again...the manufacturer can say anything they want
the market is the real determinant
There is the segment that a particular model fits into and there is the market determinant - doesn't mean that it doesn't still fit in that particular segment.
And it's not just what Hyundai says; auto publications like
Motor Trend and
Car&Driver have included the Equus in their flagship comparisons (didn't see the likes of the RLX or XTS included) and industry-related businesses (Consumer Reports, JD Power, ALG, Black Book, IHHS, etc.) categorize the Equus as a full size luxury sedan.
I can tell you that
based on sales results...I dont think the market thinks the Equus competes. in that arena
On that basis - neither does the Jag XJ.
Last year, Jag only moved
3,611 units of the XJ.
Audi did a little better w/ the A8 at
4,990
It's not like the Equus is that far off at
2,332, esp. if one also included K900 sales (
2,524) - and neither of the Koreans were developed for the world market, lack AWD (which consist of 35-40% of sales) and only have a single engine option at this juncture.
In addition, the market has spoken w/ regard to the LS460 not being a competitor to the S Class as it is more than
$20k cheaper w/ that price disparity only growing once you start adding options.
ts clear that Hyundai "copied" the Lexus LS...to me anyway
How do you know Hyundai
copied the LS and not the Q45?
And besides, the LS and everyone else (including BMW w/ the 7 Series)
copied the S Class.
The Equus price is almost the same, adjusted for inflation, as the Lexus LS when it came out in 1990
Maybe priced similarly, adjusted for inflation, but the LS was even a better value since it offered separate luxury dealership experience (Hyundai can't price that into the Equus since they don't offer it).
However..Lexus had larger sales volume year after year with the first several years of the LS. The LS has also always held very high resale value
The Equus has accomplished neither
It was a totally different luxury market back then - the Germans were asleep.
Presently, the Germans (esp. MB) are on their A-game.
And presently, LS460 sales are at its nadir.
I dont really follow the Genesis resale...since I had never seriously considered buying one. Maybe you can speak on how it compares?
Finished
3rd in the segment for 2015 - ahead of the A6, CTS, GS and Q70.
And for this past month, actually beat the E Class -
2,532 to
2,362.
Granted, the E Class will be replaced soon, but still...
Someone mentioned earlier that Hyundai was following the Lexus model with their luxury cars
Not really following the Toyota/Lexus model.
No separate luxury brand at start and no separate lux dealer network at the moment.
Will not offer
tarted up Sonatas/Azeras and Tucsons and Santa Fes to fill out its lineup and to consist the bulk of its sales - it's lineup will consist entirely of RWD-based models.
W/ a much more competitive lux market and having forgone the lux brand/dealer network - Hyundai had to play the
value card strongly - which hurts residuals.
But at the same time, they have been gaining marketshare against the RWD Lexus competition, not to mention Acura - which plays up the value quotient in offering only FWD-based, volume models.
Over time - as Hyundai garners greater credibility in the lux market, residuals will improve.
