Genesis unveils 3 Series-rivaling G70 sedan

The G70 is the third vehicle to join the Genesis lineup.

Genesis, the newly formed luxury arm of Hyundai, has unveiled its latest G70 sedan. The G70 is the third model is the Genesis range, joining the G80 and G90 luxury sedans.

Based on the same rear-wheel drive architecture as the Kia Stinger, the Genesis G70 will compete in the compact luxury segment against vehicles like the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti Q50. The G70 should skew much more toward a sports sedan than either the G80 or G90.

The G70 was designed with a long hood and short overhangs to give the car a sporty appearance. The front of the G70 is highlighted by Genesis' signature grille and aggressive-looking air inlets in the lower bumper. Headlights house LED daytime running lights.

The rear of the G70 features distinct fender lines and a slightly raised trunk. Taillights are well integrated and feature LED technology. A pair of dual exhaust outlets are located in the G70's bumper.

Genesis says the G70 boasts "superb fit and finish throughout” its interior, and the first official images of the sedan's cabin appear to support that claim. The G70 features luxurious touches like aluminum door handles, quilted leather door cards, metal speaker grilles and Nappa leather. The horizontal dash design is clean and simple, with few physical buttons cluttering up the G70's interior.

The G70 will come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen capable of running both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system will be offered as an available option.

Genesis hasn't detailed the G70's powertrain lineup for the U.S., but the sports sedan will be available with three different drivetrains globally. Those include a turbocharged 3.3L V6 rated at 365 horsepower, a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder rated at about 250 horsepower and a 2.2L diesel with 199 horsepower.

All G70 models will come standard with rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive will be available across the board. Genesis says the G70 will be able to scoot from 0-62 in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 168mph in its most potent form.

The G70 will come with a bevy of safety equipment, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Awareness Warning (DAW). The sedan will also come with an active hood function intended to lessen the severity of a collision with a pedestrian.

Genesis will likely introduce the G70 to the United States market later this year at the Los Angeles auto show. Sales should begin sometime in 2018.