Continuing to expand its reach into premium segments, Hyundai introduced its new luxury sedan—the 2011 Hyundai Equus—at the recent New York International Auto Show. Hyundai Dealer Clovis thinks the Equus is expected to be a no-excuses competitor for luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS, and it certainly has what it takes to fill that role.
The exterior of the Equus makes a bold impression right from the start, with a refined front fascia and a particularly nice headlamp treatment that boasts LED turn signals and position lamps. Aggressive but well-integrated front air intakes provide a nod to the Equus’ athleticism, which is also evident in the car’s flowing profile. Even the rear of the vehicle benefits from detailed styling work.
Getting into the Hyundai’s sumptuous cabin is a real treat, too, as the interior is filled with superior quality materials and exhibits high levels of fit and finish throughout. Of special note are well-designed seats that are heated and allow for a wide range of comfort adjustments, as well as a premium 17-speaker, 608-watt sound system that offers HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio and USB ports. Equus also provides plenty of peace of mind, courtesy of a full suite of the latest safety technologies.
From a structural standpoint, the Equus is built on the same premium rear-drive platform that underpins the award-winning Hyundai Genesis, although lengthened by about 7 inches to support the new sedan. That framework also holds Hyundai’s advanced 4.6-liter V8, capable of making 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. But Hyundai has designed the engine to perform well even running on regular gas, with which it will still put up 378 horses and 324 lb-ft of twist.
With this engine mated to a ZF six-speed automatic, the Equus can gallop from 0-60 in under 6.4 seconds, while still claiming estimated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.
Smoothing out the road is a precisely engineered, electronically controlled air suspension that boasts continuous damping control and a five-link setup both front and rear, along with two selectable driving modes. The “sport” mode offers notably enhanced body control for managing the curves, while the “normal” setting softens things up to put the emphasis on comfort.
Also notable: The Hyundai’s impressive price advantage over the competition. The Lexus LS 460 stickers at more than $65,000, while the M-B S550 starts at $91,000 and change. The Equus, on the other hand, will open with a base MSRP in the mid-$50′s when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.
If you ask Washington DC Lexus dealers, they’ll naturally tell you that the Equus has its work cut out when it arrives in showrooms. But Lexus isn’t the only brand the new Hyundai flagship will be competing with. Just arriving at Boston Infiniti and other Infiniti dealerships is the all-new M sedan. With two powerful powertrains to choose from, not to mention an upcoming hybrid option on its way, the M is an equally formidable competitor. We’ll have to wait and see whether the Equus’ price point will be enough to truly excite consumers.
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