquent.

In most of the world, the 7 and S are chauffer cars. If you are driving one, you're the employee not the boss.

I would never get a 7 because I don't have a driver. I wouldn't get the Genesis either but the Genesis is appealing to a totally different market.
Of course money matters. That's part of the Genesis appeal; giving you 7/10ths the car for 4/10ths the money.

If I want a "canyon carver", there are a 50 others that are far better choices than the 7.

You da man, Scott. Nice to see an auto-journo keep it honest.

"If I want a "canyon carver", there are a 50 others that are far better choices than the 7."

Wxactly. Neither car is-or would-be on my radar as a potential purchase- with the exception of the new B7.

So, wobbly_ears, you make assumptions on people based on what they drive? The only assumptions I can make on the people who drive the "sensible" cars you mentioned is they drive boring cars. I am a middle-aged professional, and I don't drive my BMW for it's "bling" factor (what bling are you talking about anyway? Owners add their own bling), and yes, I can well-afford it.
I drive the car because it gives me what I want in a sport sedan while remaining practical for every other use I have for a car.

I am amused at how quickly people jump on the "bash BMW" bandwagon. I have never posted to one of these comment areas before but really felt inspired to comment on this one.

I am especially amused at "wobbly ears" comment, "But every time I see a BMW 3 series or a C class, I see middle aged professionals who couldn't possibly buy that car but lease it."
That is so close-minded and simply untrue. I have paid cash for my last three vehicles. It is ridiculous to assume everyone in an expensive vehicle can't really afford it.

"wobbly ears" also wrote:, "I wonder how they manage their finances."
Here is something for you to consider: not everybody in this country is poor, struggling financially or living above their means.

And, "wobbly ears" wrote, "Also, (it is a personal opinion), I think of most BMW drivers as jerks (atleast in Houston). BMW is too much bling-bling for my taste."

Generalizations/stereo-typing serves no purpose. Not everybody in a nice vehicle is a jerk, nor do their cars have a lot of "bling-bling". My car is actually rather plain. I do not add anything flashy to my cars, not will I ever. I enjoy driving a nice vehicle that *suits my needs*. I don't drive the cars I choose to impress others. I want to be impressed by the vehicle's performance. I was a die-hard Acura driver until my current BMW. I have test driven many cars since becoming a BMW driver and all have fallen short in my opinion. Why? Mostly because of the traction control/stabilization. BMW has mastered that. I test drove a MB/AMG E55. What a monster of an engine. Beautiful car. But when the car started fishtailing and wheels were spinning, I lost interest. A car with an engine that powerful should have more control on the steering and traction. I couldn't wait to get back into my BMW. Here's the way I describe it: it almost feels like spikes come out of the tires and grip the road. I have never spun-out, rolled or lost control of this car, not even in difficult driving situations. That is a really nice sense of security!

One thing that is great about the USA is that we have choices about the things we buy. If you choose to buy a $40,000 car and put $50,000 in the bank for your children, that is admirable. But for you to assume anybody who drives a $90,000 car can't afford it or can't drive it and have a trust fund for their children isn't very realistic.

Are you entitled to your opinions? Yes. But don't forget, so is everbody else. And that includes people who drive what you consider expensive cars. Not all BMW drivers are jerks. In fact, some of us are quite nice people.

Lastly, can you honestly say you have never encountered jerks driving other brand vehicles? I certainly have!! ALL brands. There are jerks on the road in the least expensive to the most expensive vehicles. It isn't about the kind of car they drive, it is about the kind of person they are.

I live in socal and I can tell you that a large number of theses BMW owners are in fact jerks. Now I should mention that i just purchased a 335i coupe used from a car auction (23k). BMs lease program allow them to sell a ton of cars which do end up in the hands of people who could not afford generally afford them (just look at the number of people you see in a 3 with no options at all).
Not trying to give my life story here but I work for a major financial institution and we often repo cars and sell a number of them at auctions. Lately we've been selling probably 20 BM's and Ranges a month for a fraction of what the person generally financed them for. We have a client bleeding from his nose in debt trying to make the payment on his 2 BMWs and a 997TT. BMs are great cars but the people who drive them car often shallow (to include myself cause I really didnt need a 3).

I live in socal and I can tell you that a large number of theses BMW owners are in fact jerks. Now I should mention that i just purchased a 335i coupe used from a car auction (23k). BMs lease program allow them to sell a ton of cars which do end up in the hands of people who could not generally afford them (just look at the number of people you see in a 3 with no options at all).
Not trying to give my life story here but I work for a major financial institution and we often repo cars and sell a number of them at auctions. Lately we've been selling probably 20 BM's and Ranges a month for a fraction of what the person generally financed them for. We have a client bleeding from his nose in debt trying to make the payment on his 2 BMWs and a 997TT. BMs are great cars but the people who drive them are often shallow (to include myself cause I really didnt need a 3).

I see your point, delioninsyd. But are BMWs and RRs the only cars you repo?

That's my main reason for posting. Not everybody in a BMW is a jerk. Not everybody in a Chevrolet is a jerk. And there are people in Chevrolets who live above their means, too, not just those driving BMWs or MBs (or Hummers, or Range Rovers or Jags...).

And, of course, the people who do what you have to deal with at your work, cause prices to skyrocket. Somebody has to pay for those loans that have been defaulted on.....that affects all of us!

There is an "upscale, country club" neighborhood near me that probably has more people living above their means than any other in the area. Some people do that just so they can say they live in there. That is ridiculous. But not all of the people who live there, or drive expensive cars, are like that.

Regardless of the brand, people who are jerks or people who buy things they can't really afford are.....well.....simply jerks. And what you posted makes me think the people who buy a car they can't really afford are the ones with the crappy attitude, not the people who truly can afford it.

LOL! RE: "BMs are great cars but the people who drive them are often shallow (to include myself cause I really didnt need a 3)." Sometimes a good deal is too good to pass up, isn't it? :-)

Back to my original point: It's the generalization by some that bothers me.

One more thing, delioninsyd: what a shame those people you have seen who drive BMWs are jerks. They give luxury car drivers a bad rep. I don't see the point someone acting like that, especially because of the type of car they drive. To treat other people badly or think they are better because of the brand of car they drive is pathetic!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And, again, haven't we all encountered people in *all* brands of vehicles who are jerks? That's my point. To single out BMW drivers as the only jerks on the road isn't fair or truthful. A couple of days ago, I saw a guy in a Suburban act like a jerk toward somebody else (not me). That is a Chevrolet. Is it okay or excused for him to be rude because he isn't in a luxury import car? No. A jerk is a jerk....regardless of the brand.

I agree elle425 100%. It really is not fair to stereo type a group of people who drive certain cars. I guess I am just bothered by the large number of people who live so far beyond their means and feel that their stuff does not stink. Our society has become consumed with THINGS!! We need to get back to the basics of saving more than you spend. Look at me, im becoming a socialist LOL.