As previously reported, the colleagues from our parent site Autoblog.it have recently been visiting Hyundai headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. Following an in-depth look at the Genesis Prada, that we posted just a few days ago, it is time to check out the flagship of the Korean carmaker, the Equus. The current model was launched in 2009 and represents the second generation of this luxury car, as the first generation surfaced in 1999. It is also quite interesting as the model is not being marketed in many countries, the whole of Europe included, thus we have a chance to know the high-end model of Hyundai’s range a little better.
The Equus uses a rear-wheel drive architecture and comes as a quite large car, measuring 5,160 mm in length and 1,900 mm in width. There are two engine options: a Lambda 3.8-litre V6 delivering 290 hp, and a Tau 4.6-litre V8 producing 366 hp, both of which are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The car is obviously equipped with plenty of electronic devices: it has radar sensors on the wing mirrors to warn drivers of incoming vehicles, camera-assisted parking guide system, active headrests, 12 ways to electronically adjust the seats, 10 airbags and so forth. Besides, it offers the chance to trade the rear row of seats for two single seats, with a console in the middle serving as small fridge, TV system and USB dock. All that might sound pretty standard nowadays, but let’s not forget that we are talking about a model that came out in 2009 here. Click on the ‘Continue reading ‘ link below to find out more.
View the full Hyundai Equus photo gallery
In the cabin Hyundai made large use of leather and walnut wood and, in the middle of the dashboard, where ultra-modern sat-nav and info-tainment system are placed, there is also an old school clock, with minute and hour hands. The standard sound system makes use of 17 speakers, while electronically controlled air-suspension (that minimizes body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics) and massaging seats will make sure that the ride on the Equus will be as comfy as possible. As we said, the car is pretty large and this reflects on the space in the cabin, which is quite roomy.
As for the exterior design, we think that what we said for the Genesis can be applied to the Equus too: Hyundai did not try anything that can be deemed particularly original (okay, hood ornament aside maybe), but the overall design of the car is very sober and elegant, as you would expect in a car of this level. It is not a show-off, so to speak, but we are sure that many people (meaning executives) would call that a ‘plus’.
A few considerations now: just like the Genesis, The Equus is not available in Europe. This is because prestige and reputation of a brand still are crucial factors in these markets, as the same good people from Hyundai know only too well. In spite of that, we believe that the Equus deserves the thumbs up as it is a solid and reliable luxury car that boasts all the features required in a model of its class. On the other hand, we must admit that - prestige aside - it might not be at the same level of its European competitors, just not yet. However, we have been witnessing the outstanding growth that Hyundai has experienced in the past few years, therefore we will be waiting for the next chapter of Equus history to see if it will be able to catch up with its most illustrious competitors.
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