2012 Hyundai Equus

Basic Specs

Base Price $58,750
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 4486–4605
City (MPG) 15
Hwy (MPG) 23
Horsepower 429@6400
Torque (lb-ft) 376@5000
Wheelbase 119.9
Length (in.) 203.1
Width (in.) 74.4
Height (in.) 58.7

Hyundai is on a mission to redefine its image and become a respected, mainstream brand in the U.S. market. To confuse matters, Hyundai is also looking to get into the luxury market with the all-new Equus model -- a flagship sedan aimed at some of the best full-size sedans coming from the German and Japanese competition. For the latest model year, Hyundai has updated the Equus with a new 5.0-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Likely the first thing to grab attention for buyers concerning the Equus is that of pricing. For those seeking a luxury sedan on a budget (comparatively), Equus stands essentially alone in the large sedan segment by starting at $59,000 including destination for the base model, and $66,00 for the range-topping Equus Ultimate trim level.

If one were to forgo the consideration of brand equity - something Hyundai 's marketing department is hoping to figure out - both prices represent the best values in the segment.

In addition to changing the market space with its low pricing, the automaker has also created a program to be known as "Your time, your place," in which a special sales associate will come to you to demo the vehicle, rather than forcing you to hassle with visiting a dealer.

There will also be a program, known as "At your service," which will include a valet service to provide in-home pickup for all vehicle maintenance. The Equus will come with free service, including oil changes, wiper blades, brake pads and more for five years and 60,000 miles, all with complimentary valet service included.

Coupled with Hyundai’s plan to equip the Equus with an Apple iPad for the manual, this luxury sedan is shaping up to offer one of the most luxury-minded ownership experiences in the business. Owners will be able to book servicing appointments directly from the owner’s manual tablet and Hyundai says that the select Equus dealers will pick up and re-deliver customer cars while leaving them with Genesis loaner vehicles.

Equus brings (ugraded) power to the table
New for the latest model year is a 5.0-liter “Tau” V8 that produces a healthy 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. Efficiency-aiding measures like direct injection, a relatively high 11.5:1 compression ratio and an in-house developed eight-speed automatic transmission help the engine to return 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Both figure are just one mpg off those of the outgoing 4.6-liter V8, which featured 44 fewere horsepower.

Equus delivers luxurious ride to match its luxury power
In order that it be considered a truly competitive luxury sedan, Hyundai has equipped the Equus with an electronically controlled air suspension. Hyundai says this system allows drivers to choose between a firm ride for a sporty feel on smooth roads, or switch to a softer ride to minimize the bumps and dips of imperfect surfaces. The Equus also features Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which automatically monitors road conditions and adjust damping force accordingly, for the optimal ride quality.

Despite its large size, the Equus features a 37.7-foot turning radius and a variable-effort steering system to reduce the feel of its substantial size.

Equus packs technology for all
As with any true luxury car, the Equus comes loaded with technology typically only found on high-end automobiles. Occupants will enjoy a Lexicon audio system with LOGIC 7 technology – including a 608 watt, 13-channel amplifier powering 17 speakers in a 7.1-channel configuration. Making sure all bases are covered, the Equus also includes HD Radio, XM Radio and iPod integration.

As Hyundai is using Cadillac , BMW and Lexus as benchmarks, the Equus features an iDrive-type system as well as many other luxury amenities. The new flagship also utilizes Hyundai’s first application of LED headlamps.

Equus is big – true luxury big
The new model is a whopping eight inches longer than the Genesis, and comes in at 203.1 inches of total length – right between the slightly shorter LS 460, and slightly longer S550. The Equus is roughly half of an inch wider than its competition, and the rest of interior dimensions fall within reasonable ranges of one another, with no clear single winner for interior space.

Trim Level Breakdown
The Equus is available in Signature and Ultimate trim levels.

The Equus Signature comes standard with a bevy of luxury items, including the aforementioned Lexicon audio system, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlamps, front and rear parking assistance systems with a rearview camera, premium leather seating, Microfiber suede headliner, driver seat massage, heated and cooled front seats and a heated wood and leather steering wheel.

Stepping up to Equus Ultimate brings a forward-view parking and cornering camera, a power trunk lid, reclining rear seats with powered headrests, cooled rear seats, rear seat massage and leg support, a rear seat refrigerator and a rear seat entertainment system.

Occupant Safety
The Equus is fitted with dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, four front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags and two roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers. Traction and stability control systems as well as electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are also included.

Key Competitors
The rivals to the Hyundai Equus include more traditionally prestigious models (with commensurately higher price tags) like the BMW 7-Series , Lexus LS 460 , Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJ .

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    • General
    • Body Style:Sedan
    • Size:Fullsize
    • Market Segment:Luxury
    • Weight:4486–4605
    • Exterior
    • Length:203.1 in.
    • Width:74.4 in.
    • Height:58.7 in.
    • Wheelbase:119.9 in.
    • Ground Clearance:TBD
    • Front Track:63.8 in.
    • Rear Track:64.1 in.
    • Weight Distribution:TBD
    • Drag Coefficient:0.27
    • Interior - General
    • Seats:5
    • Passenger Volume:109.3 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume:16.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded):TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume:TBD
    • Leg Room:45.1 in.
    • Head Room:38.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room:59.1 in.
    • Hip Room:55.5 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume:TBD
    • Leg Room:38.9 in.
    • Head Room:37.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room:58.0 in.
    • Hip Room:55.1 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type:Gas
    • Engine Type:5.0L V8
    • Power:429 hp @ 6400 rpm
    • Torque:376 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
    • Transmission:8-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy:23 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy:15 mpg
    • Forced Induction:None
    • Direct Injection:Yes
    • Chassis
    • Layout:Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension:Multi-Link
    • Rear Suspension:Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front:19" Aluminum
    • Front Tires:P245/45R19
    • Rear:19" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires:P275/40R19
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight:TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight:TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

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      Signature

      • Signature Adds or Substitutes:
      • 5.0L V8 GDI engine with 429 hp
      • 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
      • HID Xenon adaptive headlights
      • Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
      • Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
      • 19-inch chrome alloy wheels
      • Navigation system with Driver Information System
      • Lexicon® Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
      • iPod® / USB auxiliary input jack
      • Bluetooth® hands-free phone syste
      • Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim

      Info
    • Close

      Ultimate

      • Ultimate Adds or Substitutes:
      • 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
      • Forward-view cornering camera
      • Lane-departure warning system (LDWS)
      • Heated, wood-trimmed and leather wrapped steering wheel
      • Power rear side-windows sunshades
      • 50/50 split rear seating w/ First Class Seat: leg support and massaging system
      • Cooled rear seats
      • Rear seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
      • Rear seat entertainment system w/8” monitor
      • Thermoelectronic rear console refrigerator
      • Power trunk lid
      • Forward-view cornering camera

      Info
    Next
    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Exterior Color

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      Platinum Metallic

      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      White Satin Pearl

      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Black Noir Pearl

      • N/A

      Info
    • Close

      Granite Gray

      • N/A

      Info
    Next Back

    $0

    Interior Covering

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