Hyundai hints at 7-Series rival

The only way is up for Hyundai! In a bid to banish its budget image once and for all, the Korean firm has set its sights on stealing BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class customers with an all-new luxury flagship.

Unveiled for the first time in this official teaser image, it replaces the firm’s ageing front-wheel-drive Equus, which has been sold in Korea for a decade. The rear-driven car, codenamed VI, will be launched in Hyundai’s home market next February.

Powered by a 3.8-litre V6 or 4.6 and 5.0-litre V8s, the VI will be specced and priced to lure Korean executives out of foreign-built rivals. For those who travel only in first class, a flagship long-wheelbase limousine is also in the pipeline. While there are no plans to bring the VI to the UK at present, the car is described as being a showcase for Hyundai’s most advanced technologies.

This means its stability management and lane departure warning systems, plus engines which can shut down cylinders under light throttle loads for better efficiency, could filter down into UK cars.