2015 3.8 Ultimate or 2014 Equus signature

[GeorgiaGuy]

Hi All, I have the opportunity of purchasing the 2015 3.8 Ultimate at Circle Pricing or the 2014 Equus at as dealer is discounting Equus by $10,000 to sell at $52,000. There does not seem to be Circle Priicing on the Equus. Was thinking of making an offer around $47-48k as they have many in inventory. I'm leaning to the new Genesis. What would you do?

 

[Mark_888]

Hi All, I have the opportunity of purchasing the 2015 3.8 Ultimate at Circle Pricing or the 2014 Equus at as dealer is discounting Equus by $10,000 to sell at $52,000. There does not seem to be Circle Priicing on the Equus. Was thinking of making an offer around $47-48k as they have many in inventory. I'm leaning to the new Genesis. What would you do?

I would seriously consider the 2014 Equus, since the Genesis looks like Ford Fusion to me. I don't think Circle pricing on Equus would do you any good since they are selling them way below what Circle Pricing would be right now (Circle Pricing is based on a formula that is a certain percent off of dealer invoice, etc). I don't think they will sell one at $48K, but maybe $50K-$51K if you are lucky.

 

[Breadmen]

I had the same purchase dilemma as you but "ultimately" (get it-LOL) I chose the 2015 Genesis AWD Ultimate.

Why? Because the Genesis is now in its second generation and has been vastly upgraded on SO MANY different levels (hundreds) than the Equus, which is still in its first generation and has not had a complete platform AND technology upgrade like the new Genesis. (Let's face it, the current Equus is similar in so many ways to the first generation Genesis 4.6 Tau you now drive, only bigger with the appropriate upgrades.)

There are literally hundreds of reviews published since the first of the year that you can search for online that dissects this wonderful car and heralds how good this second generation transformation of the Genesis really is. In fact some auto writers are comparing the new Genesis as THE "seminal" model for the Korean automaker's turning point for Hyundai's induction into the true luxury car business akin to Toyota's introduction of the Lexus LS400 back in 1989 which finally brought the Japanese into a similar orbit as the German luxury brands. The car is simply that good and hard for anyone to say otherwise (except ignorant Hyundai naysayers still living in the past).

I drive new press cars for a living for almost every major luxury auto manufacturer out there (you name it, I've probably driven it) and at the end of the day when it's quitting time, I LOVE the ride and serenity going home in MY new Genesis

In the future when Hyundai updates the Equus to the second generation Equus, similar to the redo of the 2015 Genesis, I'm sure that will be an equally impressive if not spectacular car shocking the industry and the Equus to buy (myself included), but until then the 2015 Genesis is the value luxury car to buy TODAY and a fabulous value at that, before the competition catches on

 

[Mark_888]

I had the same purchase dilemma as you but "ultimately" (get it-LOL) I chose the 2015 Genesis AWD Ultimate.

Why? Because the Genesis is now in its second generation and has been vastly upgraded on SO MANY different levels (hundreds) than the Equus, which is still in its first generation and has not had a complete platform AND technology upgrade like the new Genesis. (Let's face it, the current Equus is similar in so many ways to the first generation Genesis 4.6 Tau you now drive, only bigger with the appropriate upgrades.)

There are literally hundreds of reviews published since the first of the year that you can search for online that dissects this wonderful car and heralds how good this second generation transformation of the Genesis really is. In fact some auto writers are comparing the new Genesis as THE "seminal" model for the Korean automaker's turning point for Hyundai's induction into the true luxury car business akin to Toyota's introduction of the Lexus LS400 back in 1989 which finally brought the Japanese into a similar orbit as the German luxury brands. The car is simply that good and hard for anyone to say otherwise (except ignorant Hyundai naysayers still living in the past).

I drive new press cars for a living for almost every major luxury auto manufacturer out there (you name it, I've probably driven it) and at the end of the day when it's quitting time, I LOVE the ride and serenity going home in MY new Genesis

In the future when Hyundai updates the Equus to the second generation Equus, similar to the redo of the 2015 Genesis, I'm sure that will be an equally impressive if not spectacular car shocking the industry and the Equus to buy (myself included), but until then the 2015 Genesis is the value luxury car to buy TODAY and a fabulous value at that, before the competition catches on

All I can say is apparently you have not driven a 2014 Equus. It doesn't have all the fancy features of the 2015 Genesis Ultimate, but it has a lot more features than any 2009-2014 Genesis. It also has an air suspension, and 5.0 Tau V8.

 

[Breadmen]

Mark_888

If you read in my post, I drive press cars for all the major manufacturers for a living, day in and day out, and I have driven the 2014 Equus. While they are a fabulous riding car with the 5.0 Tau engine and air suspension, I am looking at the TOTAL package of the new Genesis including all of the new technology features available, the new Blue Link II telematics and connectivity, not to mention the new high strength steel unibody with cast aluminum front sub-frame solid construction of the car itself. This cannot be underestimated making it one of the tightest cars I have ever driven in my line of work with solid torsional rigidity and nary a flex or rattle to be found driving the car. I have driven $200,000+ Bentleys that have RATTLES and even some cowl flex that would confound me if I owned one. I frequently drive gorgeous Audi A8's and the brilliant new Mercedes S class and Lexus LS-460L sedans and by far the new Genesis is solid, tight and quieter.

Lastly the ONE feature I haven't mentioned is the availability of the new All Wheel Drive system made by Magna Power Systems on the new Genesis is one of the best AWD systems made and similar Magna AWD systems are used by many of the European brands. This is an ESSENTIAL feature for buyers living in the Northeast (where I live) or anywhere there is a wet or cold climate or both. ALL of the luxury competitors now offer AWD and Hyundai made this a top priority on the new Genesis redesign. This feature needs to finally become available on the Equus soon as well.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark_888

If you read in my post, I drive press cars for all the major manufacturers for a living, day in and day out, and I have driven the 2014 Equus. While they are a fabulous riding car with the 5.0 Tau engine and air suspension, I am looking at the TOTAL package of the new Genesis including all of the new technology features available, the new Blue Link II telematics and connectivity, not to mention the new high strength steel unibody with cast aluminum front sub-frame solid construction of the car itself. This cannot be underestimated making it one of the tightest cars I have ever driven in my line of work with solid torsional rigidity and nary a flex or rattle to be found driving the car. I have driven $200,000+ Bentleys that have RATTLES and even some cowl flex that would confound me if I owned one. I frequently drive gorgeous Audi A8's and the brilliant new Mercedes S class and Lexus LS-460L sedans and by far the new Genesis is solid, tight and quieter.

Lastly the ONE feature I haven't mentioned is the availability of the new All Wheel Drive system made by Magna Power Systems on the new Genesis is one of the best AWD systems made and similar Magna AWD systems are used by many of the European brands. This is an ESSENTIAL feature for buyers living in the Northeast (where I live) or anywhere there is a wet or cold climate or both. ALL of the luxury competitors now offer AWD and Hyundai made this a top priority on the new Genesis redesign. This feature needs to finally become available on the Equus soon as well.

Yes, I read your post about what you do for a living. Do I have lick your boots since your drive press cars for a living?

If you read the OP, he lives in GA, so doesn't need AWD, especially when there is 4 MPG penalty. As far as torsional rigidity, etc, I don't think the Equus rattles, even if a Bentley does. Also, the Equus is very quiet. As far as looks go, the 2015 Genesis looks to me like Ford Fusion, but obviously styling is a matter of opinion. I also worry about buying the first model year after a major renovation, such as 2015 Genesis.

 

[Ernie3647]

Mark_888

If you read in my post, I drive press cars for all the major manufacturers for a living, day in and day out, and I have driven the 2014 Equus. While they are a fabulous riding car with the 5.0 Tau engine and air suspension, I am looking at the TOTAL package of the new Genesis including all of the new technology features available, the new Blue Link II telematics and connectivity, not to mention the new high strength steel unibody with cast aluminum front sub-frame solid construction of the car itself. This cannot be underestimated making it one of the tightest cars I have ever driven in my line of work with solid torsional rigidity and nary a flex or rattle to be found driving the car. I have driven $200,000+ Bentleys that have RATTLES and even some cowl flex that would confound me if I owned one. I frequently drive gorgeous Audi A8's and the brilliant new Mercedes S class and Lexus LS-460L sedans and by far the new Genesis is solid, tight and quieter.

Lastly the ONE feature I haven't mentioned is the availability of the new All Wheel Drive system made by Magna Power Systems on the new Genesis is one of the best AWD systems made and similar Magna AWD systems are used by many of the European brands. This is an ESSENTIAL feature for buyers living in the Northeast (where I live) or anywhere there is a wet or cold climate or both. ALL of the luxury competitors now offer AWD and Hyundai made this a top priority on the new Genesis redesign. This feature needs to finally become available on the Equus soon as well.

Well Breadmen this is Genesis Owners….how do you like it so far ?

 

[GypsyDRB]

I am a simple man....I've always thought the bulk of what hyundai put in the Equus was in the back seat so unless you are lucky enough to have a chauffeur what's the point?

 

[Mark_888]

I am a simple man....I've always thought the bulk of what hyundai put in the Equus was in the back seat so unless you are lucky enough to have a chauffeur what's the point?

The fancy rear seat stuff is mostly on the Ultimate version. The Signature version has some rear seat stuff, but it is not the chauffeur-driven type car you are talking about that is on the Equus Ultimate.

One of the main benefits of Equus over Genesis is the adjustable air suspension system, which for 2015 Genesis is only found on V8 Ultimate. The Equus has had a fair number technology improvements and updates over the years, and the 2014 version is not bad.

Also, the warranty on Equus is a bit different. For example, the Radio, CD/DVD Player, Navigational System, Bluetooth, Driver Information System have a 5 YEAR/60,000 MILE warranty (only 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE warranty for Genesis). Not to mention the concierge service.

The thing that makes the 2014 Equus Signature interesting right now is that it is selling for about the same price as 2015 Genesis V6 Ultimate.

 

[italiabrain]

The fancy rear seat stuff is mostly on the Ultimate version. The Signature version has some rear seat stuff, but it is not the chauffeur-driven type car you are talking about that is on the Equus Ultimate.

One of the main benefits of Equus over Genesis is the adjustable air suspension system, which for 2015 Genesis is only found on V8 Ultimate. The Equus has had a fair number technology improvements and updates over the years, and the 2014 version is not bad.

Also, the warranty on Equus is a bit different. For example, the Radio, CD/DVD Player, Navigational System, Bluetooth, Driver Information System have a 5 YEAR/60,000 MILE warranty (only 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE warranty for Genesis). Not to mention the concierge service.

The thing that makes the 2014 Equus Signature interesting right now is that it is selling for about the same price as 2015 Genesis V6 Ultimate.

Since when does the Genesis have an air suspension?

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[Breadmen]

Well Breadmen this is Genesis Owners….how do you like it so far ?

Ernie3647,

I looked very carefully at buying a fully optioned Mercedes Benz E350 4Matic with the same options and packages as the Genesis 3.8 AWD Ultimate and it came out to $69,000. Gulp !

The Audi A6 and BMW 535 were similar in price. No doubt they are all nice cars (and I've owned them all in the past) and they serve as benchmark vehicles for the luxury mid size category. As a retired corporate executive I have owned luxury cars for almost 40 years and I no longer need to chase expensive nameplates. AND with a daughter starting college in the fall, the money I saved (almost $20K) will just about pay her college bill for her freshman year !

That is indeed something to smile about AND I feel my new Genesis 3.8 AWD Ultimate is the COMPLETE PACKAGE with the most up to date technology and features with a quiet ride (I think quieter) and solid constuction as those German cars and also easily surpasses the Japanese like the Lexus GS350 AWD (which I previously owned) or the Infiniti Q70 AWD.

I retired from a major Japanese consumer electronics company in sales and marketing after 30+ years and I have watched the Korean brands like Samsung and LG dominate (more like decimate) the premier Japanese electronic brands in the marketplace, like Sony and Panasonic, over the past few years and the same is now happening with Korean brand CARS.

So to answer your question, in my humble (and professional) opinion, the new Genesis, in the mid-size luxury class, is a REAL contender and the hands down VALUE choice and a BEST buy and I have no regrets buying my Genesis 3.8 AWD Ultimate

(If AWD and some of the newer tech features are not an issue for you, as Mark_888 points out, some dealers are offering fantastic discounts on the 2014 Equus Signature model, placing it in the approximate price range as the Genesis Ultimate models making them a great large luxury car value proposition compared to the German brands as well if your main priorities are getting a V-8 powered RWD car with an air suspension ride, which I can attest is pretty sweet but as I stated, not for me.)

 

[Ernie3647]

Breadman just so you know we’re on the same wave length here is a past post of mine. I was making reference before to the responses.

To my recollection most of the reviews I’ve read have said that it shouldn’t be considered a “Sport Sedan” but a well mannered Luxury car emphasis on Luxury. For me in particular that is what matters the most. There are a lot of us here that would like to think that their year or model to be the consummate “Sport Sedan”. While some are better than others the difference is marginal at best unless of course altered in some way from stock. I’ve driven the 2014’s in V6 and Rspec form when evaluating the cost justification of going with the 2015. The 2014s I would think to be the best if not the latest the 1st generation can offer in terms what I expect from a luxury car. It’s hard to be a “Jack” of all trades so a car needs a clear target has to be considered. “For me” there is no doubt. The 2015 is a more refined car and a lesson well learned by Hyundai on how to build luxury cars. It did everything with an ease and poise that instills confidence. Money well spent.

 

[Mark_888]

Since when does the Genesis have an air suspension?

According to Hyundai website, the 2015 Genesis 5.0 V8 Ultimate has Continuous Damping Control suspension. This website (http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/hyundai_genesis_2015) describes it as:

"Top Genesis 5.0 Ultimate models have an available Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension that can be toggled from Normal to Sport mode..."​

 

[Nikgen]

According to Hyundai website, the 2015 Genesis 5.0 V8 Ultimate has Continuous Damping Control suspension. This website (http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/hyundai_genesis_2015) describes it as:

"Top Genesis 5.0 Ultimate models have an available Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension that can be toggled from Normal to Sport mode..."​

Many reviewers seem to prefer the non-CDC suspension in the 2015 from what I've read. I have no issues with the ride in my 2015 V6 AWD Ultimate - it's stellar for what it is trying to be (a luxury car that still has a somewhat sporty feel - but not a hardcore sports sedan).

 

[Mark_888]

Many reviewers seem to prefer the non-CDC suspension in the 2015 from what I've read.

I read that also. The advantage of CDC suspension on the V8 Ultimate is that it is adjustable, but many reviewers could not set it to a similar feel as the non-adjustable one. I think the adjustable one is too soft in normal mode for most reviewers, and maybe too stiff in sport mode.

 

[italiabrain]

According to Hyundai website, the 2015 Genesis 5.0 V8 Ultimate has Continuous Damping Control suspension. This website (http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/hyundai_genesis_2015) describes it as:

"Top Genesis 5.0 Ultimate models have an available Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension that can be toggled from Normal to Sport mode..."​

So why would Hyundai leave it off the features list when it's so prominent for the Equus? And why no height adjustment option if all the hardware is there? Did you just assert air suspension and include it in your google search hoping someone else had conflated it with CDC too?

 

[Alwaysforward]

I think it is an electronic driven system. Not much information has been released on it.

 

[GeorgiaGuy]

Thanks for the comments guys. I will stop by the dealer this week and do another test drive. I think I prefer the new advancements of the 2015 Genesis over the 2014 Equus

 

[Mark_888]

So why would Hyundai leave it off the features list when it's so prominent for the Equus? And why no height adjustment option if all the hardware is there? Did you just assert air suspension and include it in your google search hoping someone else had conflated it with CDC too?

I don't know what you mean by "why would Hyundai leave it off the feature list." You mean why did not they not specifically use the word "air"? I don't really know, and don't understand why it matters. It is an adjustable suspension, as is the Equus. On the 2015 Genesis, only the V8 Ultimate has it. I assume they use some kind of air/gas/hydraulic system to make the adjustments, and not sure why it matters what they use. Apparently one reviewer thought it was air, but maybe he was mistaken.

Just because a car has an adjustable air suspension (like the Equus) doesn't mean the height is adjustable (beyond any tiny height adjustments associated with a different ride setting, such as normal, sport, etc.). That sort of thing is for kids and immature adults, and not the target audience of the Equus.

 

[ksoze]

Just because a car has an adjustable air suspension (like the Equus) doesn't mean the height is adjustable (beyond any tiny height adjustments associated with a different ride setting, such as normal, sport, etc.). That sort of thing is for kids and immature adults, and not the target audience of the Equus.

Similar systems like Airmatic from Mercedes allow the height to be lowered or raised for easy entry and/or going up steep driveways. These are not generally kids or immature adults driving those Benz's.