2015 3.8 Ultimate or 2014 Equus signature

[GenesisCaptain]

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

If the Equus is still in the running for you, and you enjoy a more responsive or sporty ride compared to the boat-like end of the spectrum, then give the Equus a very critical test drive. My mom bought an Equus earlier this year, and she returned it to the dealership the next day because it made her car sick-- while she was driving it. She lives in north Georgia, where there are few straight, flat roads. The Equus floated all over its suspension so much that it felt unsafe to her. She is coming from a BMW 7 Series, so the bar was high. She is currently waiting for the right color combination 2015 Genesis to hit the doors, and that will likely be her replacement to the BMW.

So, these are my recommended Equus stress tests before living with one in Georgia:

#1 - Drive the car on a curvy, undulating road. See how it feels to you and how confident it feels.

#2 - Do a sudden lane change on a highway at about 60 MPH. For extra grins, do a sudden double lane change back into the original lane. The Equus does not handle suspension transitions very well, so it gets confused with a double lane change maneuver.

#3 - Hit the brakes abruptly (but not all-in) while in a mild corner from a moderate speed at around 30-ish. Don't activate the ABS, but enough braking to cause the car's weight to shift suddenly and dramatically. The Equus shift laterally in this maneuver as the suspension gives. It feels almost like it briefly leaves the suspension and floats sideways. The effect is pretty terrifying.

#4 - Hit the brakes while swerving diagonally across railroad tracks. (There are a perfect set of train tracks on Jim Ellis' test drive route off PIB.) The suspension is already busy, so the addition of steering input and brakes can really mess things up.

If you have not soiled your shorts after all of the above in the Equus, it may be the car for you.

 

[italiabrain]

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.

I'll give you a hint. It's because it's an adaptive CDC suspension and not an active air suspension!

It is an adjustable suspension, as is the Equus. On the 2015 Genesis, only the V8 Ultimate has it.

They are not the same. Not even similar when referring to the suspension as a whole. Yes both have CDC, but the Genesis rides on springs and adjustable shocks. They are worlds apart. Checkout the comment above.

Apparently one reviewer thought it was air, but maybe he was mistaken.

You were mistaken and you went out looking for post-hoc confirmation. I normally wouldn't feel the need to address this kind of thing, but you act this way anytime anyone contradicts anything you say.

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.

Funny, is that why the Equus has a button specifically to adjust the ride height on the active air suspension (that it doesn't share with the Genesis)? For the kids and immature adults? I didn't say the height had to be adjustable. I implied it would be silly to have all the hardware to do it and include everything but the button itself.

 

[DRS]

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

Spoken like a true group think and parrot press of the same talking points. You drive press cars for a living? Well, break away from the same, same writing and opinions that most all the "dumb press" get together and write the same things about each car.

I hear the same blah blah blah about Audi, BMW and others. And now the blah blah blah talk parroting the comparison to the LS400. The Equus "first gen" is not a curse. It is a Great car, period...

I do not think there is one "press" drivers and writers that have their own opinion. I too drive a bunch of cars for long periods of time.. The racist attitudes about some of the domestic autos is almost a crime. And the papering over of the BMW repair and maintenance costs are bit one example of the nose up group think for the blah blah blah automotive press parrots.

Happy you got a 2015 Genny.. Have fun.

 

[DRS]

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.

The 2014 Equus Ultimate I had for a few days had the Blue Link and telematics... And included the gas mileage contest with other owners.

I am happy that you actually understand some of what the engineering Genny has to offer.. Not bad for a member of the automotive dead parrot society (same lingo and group thing opinions in all reviews)...

Still believe you are way too harsh, spouting same group think words of the automotive "journalist" on the Equus..

You do make a good case for the AMC Eagle like weight addition for the AWD system. Because of the large extra weight, I would keep the option I have now.. Second set of Blizzaks on rims set on the rack in the garage. Last winter the Genny was my main business "blizzard" vehicle with the Blizzaks. Not one problem, including the days the .gov overlords demanded everyone stay off the streets and highways. Imagine the AWD with a set..

I can feel your passion for your 2015 Genny. Happy for you that you have that experience.

 

[DRS]

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.

^^ +1

 

[PMCErnie]

There are very few Equus owners here. That is telling, isn't it?

 

[Nikgen]

There are very few Equus owners here. That is telling, isn't it?

To me, the Equus looks pretty much identical to the old Genesis (really hard to tell apart) - which itself was not very distinctive (imho). It might be a great car, but I think the new Genesis is a far better looking vehicle and the look is even somewhat sporty. I get tons of unsolicited compliments everywhere I go and constant head turning from other drivers on the road (many from BMW and Mercedes drivers). I've come out of stores at least a half dozen times to find people walking around it in a parking lot to check it out. As it's rebadged, people seem to have no idea what it is and are shocked and incredulous to find out it's a Hyundai.

 

[Ernie3647]

I’ve always enjoyed the exclusivity associated with most people not knowing what the car is then when I say Hyundai they have a puzzled look on their face.

I've come out of stores at least a half dozen times to find people walking around it in a parking lot to check it out. As it's rebadged, people seem to have no idea what it is and are shocked and incredulous to find out it's a Hyundai.

Agreed

 

[Alwaysforward]

Agreed

This is one reason I want to own one... Can't wait.

 

[Midnightsun]

Just to set the record straight, the Genesis does not have an air suspension, the only air in the Genesis is in the tires. A CDC suspension is basically an adjustable shock oil valve which changes the dampening caracteristics. See this to understand. http://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/...ng-list-1/icon-cdc-compression-valve-upgrade/

As for an Equss, nice car loaded with features but still the first run execution by Hyundai with subtle improvements over its life. No where near the substantially perfected 2015 Genesis IMHO. Can't wait to see the next Gen Equss though.

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[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

There are very few Equus owners here. That is telling, isn't it?

Here's one:
The adjustable height on the Equus came in handy in 5 inch snow last winter. That and the Snow Mode, which worked better than previous AWD Passats.

Besides, it looks better than the Gen.

 

[G-235564]

sometimes im in the mood to know i have the coolest b=rear seats, and sometimes i want to drive a little faster. but, for value right now (2023) the Equus wins