Disappointed

[dlwooten67]

Is there anyone else disappointed in the handling of the equus. I like a lot of the features and the styling but it's not a drivers car. Are there any modifications that can be done?

 

[Mark_888]

Is there anyone else disappointed in the handling of the equus. I like a lot of the features and the styling but it's not a drivers car. Are there any modifications that can be done?

Try a 2017 model (called the Genesis G90). It should be arriving at dealers in the next few weeks. Ask your dealer about it.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Is there anyone else disappointed in the handling of the equus. I like a lot of the features and the styling but it's not a drivers car. Are there any modifications that can be done?

Hey there. I'm a little surprised you bought an Equus if you wanted a "driver's" car. Did you test drive it before you bought it? The Equus handles like a Lexus LS - also well known to be anything but a driver's car. The G90 is more what you want. Or an Audi A8; BMW 7-Series...

 

[Mark_888]

I wasn't aware the OP already purchased an Equus, but I guess so.

I thought that the Equus had a "Sport Mode" selection on the electronically controlled suspension. If so, that should help some. I would also add about 2 PSI cold tire pressure the PSI recommended in the door jamb to improve handling.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Actually! I just assumed... When he asked about "mods" I figured he already owned one.

I wasn't aware the OP already purchased an Equus, but I guess so.

I thought that the Equus had a "Sport Mode" selection on the electronically controlled suspension. If so, that should help some. I would also add about 2 PSI cold tire pressure the PSI recommended in the door jamb to improve handling.

 

[Mark_888]

Actually! I just assumed... When he asked about "mods" I figured he already owned one.

For some reason, many people ask questions on this forum and don't give the details about the model year, trim level, purchased new or used, or whether they already own the car or just looking.

 

[dlwooten67]

I was test driving a 2011 with 30,000 miles. I know it's not a sports sedan but it was a bit bouncy on open highway. I was not tring to take any curves. The steering wheel seems to have too much play in it.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I was test driving a 2011 with 30,000 miles. I know it's not a sports sedan but it was a bit bouncy on open highway. I was not tring to take any curves. The steering wheel seems to have too much play in it.

I've driven used cars that felt terrible when I knew a new one drove much differently. Before making any firm decisions, try driving a new model and see what that feels like. Then you'll be able to tell whether a used model is driving the way it should - or not...

 

[cletus]

I was test driving a 2011 with 30,000 miles. I know it's not a sports sedan but it was a bit bouncy on open highway. I was not tring to take any curves. The steering wheel seems to have too much play in it.

I drove a 2014 with ~20k miles about two weeks ago as well as a 2015 K900. Compared to a 2015+ Genesis they will feel floaty on the road but in both the Equus and K900 I would not say the steering wheel had a lot of play. This may be a change since the 2011 as the Equus did have some updates in like 2013 or so (you can tell by the shifter area changes and some other small things).

So if I was to rate the A) bounce/float and B) Steering feel on 1 to 10 scale where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best I would say:

Equus    A: 6   B: 6 (this unit had the ultimate air suspension)
K900     A: 4   B: 6 (V8 w/VIP does not have any suspension changes)
Genesis  A: 8   B: 9 (this is for the V6 ultimate I drove)

Either way the large sedans feel Lexus-like in their numb steering feel but I would not say either had excessive play in the steering. They were also floaty in the old school buick/cadillac highway cruiser kinda way. The K900 did have a kind of chassis reverberation when hitting a large bump which is why I scored it lower. Not a HUGE deal but an odd feeling and is probably attributable to the lack of air suspension in comparison to the Equus Ultimate.

Hope that helps!

 

[turnne]

Try a 2017 model (called the Genesis G90). It should be arriving at dealers in the next few weeks. Ask your dealer about it.

Hey there. I'm a little surprised you bought an Equus if you wanted a "driver's" car. Did you test drive it before you bought it? The Equus handles like a Lexus LS - also well known to be anything but a driver's car. The G90 is more what you want. Or an Audi A8; BMW 7-Series...

if the person really wants a drivers car...a G90 is not going to be it

German..or Cadillac...seem to be the only options

The G90 has been tested and all I have seen is that its a "cruiser" at heart

I saw a similar test where and the G2 genesis was pitted against a cadillac CTS( with sports package)

Same outcome...the Genny was much softer than the Cadillac

I think Hyundai is shooting for cruisers...with the G90 being softer than the G80/genesis

Maybe they will redo the suspension and /or offer a sports package in the near future

Warren

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[turnne]

I drove a 2014 with ~20k miles about two weeks ago as well as a 2015 K900. Compared to a 2015+ Genesis they will feel floaty on the road but in both the Equus and K900 I would not say the steering wheel had a lot of play. This may be a change since the 2011 as the Equus did have some updates in like 2013 or so (you can tell by the shifter area changes and some other small things).

So if I was to rate the A) bounce/float and B) Steering feel on 1 to 10 scale where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best I would say:

Equus    A: 6   B: 6 (this unit had the ultimate air suspension)
K900     A: 4   B: 6 (V8 w/VIP does not have any suspension changes)
Genesis  A: 8   B: 9 (this is for the V6 ultimate I drove)

Either way the large sedans feel Lexus-like in their numb steering feel but I would not say either had excessive play in the steering. They were also floaty in the old school buick/cadillac highway cruiser kinda way. The K900 did have a kind of chassis reverberation when hitting a large bump which is why I scored it lower. Not a HUGE deal but an odd feeling and is probably attributable to the lack of air suspension in comparison to the Equus Ultimate.

Hope that helps!

its not play in the steering...its more like numbness if you ask me
Its doesnt have a very strong "feel" to it...so it does not give you much confidence to take turns quickly or make quick maneuvers

Its is Lexus like...I agree with your statement
I think you should have the same expectation for the G90...think Lexus LS

As for being floaty...that sounds like something may be wrong
My Equus is not floaty..it can be unnerved by a series of bumps though
The car is a cruiser no doubt
But..it does have better brakes than the Lexus LS...I am speaking pre 2013 Lexus LS as I have not driven a Lexus in a few years
And no...this is nothing like the luxo ride of the big American cars in the 70's and 80's

I was kid then and my parents had a Lincoln
That was floating..lol

The Equus does not float

Warren

 

[Mark_888]

its not play in the steering...its more like numbness if you ask me
Its doesnt have a very strong "feel" to it...so it does not give you much confidence to take turns quickly or make quick maneuvers

Its is Lexus like...I agree with your statement
I think you should have the same expectation for the G90...think Lexus LS

As for being floaty...that sounds like something may be wrong
My Equus is not floaty..it can be unnerved by a series of bumps though
The car is a cruiser no doubt
But..it does have better brakes than the Lexus LS...I am speaking pre 2013 Lexus LS as I have not driven a Lexus in a few years
And no...this is nothing like the luxo ride of the big American cars in the 70's and 80's

I was kid then and my parents had a Lincoln
That was floating..lol

The Equus does not float

Warren

The current Lexus LS (not to mention the LS F-type) is a lot more firm than the older models.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

if the person really wants a drivers car...a G90 is not going to be it

German..or Cadillac...seem to be the only options

The G90 has been tested and all I have seen is that its a "cruiser" at heart

I saw a similar test where and the G2 genesis was pitted against a cadillac CTS( with sports package)

Same outcome...the Genny was much softer than the Cadillac

I think Hyundai is shooting for cruisers...with the G90 being softer than the G80/genesis

Maybe they will redo the suspension and /or offer a sports package in the near future

Warren

I'd say your assessment is correct. These cars are going for the old Cadillac demographic - which seems to be very disappointed by Cadillac's firm-driving ATS and CTS. The fact that the SRX, more expensive XTS and much more expensive Escalade are credited for saving the brand says a LOT.

Lexus went for these customers and made a killing. Genesis Motors should do the same - especially considering how Lexus is beginning to firm up their products and people are not liking it.

Everybody is chasing after the Germans - and failing. Like Robin Williams said in Dead Again, "Someone is either a smoker or a nonsmoker. There's no in-between. The trick is to find out which one you are, and be that."

Lexus and Cadillac have abandoned a market - a market that appreciates soft riding vehicles. And while I know you don't want to admit it for some odd reason - BMW has softened up - and their customers are loving it. The only problem with that is they're going to lose their "enthusiast - driver's car" image - which is what they built the brand on... So that'll work in the short-term - but maybe not so much in the long-term...

I was kid then and my parents had a Lincoln
That was floating..lol

Warren

Boy, would I love a 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car

The current Lexus LS (not to mention the LS F-type) is a lot more firm than the older models.

And while they're still selling well - many of their customers do not appreciate the firmer ride. Toyota Avalon customers complain as well. Most people don't care about corner carving. But the magazines do - and I imagine they must be appeased...

 

[Mark_888]

And while they're [Lexus] still selling well - many of their customers do not appreciate the firmer ride. Toyota Avalon customers complain as well. Most people don't care about corner carving. But the magazines do - and I imagine they must be appeased...

Agreed. I have heard a lot of complaints about the new Lexus firmness. Not to mention the Predator grill design.

 

[Rloyola0426]

Oddly enough, that new predator grill design is what attracted us to the new gs350. We weren't interested in the boring looks of the previous generation GS and didn't buy in until they changed the front grill to that edgier design. That new design looks much more agressive and not as sleepy as the previous versions, especially in the F sport configuration.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Agreed. I have heard a lot of complaints about the new Lexus firmness. Not to mention the Predator grill design.

I know a lot of people don't like that Lexus grille design - but a lot of people do - including me. I think HALF the hate you see online is from people who simply don't like the brand because it's made by Toyota. You see how many people emotionally hate the Camry? For what reason? It makes little sense. It's the same thing with our cars here - people discredit the Genesis because it's made by Hyundai. Stupid. So half that hate - perhaps a little more or less - is simply because "Toyota". Stupid.

Oddly enough, that new predator grill design is what attracted us to the new gs350. We weren't interested in the boring looks of the previous generation GS and didn't buy in until they changed the front grill to that edgier design. That new design looks much more agressive and not as sleepy as the previous versions, especially in the F sport configuration.

Exactly...

 

[turnne]

The current Lexus LS (not to mention the LS F-type) is a lot more firm than the older models.

I havent driven the latest iteration...but I have not heard that it was a "road" burner
The reviews certainly dont point to the fact that the germans have anything to worry about
Clearly.the sales of the Germans reflect that as well

I'd say your assessment is correct. These cars are going for the old Cadillac demographic - which seems to be very disappointed by Cadillac's firm-driving ATS and CTS. The fact that the SRX, more expensive XTS and much more expensive Escalade are credited for saving the brand says a LOT.

well...the Escalade is financing their sedans...that is for sure
I think I saw something where the CT8( S class fighter) has been postponed indefinitely..or outright cancelled so that they can concentrate on the higher end SUV market

Lexus went for these customers and made a killing. Genesis Motors should do the same - especially considering how Lexus is beginning to firm up their products and people are not liking it.

yes...but the market has changed
And what Lexus really did was take the people that were buying Cadillacs and Lincolns
However...that is an aging demographic and I would bet that its both older and less affluent than a German car buyer in the full size sedan category
And then there are those folks that are dropping $80K plus on luxury SUV's
that used to buy sedans 15-20 years ago

Everybody is chasing after the Germans - and failing. Like Robin Williams said in Dead Again, "Someone is either a smoker or a nonsmoker. There's no in-between. The trick is to find out which one you are, and be that."

Lexus is not exactly having lines forming to buy either the GS or the LS
I would bet the majority of their sales are the ES sedan and the small sporty utility ...the RX

No doubt people see the 100K and higher success Mercedes has had
I an very certain this is a very profitable for Mercedes
So..its easy to understand why someone wants a piece of what is probably the most profitable sedan category
However...the number of S classes sold say that it really has no competition
Again..I will say the S class buyer is younger and more affluent than a Lexus LS buyer
Frankly..I am somewhat disappointed that they didnt take the LS up another notch and try to compete with the S class
Ditto with a Cadillac CT8...I was anxiously awaiting to see what the Americans could compete with in the $100K category...but it looks like that project was scrapped

Lexus and Cadillac have abandoned a market - a market that appreciates soft riding vehicles. And while I know you don't want to admit it for some odd reason - BMW has softened up - and their customers are loving it. The only problem with that is they're going to lose their "enthusiast - driver's car" image - which is what they built the brand on... So that'll work in the short-term - but maybe not so much in the long-term...

Yes...but I think Cadillac thought that market was aging and less affluent that those that were buying Mercedes
No doubt they saw a higher profit potential in higher end sporty cars as well
Whether they could get people to buy the brand name is another question

Lexus is not the deal they once were
At the time the LS was introduced it was the same price as a Cadillac
In fact I saw an article that about 40% of the first LS customers were trading in Cadillacs and Lincolns

Boy, would I love a 1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car

Nah...you actually want the 1978
It had the updated dash( brushed silver gauges) and trimwork and still had the 460 cu in V8...
I used to think the brushed aluminum dash on my parents car was quite the item at the time..LOL
They dropped the 460 cu in for 1979 and only the 400 cu in was available

And while they're still selling well - many of their customers do not appreciate the firmer ride. Toyota Avalon customers complain as well. Most people don't care about corner carving. But the magazines do - and I imagine they must be appeased...

Neither the LS or the GS is selling well
Sedans from competitors at equal or higher prices are outselling them several times to one

That Toyota Avalon is like a rolling retirement home
Have you noticed what it looks like the average age is of their owners is?
ditto for the Lexus ES

Warren

 

[turnne]

I know a lot of people don't like that Lexus grille design - but a lot of people do - including me. I think HALF the hate you see online is from people who simply don't like the brand because it's made by Toyota. You see how many people emotionally hate the Camry? For what reason? It makes little sense. It's the same thing with our cars here - people discredit the Genesis because it's made by Hyundai. Stupid. So half that hate - perhaps a little more or less - is simply because "Toyota". Stupid.



Exactly...

I guess I dont really know anyone that hates Toyota's
I know many think they are boring "cookie" cutter type cars...in fact that is what I think of when I think of a Camry
Very practical in every way...but boring
Personally..I am more of an Accord fan in that class

As for Lexus LS/GS grille
I think its nice to see something..in the LS.. that doesnt look like they tried to copy Mercedes, which it seems like they tried to get away from that in the last LS iteration
I think individual personality and recognition goes a long way
Think of a 20 year old Benz or BMW...the cars are instantly recognizable and bear styling cues from the present day cars
So..the last body style( or 2-3) still looks recognizable and is not so dated

This probably also helps resale to a certain extent

Warren

 

[Sal Collaziano]

It might get messy if I quote all of the above so here's my reply without quotes...

Yes, the CT8 has been postponed indefinitely. Yes, they are concentrating on crossover SUVs - finally. They’re WAY late to the party one THAT one - and are FAR, FAR behind financially as a result. While everyone else is reaping the benefits of returns on CUV investment - Cadillac is just about ready to begin. The XT5 is nice - but ONE CUV? GM……

Yes, Lexus took so many of Cadillac and Lincoln customers. While they were both chasing the Germans (Lincoln LS, Cadillac Catera) - Lexus swung by and gave all their buyers exactly what they were missing…

Lexus’ problem has MAINLY been drivetrains. They took the V8 away from the GS and the 3.5 liter V6 is nothing to write home about. Sure, it’s smooth and reliable but you’re going to have a hard time getting in front of a Honda Accord if you need to. The drivetrain in the LS is laughable for it’s class.

The Lexus ES and Toyota Avalon do what they’re intended to do very well. They’re not flashy (well, the new ES is pretty nice - and the Avalon isn’t too bad looking either) but they’re extremely comfortable and relaxing to drive. They’re soft, warm, quiet - everything their buyers want…

The Accord - and now the Civic - if Toyota owners were more familiar with what was happening in the “car world” - nobody would buy one anymore. The Accord is such an upgrade over the Camry and the Civic - there’s really no reason to buy a Corolla at this point. They’d better bring their “A” game with the next generation of these vehicles. Accord is about to go into it’s 10th generation. The Camry has a steep hill to climb…

 

[turnne]

It might get messy if I quote all of the above so here's my reply without quotes...

Yes, the CT8 has been postponed indefinitely. Yes, they are concentrating on crossover SUVs - finally. They’re WAY late to the party one THAT one - and are FAR, FAR behind financially as a result. While everyone else is reaping the benefits of returns on CUV investment - Cadillac is just about ready to begin. The XT5 is nice - but ONE CUV? GM……

Yes, Lexus took so many of Cadillac and Lincoln customers. While they were both chasing the Germans (Lincoln LS, Cadillac Catera) - Lexus swung by and gave all their buyers exactly what they were missing…

Lexus’ problem has MAINLY been drivetrains. They took the V8 away from the GS and the 3.5 liter V6 is nothing to write home about. Sure, it’s smooth and reliable but you’re going to have a hard time getting in front of a Honda Accord if you need to. The drivetrain in the LS is laughable for it’s class.

The Lexus ES and Toyota Avalon do what they’re intended to do very well. They’re not flashy (well, the new ES is pretty nice - and the Avalon isn’t too bad looking either) but they’re extremely comfortable and relaxing to drive. They’re soft, warm, quiet - everything their buyers want…

The Accord - and now the Civic - if Toyota owners were more familiar with what was happening in the “car world” - nobody would buy one anymore. The Accord is such an upgrade over the Camry and the Civic - there’s really no reason to buy a Corolla at this point. They’d better bring their “A” game with the next generation of these vehicles. Accord is about to go into it’s 10th generation. The Camry has a steep hill to climb…

I think GM is concentrating on Luxury SUV's
I suspect SUV's over $70K are VERY profitable...and I will say that GM seems to own that segment in the United States

makes me wonder why Ford hasnt really gotten serious in this market?
GM sells a whole lot more Escalades ..at a higher price...than Fords sells Navigators

The Lincoln LS and Cadillac catera never sold well...while their aging buyers were buying Town Cars and Devilles in numbers
But..I think both Cadillac and Lincoln figured out something

Their average age of buyer kept getting older...and was probably a repeat buyer
But the Younger and more affluent were buying other makes
So..that is not a good recipe for the future sales and return buyers. You are also missing out on profitable segments as buyers go more upscale than your offerings

The car that was the big seller that Lexus "swung" in with is not a big seller anyone as its price crept up "close" to what they had tried to undercut
I think they have a great reputation and dealer network...but they seem relegated to the ES sedan and RX type of vehicle
The S class outsells the cheaper LS by almost 4X...and I would wager the S class buyer is both younger and more affluent than the LS buyer is
At annual sales in the United States of over 20,000 units a year..Mercedes is likely seriously making a fortune on the S class car

As wealth in the US in the last 3 decades has greatly benefited those that were already above a certain level...I would say that there will even be more people that are willing and able to buy a $100K+ car...or SUV or whatever the vehicle dejour is at that time

I agree with you that the Camry/Avalon/ES do their job of transporting their buyers safely, softly ,with great durability and great resale

I just think there is another buyer who wants some excitement...specifically the more well heeled and younger buyers

That being said the Camry will do well..its practically an American institution...along with the Accord
They are always safe bets for the bread/butter segment

Warren