Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res gallery
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This is the new Hyundai Equus in the steel and on U.S. roads, courtesy of Autoblog reader Alex Krafcik. Depending on dealer reaction to the car, Hyundai could-maybe-possibly-might bring it to America. If so, we would then find out if Hyundai could do what Volkswagen was incapable of doing with its Phaeton: Charge top-tier money for a top-tier product wearing a lower to (now) mid-market badge.

As for the luxury sedan itself, being fans of the underdog, the Equus makes us go "Hooray, but hmmm..." We understand the need to lure unfamiliar buyers with familiar luxury themes, but we have to chide the Korean automaker for its reliance on Lexus' styling playbook. This is particularly true at the rear, where the taillight line jinks twice and runs to the wheel well, mimicking Lexus' L-Finesse language. Further, the rump wears a copy of Lexus' exhaust pipes and the car is badged the VS 460, which strikes us as a bit too close for comfort.

With Hyundai at least enjoying early signs of success with its upmarket Genesis sedan, perhaps there's room for an even more expensive offering, but early warnings point to a much higher sticker price than the automaker's reigning North American Car of the Year, and it's too soon to analyze the Genny's long-term prospects for success. What do you think... is Hyundai threatening to jump the gun, or is it headed in the right direction?

Gallery: More Hyundai Equus



[Source: Flickr]

Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[jwaters943]

Love it in these pics.

I think this will have real road presence in person.

 

[Mgrig]

If this car is actually available to the general public in the near future I will trade my Genesis in. Seeing this car at the NY auto show, the pictures don't do it justice. I was able to talk the Hyundai rep into letting me get up close and personal with the Equus, this car is exceptional. More room than the Genesis and even richer interior styling.
This car is a winner in the $50K to $65K range.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The AutoBlog "reader spy" was actually Alex Krafcik - recognize the last name?

 

[Flex59]

I absolutely LOVE the Equus, I wish I could see in person! I think they should bring it to the States but, starting at $47,500 (and top $54,800 with Tech Pckg) for the V6 and $53,000 for the V8 (and top at $59,500).

They have to do the same thing they did with the Genesis (which I own and LOVE, LOVE) if they start at $75,000, then they're not giving a bargain product as they do with the Genesis!

Also, if they are going to ask for that price, they will have to open up Genesis dealers. No one that can pay $75,000 is going to go into a Hyunda dealer!

Still, I would go for it at $$54,800 w/Tech pack, but, can't and probably wouldn't for $75,000!

Flex59

 

[JPW]

I absolutely LOVE the Equus, I wish I could see in person! I think they should bring it to the States but, starting at $47,500 (and top $54,800 with Tech Pckg) for the V6 and $53,000 for the V8 (and top at $59,500).

They have to do the same thing they did with the Genesis (which I own and LOVE, LOVE) if they start at $75,000, then they're not giving a bargain product as they do with the Genesis!

Also, if they are going to ask for that price, they will have to open up Genesis dealers. No one that can pay $75,000 is going to go into a Hyunda dealer!

Still, I would go for it at $$54,800 w/Tech pack, but, can't and probably wouldn't for $75,000!

Flex59

This is an interesting discussion. Unfortunately, for me $75K and even $54K is out of reach for me so it restricts me to the Genesis. I've looked at numerous photos of rhte Equus before and I'm surprised by how close the Genesis and the Equus are. I think they are far more similar than different which makes me feel even better about buying a Genesis.

The interesting part to think about is would you pay $110,000 for an S-class Mercedes? It seems ridiculous to me but I continue to see them all over Houston. This is what Hyundai will need to start grappling with if they do move forward with the Equus. I suspect the list price will be higher than many of us hope for. Just a guess.

 

[Flex59]

JPW, I have a feeling you're right. As expensive the S-Class and the BMW 750's are, is rare a day where I don't see at least 1 to 2 in Miami!

But, I must say I do love my Genesis with the Tech Pckg, I think it was a great deal considering the look, size and equipment vs. price. I traded in a 2006 BMW 530I w/Premium Pckg and for $13,580 less, the Genesis offers ALOT more!

Honestly, if the 2011 Genesis offered in the Tech Pckg things like: Air Condition passenger seat, power folding mirrors, manual rear-window sunshades, power open/close trunk, blind spot system (and as a stand along option a Panorama roof), I would go for another Genesis in a heart beat even if the price for the V6 went up to $42,000 to $43,000!

Flex59

 

[Flex59]

ALthough, I could do without the hood ornament! And I think the car could and would look 100 times better with either 20's or 22's!

Nothing godie, but tasteful! That's my opinion!

Flex59

 

[jwaters943]

This is an interesting discussion. Unfortunately, for me $75K and even $54K is out of reach for me so it restricts me to the Genesis. I've looked at numerous photos of rhte Equus before and I'm surprised by how close the Genesis and the Equus are. I think they are far more similar than different which makes me feel even better about buying a Genesis.

Agreed on the price. Due to recent pay cuts as a result of our lousy economy my max car budget right now and for the foreseeable future is around $40k.

Still, if I could get a *lightly* used (1-2 years old) Equus for the same price as a V6 Genesis I think I would rather have the Equus, at least based based on specs/pictures. Real wood trim, alcantara headliner, rear climate/audio controls, more generous legroom, color TFT display nestled between the gauges, etc. What's not to like?

If I decide not to keep the Genesis for my planned 7-8 years, I will seriously consider picking up a used Equus 3-5 years from now.

 

[musher51]

Nothing godie, but tasteful! That's my opinion!

I regret that my first posting in several months is a correction, but I gotta admit that the word "godie" stopped me in my tracks. Hmmm, nothing religious or deity-like? Oh, you mean "gaudy"!!

gaud⋅y  /ˈgɔdi/ [gaw-dee]
–adjective, gaud⋅i⋅er, gaud⋅i⋅est.
1. brilliantly or excessively showy: gaudy plumage.
2. cheaply showy in a tasteless way; flashy.
3. ostentatiously ornamented; garish.

Yeah, I agree that the Equus would look just fine without a hood ornament.

The mushing season is over, so I'll be checking in a bit more often. Looks like lotsa new members! Still love my Genesis...just passed the 15K mark and it continues to be trouble-free and a pleasure to drive. I'm looking forward to a road trip from MN to MI for a music festival in July (including a ferry ride across Lake MI). The Lexicon oughta make the miles fly by!

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[JPW]

Honestly, if the 2011 Genesis offered in the Tech Pckg things like: Air Condition passenger seat, power folding mirrors, manual rear-window sunshades, power open/close trunk, blind spot system (and as a stand along option a Panorama roof), I would go for another Genesis in a heart beat even if the price for the V6 went up to $42,000 to $43,000!

drooooool...Hyundai are you listening....drooooooool

 

[jwaters943]

Here are more of Alex's pictures of the Equus:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexkrafcik/

 

[Sal Collaziano]

While the Hyundai Genesis has some of the features of a BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS or Mercedes S-Class, it falls short in various places. Even though it's priced like a BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS or Mercedes C-Class, it really competes more closely with vehicles like the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS and Mercedes E-Class.

The Equus (Genesis Prestige, Genesis Signature, etc) will be a DIRECT competitor - feature for feature - with the BMW 750Li, Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S550... The Genesis is a VERY nice car - but people who prefer full size vehicles with extended leg room (the long wheel base models), the Equus is the car you want...