[NextAutos.com] Driven: 2011 Hyundai Equus Stops By For A Visit

[ajls09873]

Driven: 2011 Hyundai Equus Stops By For A Visit

When Hyundai launched the Genesis sedan a last year, we were very impressed. They managed to create a car unlike anything else they've ever done that was not only good to drive and extremely well-equipped, but priced substantially less than the competition. To continue on in this saga, Hyundai recently announced that they will be selling their larger flagship sedan, the Equus, in North America. This car is positioned to do to the Lexus LS what the Genesis has done to the Lexus GS and Infiniti M. (Note: Equus is what the car is called in other markets, and the official U.S. name hasn't been decided upon at this time.)

A proper flagship sedan must accurately combine power, comfort, and style into a large, elegant package for it to succeed. We were given the opportunity to take a Korean-spec Equus out for a quick spin through Ypsilanti, Michigan, on what had shaped up to be a cold, rainy day -- the perfect conditions for testing out a comfortable, luxurious, inviting flagship. And after only a short time with the Equus, we're happy to say that Hyundai has one hell of a flagship on its hands.

Read more...

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Thank you for posting this up.. When the writer says, "it's not as overly plush and elegant as a Benz S-Class" - I wonder where the Equus falls short... I may find out myself tomorrow...

 

[jwaters943]

I've only seen pics, but based on everything I've seen/read it seems pretty apparent, at least to me, that the switchgear and center stack design/materials are not up to LS/S/7/A8/XJ levels.

 

[ajls09873]

I've only seen pics, but based on everything I've seen/read it seems pretty apparent, at least to me, that the switchgear and center stack design/materials are not up to LS/S/7/A8/XJ levels.

Read carefully.

"Inside, the Equus has all of the bits and pieces to properly position itself with the big boys. The cabin design is clean, simple, and elegant; and the materials used are really, really nice. The soft headliner, plush leather upholstery, and solid plastics are extremely upscale, while still looking very Korean. You could easily convince someone that this car is a Lexus"

 

[jwaters943]

Interesting that they had such overwhelmingly positive things to say about the interior, yet still felt it wasn't up to S Class standards.

FWIW, the interior seems to be getting mixed reviews overall.

C&D:

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the Equus feels, well, pretty much like a giant Genesis. The interior looks more like a Korean boardroom, though, with cherry wood paneling all over. The leather dash and chrome-look switches on our long-term Genesis look and feel better.

The fit and finish is exceptional. The leather is soft. The seat is cush and comfortable, if a little flat, and the headliner is an acre of Alcantara suede, just like you get in an S65 AMG. There's even French stitching on the leather-wrapped dash. The metallic trim on the center stack and console is plastic and not real aluminum, though. It looks good, but should be the real thing.

No, it's not quite as nice inside the Equus as in the interiors of the luxury sedans it has targeted in the marketplace, but it's close...

Autoguide:

The interior materials are definitely high quality, although not quite what you might find in a Lexus LS. Then again, the interior of the BMW 750 isn’t quite what you’d find in a Lexus either. The excessive amount of wood trim certainly isn’t one of our favorite parts, but the genuine Suede headliner is.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

AutoGuide hasn't been in the NEW 750i, apparently.. Well! I'll be giving you all my review of the Hyundai Equus in just a few hours.. I'll be leaving here and heading to see it in person right after dinner...

 

[jwaters943]

Sal,

I'm very much looking forward to hearing your feedback.

I'm still bummed that I didn't get the chance to see the Equus in person due to Hyundai of Roseville's incompetence.