2012 Hyundai Equus Photos Review

2012 Hyundai Equus Photos Review - Hyundai is on a mission to redefine its image and become a respected, mainstream brand in the U.S. market. To confuse matters, Hyundai is also looking to get into the luxury market with the all-new Equus model — a flagship sedan aimed at some of the best sedans coming from the German and Japanese competition.

Likely the first thing to grab attention for buyers concerning the Equus is that of pricing. For those seeking a luxury sedan on a budget (comparatively), Equus stands essentially alone in the large sedan segment by starting at $58,900 including destination for the base model, and $64,500 for the range-topping Equus Ultimate trim level.

If one were to forgo the consideration of brand equity – something Hyundai’s marketing department is hoping to figure out – both prices represent the best values in the segment with players such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS sedans.

In addition to changing the market space with its low pricing, the automaker has also created a program to be known as “Your time, your place,” in which a special sales associate will come to you to demo the vehicle, rather than forcing you to hassle with visiting a dealer.

There will also be a program, known as “At your service,” which will include a valet service to provide in-home pickup for all vehicle maintenance. The Equus will come with free service, including oil changes, wiper blades, brake pads and more for five years and 60,000 miles, all with complimentary valet service included.

Coupled with Hyundai’s plan to equip the Equus with an Apple iPad for the manual, this luxury sedan is shaping up to offer one of the most luxury-minded ownership experiences in the business. Owners will be able to book servicing appointments directly from the owner’s manual tablet and Hyundai says that the select Equus dealers will pick up and re-deliver customer cars while leaving them with Genesis loaner vehicles.

Equus brings power to the table
The Equus is a large luxury sedan, aimed squarely at the Lexus LS 460 and gunning for the Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan. The Equus boasts a 4.6-liter Tau V8, rated at about 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel, and 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque when utilizing 87 octane.

Hyundai points out that when using premium fuel, the Equus boasts more horsepower than both the LS 460 and S550, and nearly so when using regular unleaded fuel. Whichever fuel the Equus uses, however, the LS 460 and S550 soundly trump the Tau V8 with torque ratings of 376 lb-ft and 391 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

Equus delivers luxurious ride to match its luxury power
In order to be considered as a truly competitive luxury sedan, Hyundai has equipped the Equus with an electronically controlled air suspension. Hyundai says this system allows drivers to choose between a firm ride for a sporty feel on smooth roads, or switch to a softer ride to minimize the bumps and dips of imperfect surfaces. The Equus also features Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which automatically monitors road conditions and adjust damping force accordingly, for the optimal ride quality.

Despite its large size, the Equus features a 37.7-foot turning radius and a variable-effort steering system to reduce the feel of its substantial size.

Equus packs technology for all
As with any true luxury car, the Equus comes loaded with technology typically only found on high-end automobiles. Occupants will enjoy a Lexicon audio system with LOGIC 7 technology – including a 608 watt, 13-channel amplifier powering 17 speakers in a 7.1-channel configuration. Making sure all bases are covered, the Equus also includes HD Radio, XM Radio and iPod integration.

As Hyundai is using Cadillac, BMW and Lexus as benchmarks, the Equus will feature an iDrive-type system as well as many other luxury amenities. The new flagship will also feature Hyundai’s first application of LED headlamps.

Equus is big – true luxury big
The new model is a whopping eight inches longer than the Genesis, and comes in at 203.1 inches of total length – right between the slightly shorter LS 460, and slightly longer S550. The Equus is roughly half of an inch wider than its competition, and the rest of interior dimensions fall within reasonable ranges of one another, with no clear single winner for interior space.

This Is Photos of 2012 Hyundai Equus Photos Review