Sold 2012 after 6 months.

[hitman007]

I had a 2012 Ultimate that I just traded after 6 month ownership. Nothing wrong with the car and I loved the rear Presidential seat! However overall I was very disappointed in the car. There is a reason it is $35k less than a BMW 7 series which was my former car. First I felt the car was a bit unsure of itself after 75 mph. Too sloppy and too much wander for me. Second, the audio system while at first glance seems very state of the art, it is not. I have not owned any other car since 2000 that did not have multiple source capability. When my daughter wanted to watch a movie in the back seat, we all had to listen to the movie sound! No headphone option, no multiple source option. This sucks. Also my iPod interface would just randomly freeze up. The solution was turning off the car and restarting. Also no auto dim on the high beams. Even my Jeep had that feature. The Sport mode was indistinguishable from the normal mode for driving. On my Mercedes E 550 Convert., going to Sport makes a huge change in shifting, and performance. Same with BMW. The interior materials were marginal for a $66k car. And even though I liked the Presidential seat, at 6'1" I could not put my legs up. Only a 5' Korean could really use it as intended. So I am going back to a 7 series and very happy.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Every single objection you stated could have been known in advance, either through 10 minutes on the web or by doing a thoughtful test drive.

Good luck with your 7-Series.

 

[Mark_888]

The Sport mode was indistinguishable from the normal mode for driving. On my Mercedes E 550 Convert., going to Sport makes a huge change in shifting, and performance.

My understanding is that sport mode on Equus only affects air suspension tuning, not shifting. I never heard any claim it affected engine/transmission performance on the Equus.

 

[homeofstone]

I have a E500 Mercedes with sport pkg. There is settings for suspension, 3 of them, and ride height and then a separate setting for comfort or sport mode which changes the tranny shifts.

 

[budkole]

Funny, I traded in my '08 a8l for the equus. Before the a8, I had a BMW '04 745i and before that I had the merc s class. I don't regret a single thing. I notice a big difference in the shift points between Normal and sport. I usually cruise at about 80-90 mph, mine feels sure of itself. I guess to each his/her own. I took the saved money and bought a new Rolex sub and DJ II. The stares I get are priceless. Good luck with the 7, mine sure was a nightmare.

 

[hitman007]

Every single objection you stated could have been known in advance, either through 10 minutes on the web or by doing a thoughtful test drive.

Good luck with your 7-Series.

You are correct. I should have done a more in depth test drive, my bad.

 

[hitman007]

Funny, I traded in my '08 a8l for the equus. Before the a8, I had a BMW '04 745i and before that I had the merc s class. I don't regret a single thing. I notice a big difference in the shift points between Normal and sport. I usually cruise at about 80-90 mph, mine feels sure of itself. I guess to each his/her own. I took the saved money and bought a new Rolex sub and DJ II. The stares I get are priceless. Good luck with the 7, mine sure was a nightmare.

My previous 750i was a great car. Never a problem but I do know the 05 and 05 models had some issues. I really like the A8 and almost bought one but couldn't get the deal I wanted. I needed a big discount to offset my big loss on the Equus.

 

[budkole]

My previous 750i was a great car. Never a problem but I do know the 05 and 05 models had some issues. I really like the A8 and almost bought one but couldn't get the deal I wanted. I needed a big discount to offset my big loss on the Equus.

My 7 had the notorious coolant leak and logic audio problems constantly. From what I understand they use a whole new design on how the coolant circulates. As far as the audi, no real complaints at all. The Benz was not good to me at all.....tranny, more than once. I've heard some say the leather is not up to par, but I don't see it. Of course from day one my Q been lexoled. I really think that it's more of a "it's still a Hyundai thing". Hard to get from under that stigma. The only car that I think looks better is a Bentley flying spur, but then again, if most people actually knew that the bentley is actually volkwagon, I wonder if they would change their opinion.

Fwiw, I'd take a BMW over a Benz anyday.

 

[budkole]

My previous 750i was a great car. Never a problem but I do know the 05 and 05 models had some issues. I really like the A8 and almost bought one but couldn't get the deal I wanted. I needed a big discount to offset my big loss on the Equus.

Ouch...still should not have been too bad.

 

[hitman007]

I completely agree with you on the looks of the Equus. I had many people come over to me and ask me what it was. Some thought it was a Maybach because I put the winged hood ornament on. The WoW factor was a 10. I really had no problem with the Hyundai brand but I just wish they would add a few more technology items and make an L version like they do in Korea. I had a really bad alignment from the factory and when I discovered it the dealer came and got the car, left me a loaner and took care of it. They even replaced 2 tires that were slightly worn from the bad alignment. The Equus service model is a 10! I did know about the audio issue on the test drive and the small rear cabin but like everyone who wants a certain car I thought I could live with those shortfalls. Turns out I could not. To each his own.

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[sandy]

My understanding is that sport mode on Equus only affects air suspension tuning, not shifting. I never heard any claim it affected engine/transmission performance on the Equus.

Sport Mode provides sportier suspension, steering and transmission calibrations. You feel the difference, but it is subtle.

 

[jake the snake]

Sport Mode provides sportier suspension, steering and transmission calibrations. You feel the difference, but it is subtle.

X2

I really like the heavier steering feel

 

[jake the snake]

My understanding is that sport mode on Equus only affects air suspension tuning, not shifting. I never heard any claim it affected engine/transmission performance on the Equus.

wrong

it does affect steering and trany

 

[YEH]

Every single objection you stated could have been known in advance, either through 10 minutes on the web or by doing a thoughtful test drive.

Good luck with your 7-Series.

Exactly.

Aside from the Equus being a bit too bland in design (both the exterior and dash) w/ the materials used on the dash not up to par, the Equus was designed to ferry Korean CEOs around in Seoul and hence, is more like the old Cadillacs and Lincolns than a German flagship (or the Lexus LS).

The 3G Equus should address most of the issues, esp. since Hyundai Europe this time around has had a hand in its development.

 

[Kemp]

I drove a 7 car for 16 years. My take. The suspension is a little weak. The sport mode is good, but it is still not as solid as a 7 car. I also notice that after I get over 80, yes often, I get wind noise from the windows. Not too pleased about that, but all in all, I would not sell it. Everything about it is great. Mostly, BMW is not going to bring me a loaner and take my car when it needs repair. And a year after the BMW warranty is over, I'll still have one. AND I get brakes and EVERYTHING. BMW NO. Oh, and that extra 30K? I'll buy a pickup truck.

Sorry, you made a bad decision to leave the cult.

 

[hitman007]

The bad decision would have been keeping a car I didn't like.

 

[PHIL888]

Just bought Equus Signature and ONLY complaint is GPS. Entering street before city does not work well at all. GPS recall needed to correct this with new download.

 

[budkole]

The bad decision would have been keeping a car I didn't like.

True....you only live once , get what you like and like what you get

 

[Kemp]

The bad decision would have been keeping a car I didn't like.

True dat. Everyone has a different sale point.

 

[imperial4ever]

What are you going to do? This is Hyundai's first iteration into the luxury car field. I sat in a brand new 2012 Equus in the showroom and the car was already reflecting a certain degree of poor workmanship. The passenger side power recliner was "chattering" as I lowered and raised it. Hopefully you got enough equity out of the Equus to put down on a good quality luxury car like a BMW 5 series or my personal favorite a 2013 Lexus GS.