Genesis G70 2021: fresh new face and expanded safety list, starts at $63,000

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Genesis has launched the extensively facelifted 2021 G70 in Australia that arrives with a range of tech and safety features – with prices kicking off at $63,000 before on-road costs. 

At first glance the most obvious change is the styling, with facelift introducing the quad lamp headlight and taillight design now seen on the G80 large sedan and incoming GV70 midsize SUV.

The Genesis G70 is now available at dealerships in sedan form with a Shooting Brake version set to follow sometime before October this year.

Under the bonnet of the G70:

The G70 is offered in a choice of two main grades that, in true Genesis fashion, largely revolve around what engine you choose – but both share a number of core upgrades.

Kicking off the range at the $63,000 (before on-road costs), the entry-level G70 is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which feeds 179kW of power and 353Nm of torque through an eight-speed torque converter automatic to the rear wheels.

While $3,700 more than the pre-facelifted model, the G70 still undercuts German rivals such as the BMW 320i a healthy margin more expensive at $69,900 while the outgoing Mercedes-Benz C200 is a bit cheaper at $66,900, with both prices listed before on-road costs.

Priced at $76,000 before on-road costs, the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 petrol engine bumps up these figures to 274kW/510Nm – with the facelift adding an extra 2kW thanks to a revision of the dual-model variable exhaust system.

The V6 also gains a number of performance upgrades over the 2.0T including a limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes with four-piston Monobloc callipers at the front and two-piston units at the rear.

If 2.0T buyers want to add these features onto their G70 they can do so via the $4,000 Sport Line package which also adds dark 19-inch alloy wheels and a sports appearance package that adds a darker shade to the chrome grille and window surrounds – along with interior touches such as sports seats.

What has changed within the G70’s interior?

Genesis has given the G70’s interior a significant redesign with a 10.25-inch touchscreen fitted as standard with a crisper 8.0-inch display sitting in the instrument cluster.

As standard, Genesis has fitted a leather-appointed interior with both the driver and front passenger seat receiving 12-way power adjustability that includes four-way lumbar support.

The facelift now sports a panoramic sunroof as standard across both grades along with heated and cooled functionality for the front seats.

For an extra $10,000 buyers can add the Luxury package to either grade that adds a larger 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 3D effect, with an inbuilt infrared camera designed to make sure the driver is paying attention while driving.

This package also upgrades the interior materials to a Nappa leather trim with Suede used across the headliner and roof pillars. 

Other changes include a bump up to 16-way adjustability for the driver with a heated function for the steering wheel and rear seats, with a power tailgate also added at the rear.

The nine-speaker audio system is also upgraded to a 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system, with other niceties such as a heads-up display and a more adjustable steering wheel included.

Is the facelifted G70 any safer?

Carrying over its five-star ANCAP safety rating, the G70 has made a fairly significant improvement to safety, with the airbag count now expanding to ten.

This is due to the addition of two rear side airbags and a front-centre airbag that stops occupants from smashing together during a side-on collision.

Basic features such as forward AEB have been upgraded so they can detect and prevent a side-on collision at a junction along with handy features such as a 360-degree camera which is fitted as standard.

In what Genesis Australia says is the first for this class, the G70 gains a blind spot view monitoring that uses the digital instrument cluster to help drivers see down the side of the car with changing lanes.

Other additions include rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, lane keep assist and safe exit warning – with existing features such as adaptive cruise control and high beam assist carry over.

Genesis G70 2021: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• G70 2.0T: $63,000
  • +$4,000 Sport Line Package
  • +10,000 Luxury Package
• G70 3.3TT:$76,000
  • +10,000 Luxury Package