Hyundai Equus

Hyundai has got most of the car market covered; they'll sell you an estate, a supermini, a saloon, a sports coupe, an MPV, an SUV and even a van. But they've never offered a luxury limousine.... until now.

The new Equus, starting at £70,000, has just been launched in South Korea and is toted as a rival to the BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-Class.

The Korean firm claims that the new limousine is up to 310mm longer than its major competitors which allows for up to 376mm more backseat legroom. To keep passengers comfortable, the Equus is also fitted with seat leg support, a massage system and a power-driven footrest.

Under the bonnet is Hyundai's most powerful production car engine, a 5.0-litre V8. With 400hp and 500Nm the big V8 should prove powerful enough to lug about the heavy limousine... although it may begin to struggle if you go for the optional bulletproofing.

With the Equus primarily aimed at the Korean market, it is unlikely to make it as far as UK shores. Hyundai has, however, said that other markets are currently being considered.