New York: Checking out the Genesis Prestige in person

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery
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If you think the Genesis sedan is nice, wait'll you get a load of Hyundai's home-market luxu-flagship, the Equus. The automaker has one prominently on display here at the New York Auto Show this week, and while it's supposed to merely be a "Look, this is how awesome we can be" thing (there's no plan for the Equus to be sold here at this time), you can bet Hyundai is taking note of people's reactions. Outside, the Equus is more ornate than the Genesis, with a bright grille, highly-polished wheels and a pedestrian-impaling hood ornament. The sheetmetal details are nice, too. We especially dig the subtle fender bulges over the rear wheels.

While that's all well and good, it's inside the cabin where the Equus shows that it's truly meant to do battle against the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series. All the toys are present: push-button start, a console-mounted control interface for the in-car systems, classy wood accents, upmarket switchgear, and even Grey Poupon snack trays for the rear passengers. Oh, those rear passengers get massaging back seats, as well. It's very impressive looking and it stinks of quality. If Hyundai ever decides to gamble and attack the next price segment up from the Genesis sedan, they clearly have the ammo to do so. The Equus is the real deal.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc. New York: Checking out the Hyundai Equus in person originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[JerryBunz25]

you'll see me there next weekend!!!!
im gonna wear my key fob around my neck so ya know

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The pictures are amazing - aren't they? This car is at the top of my list to be my next car. If it's not sold here in America, I'm going to have to look into having it imported.. I really, really want this car...

 

[Flex59]

WHAT A GORGEOUS CAR!!!!! Is it cheating if I LOVE my Genesis w/Tech. pckg and lust after the Equus? LOL!!

I think Hyundai has hit it OFFFF the park! If they make it they will buy it!

I just hope it doesn't start at $60,000, because at my present health and econimic situation I won't be able to afford it!

It would be a dream if the V6 started at $46,500 and with the version of the Tech Pckg it came to $52,500! It would be a strech for me, but, I would stop eating 7 days a week for it - LOL!

Although, I think that if Hyundai is going to ask for the above premiums is going to have to build separate dealers. As nice as the people at my Hyundai dealer were (Rick Casey - Ft. Laud), the dealer left ALOT to be desired, considering I had just leased a $40,000 car!

I know the economy is tought, but, they are going to have to give it some thought!

I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flex59

 

[Flex59]

One thing do, I don't particularly like the hood ornament, I could do without out.

Unless, they make it like Rolls Royce where it only pops up when you drive and when you park the car you can hide it inside the hood electrically of course.

I don't mind the emblem on the trunk, steering and shiftnob.

Flex59

 

[BigElm]

Oh yeah.... This with a nice balanced sport tuned suspension and I'd be all over this.

 

[Mark_888]

You guys must be on drugs. The car drives like a limo, not a sport sedan.

 

[netmag]

When I first saw renderings of this, I wasn't sure it looked all that much better than the Genesis. However, after seeing these images, I have to say it does look better (especially the exterior) or at least it has a bit more personality to it.
The rear end looks good and the lighting is very intricate.

The interior is nice but a bit bland. I guess though that traditional luxury interiors are more about being subtle instead of screaming wow. Also, I too could do without the hood ornament. It seems a bit over the top, but that's just my personality.

Overall though it looks great.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

You guys must be on drugs. The car drives like a limo, not a sport sedan.

Think Lexus LS460.. Not too bad, really..

This car will most likely start at around $50k... They WANT to sell the V8 with 8 speed transmission at about that price - but I seriously doubt that's going to happen.. We can hope, though.

 

[Mark_888]

This car will most likely start at around $50k... They WANT to sell the V8 with 8 speed transmission at about that price - but I seriously doubt that's going to happen.. We can hope, though.

Most informed people understand that Hyundai is selling the Genesis at near cost (or at least below normal markup) in North America, and may do the same for Prestige to get them jump-started over here. So it is hard to guess what the pricing will be.

The Germans had the same complaints about the price of the Lexus LS in the early years. They also complained that Lexus stole all their technology (like anyone really cares were they got it from).

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[wallymn]

knock the lawn ornament off the hood and it is a great looking car.

Anyone have interior shots?

 

[Mark_888]

knock the lawn ornament off the hood and it is a great looking car.

As soon as you buy one, and park it on the street or in a shopping center parking lot, your local teenagers will do that for free.

 

[BigElm]

You guys must be on drugs. The car drives like a limo, not a sport sedan.

Not so my fellow friend. It may be a limo for the likes of Korea but here in the US, it will compete with the Lexus LS 460, BMW 7 Series, MB S Class... all with 'sport tuned' suspension; even as an option. I'm sure if Hyundai offered that option, they'd open the flood gates to a whole new market right at their door step.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Yup.
http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showpost.php?p=20152&postcount=2

Anyone have interior shots?

 

[Mark_888]

Not so my fellow friend. It may be a limo for the likes of Korea but here in the US, it will compete with the Lexus LS 460, BMW 7 Series, MB S Class... all with 'sport tuned' suspension; even as an option. I'm sure if Hyundai offered that option, they'd open the flood gates to a whole new market right at their door step.

Based on specs, I think it more like the stretch (L) versions of cars you mentioned. They are designed more for rear seat luxury than for sport.

People who have not seen the rear seat pics of the Equus don't understand what this car is about.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Based on specs, I think it more like the stretch (L) versions of cars you mentioned. They are designed more for rear seat luxury than for sport.

People who have not seen the rear seat pics of the Equus don't understand what this car is about.

I have a 750Li that's pretty long - lots of rear seat legroom - and it still handles very well - not even "for a car of it's size" - it's just a real good handler.. The S550 is a little softer and the LS460L is a little softer than that.. The Audi A8 is about the same as the 750Li.. If Hyundai wants this car to sell here in America, the softest sprung it can be is equivalent to a Lexus LS460L. Anything softer than that would not be good. I'm sure the Korean version will be softer sprung - just like the Genesis...

 

[Flex59]

I am very sadden to read that Hyundai is planning to bring 100 Equus to the U.S. for the outsite price (for me at least) of $75,000.

I mean, I knew they weren't going to bring for $40,000, but, I was hoping they would offer the V6 starting at $46,500 and fully loaded or pretty loaded at $53,500, but $75,000?

Well, I guess I'll have to lease another V6 Genesis w/Tech pckg when my lease is over!

Flex59

p.s. Has anyone seen or been on a site that road tests the Equus? I keep going to youtube.com and they just the regular videos!

 

[LasVegasGenesis]

$75K for that car considering the true competition is still a deal. Everything I've read about this care says that it will compare with and MB S, a BMW 7, an Audi A etc etc etc. Based upon the pleasure I've had with my V8 w/tech, I will not hesitate to lay down a deposit.

While the engines are currently the same as the Genesis now, by the time the Equus hits the states, the 4.6 will be increased to a 5.0 with over 400 hp and there has been some talk about a supercharged version might end up in it for 500 hp.

Still a deal in my book.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Guys.. The Equus is NOT starting ANYWHERE NEAR $75,000.00 in America.. This car will start in the high $40s or at worst, near $50k... Don't worry...

 

[jwaters943]

Flex, I'm not sure what you read, but the 100 Equus sedans that are coming to the U.S. are not going to be for sale (and like HG said, will not be anywhere close to $75k). They're bringing 100 Equus to U.S. showrooms around the country to gauge reactions from the public. If reaction is favorable and Hyundai proceeds w/ plans to sell the Equus here it will likely be as a 2011/2012 model. My guess is we'll see pricing start just above where then Genesis V8 Tech sedan leaves off and topping out at/near the $60k mark. At $75k they know most perspective buyers would just get a LS460.