Hyundai Equus
Could this be the end of Hyundai's image as a budget manufacturer? With Lexus looks and a luxurious cabin, this is the Equus, the car that shows just what the Koreans are capable of - so Auto Express drove it to see how far Hyundai has come
The concept of building an executive car at a budget price isn't new, but it has yet to be a successful one in the UK. With the Equus, Hyundai has created one of the best yet. The build quality shows just how good Hyundais can be, but the handling would need to be improved if the Equus was to be a success over here.
Could this be the end of Hyundai's image as a budget manufacturer? With Lexus looks and a luxurious cabin, this is the Equus, the car that shows just what the Koreans are capable of - so Auto Express drove it to see how far Hyundai has come.
The styling pays more than a passing resemblance to the original Lexus LS400, with long overhangs and a boxy shape. It may not be to European tastes, but the overall look is well finished and the detailing impressive. The nose is dominated by a chrome grille, although the Rolls-Royce-style emblem on the bonnet is verging on the ostentatious.
In keeping with modern trends, the Equus' indicator repeaters have been housed in the wing mirrors like those of the Mercedes range. Move inside and the executive car feel continues. Virtually every conceivable luxury is standard, with the most impressive feature being the ventilated, air-conditioned, leather-trimmed seats. Electronic tyre pressure monitors are a useful addition, and traction control is also included.
On the road, the Equus wafts passengers along in comfort, but don't expect a sporty drive. The soft suspension set-up is ideal for motorway cruising, but any cornering on rough surfaces leaves the Hyundai unsettled and struggling to fight off excessive body roll.
Power comes from a choice of 2.0, 3.5 and 4.5-litre engines, all of which offer gutsy performance. This 207bhp 3.5-litre V6 was smooth and refined, but the five-speed automatic gearbox felt jerky at low speeds and seemed to hunt for the right gear in town.
With the unpopular XG30 axed earlier this year, Hyundai is now without a plush flagship in the UK, but there are no plans to bring the Equus here for now. However, given sufficient demand, bosses could be forced to change their minds - and the Equus proves that the firm can cut it in the executive class.
