WASHINGTON – Hyundai has been on a roll lately, making midsize sedans, SUVs and economy cars that are easy on the eyes, offer a good value and come with a long warranty.
But a luxury flagship car that rivals the Germans? Is Hyundai serious?
Well, after a week and nearly 600 coddled miles with the $61,000 2014 Hyundai Equus, I can say yes. This big Hyundai is a real-deal large luxury sedan.
Its ultra-quiet inside and air suspension deliver a really nice ride.
The heated and cooled front seats are very comfortable; the back seats, whihc recline and are heated, are just as nice. The tri-zone automatic climate control gives the driver, the passenger and those lucky enough to sit in the back individual climates to make for a hassle-free trip.
While the car is loaded with luxury features, here are just a few of the most notable ones:
- A really good-sounding 17-speaker Lexicon sound system with surround sound
- A rear camera and front and rear parking sensors
- Cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- A large trunk that will easily swallow a week or so of luggage
- A navigation system with a 9-inch screen, enhanced with Hyundai’s Bluelink system
The Bluelink system is great way to navigate. The driver just hits a button on the mirror and tells the system where he/she wants to go.
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This big Hyundai is a real-deal large luxury sedan, and it comes with numerous features. (WTOP/Mike Parris)
The recording downloads the request to the navigation system, so the driver’s hands are free and they can focus on driving.
I enjoy driving a big car with a V8 engine and eight-speed automatic, and the Equus five-liter V8 doesn’t disappoint, with 429hp when premium fuel is used. (The driver will get a little less power if regular fuel is used.)
I had no problem keeping up with the muscle cars on a covered-bridge tour. The suspension is meant more for touring than carving the corners, so there was a little float on some of the quicker turns.
The Equus really shines at eating up a lot of miles in supreme comfort and returning 23-24 mpg on the highway, which isn’t bad for a big car with a powerful V8.
If you’re looking for a big luxury sedan that’s the same size as the German flagships at a much smaller price (the Equus is between $10,000 to 30,000 less), it’s worth a drive.
Hyundai will deliver the vehicle to you for your test drive. You might be surprised by the 2014 Hyundai Equus. I know I was.
Editor’s Note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI ,FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
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