Ten years ago, Hyundai used to be associated with mediocre, cheap cars that were good enough for rental car lots, but not exactly suitable for many American driveways. Times have changed, as the South Korean automaker is now trying to step up their game with its 2009 Hyundai Genesis that is said to hold its own with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

It has rear-wheel drive, an optional V-8 engine and all the indulgences one finds in a big luxury car, but at a price significantly lower than the Germans or Japanese charge, which makes this new offering very enticing. Although the Genesis is the most expensive offering in Hyundai’s lineup (listing from $33,000 for the V6 and $38,000 for the V8), it retails for as much as $26,000 less than its comparably equipped rivals—mainly from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

The Genesis is a substantial car—bigger and more powerful than any Hyundai previously sold in the United States. Its exterior dimensions are slightly larger than just about every current mid-size luxury car, from the Mercedes E-Class to the Lexus GS to the BMW 5-Series. If you think you’ve seen the Genesis before, you probably have since its exterior styling is a combination of lines and styling cues seen on more familiar European and Japanese luxury cars.

In terms of size, the Genesis is bigger and roomier than most mid-size luxury sedans. Its wheelbase is 115.6 inches, compared with 113.7 inches for the BMW 5-Series, 112.4 inches for the Mercedes E-class and 113.4 inches for the Cadillac CTS. With an overall length of 195.9 inches, it’s several inches longer than those three cars and only 2.5 inches shorter than a short-wheelbase 7-Series.