2011 Hyundai Equus

The Equus is arguably Hyundai's fourth luxury car, following the 2001 XG300/350; its replacement, the 2006 Azera; and the 2009 Genesis sedan — and each has been larger and more luxurious than the preceding one. If the Genesis straddled the line between midsize and full-size luxury sedans, the Equus is squarely in the full-size class, among the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. For its price, the Equus is amazing. (See it compared.)

Loading...

Comments

• Weigh In
• Corrections?

Personal Post

The Equus (pronounced ECK-wiss) is absolutely competitive with flagship luxury sedans from around the world, yet I suspect it will fail to truly compete — for the most superficial, intangible reasons.

The word "Equus" is Latin for "horse," and is also a genus that encompasses distinct species, including horses, donkeys and a range of zebras. Even though the Hyundai Equus is as impressive as a Lipizzaner, I predict it will be as common as a zebra, simply because it's named after a mule.

The Equus comes in two trim levels: the Signature and the Ultimate. We tested an Ultimate, which for another $6,500 adds to the base model's extensive standard equipment list a forward-view camera, a power trunklid and a series of backseat upgrades, including a refrigerator and split reclining rear seats that drop the seat count from five to four. (See the two trims compared.) There are otherwise no factory options.

Little is Missing

In terms of features and luxury appointments, little is missing from the Equus. It has a standard adjustable-height air suspension and adaptive shock absorbers, features that are optional on some competing models. The gauges are nice and bright, and the LCD screens between the gauges and on the dashboard are high resolution with appealing graphics. The leather is high quality, and the trim includes textured genuine aluminum. Even the multifunction controller knob — which competitors took years to get right — works quite well.

The 2011's 4.6-liter V-8 generates 385 horsepower, and though I believe that's more than adequate, Hyundai has announced that the 2012 model will have a 429-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 now that the updated 2012 Genesis sedan's higher trim level has adopted the 4.6-liter. The transmission will also change from a six-speed to an eight-speed, which could improve efficiency, though mileage estimates aren't yet available for the 2012.

The 2011 Equus' six-speed was well-behaved, and the car accelerated authoritatively and quietly. With a combined city/highway estimate of 19 mpg on premium gas, the Equus matches the LS 460 and beats the S550 and 750i by 1 and 2 mpg, respectively. One shortcoming is that the Equus comes only with rear-wheel drive, while its German and Japanese rivals offer optional all-wheel drive.

Minor Complaints

My complaints are relatively few. The biggest one is that the steering needs more power assist at highway speeds; I found it fatiguing to keep the car centered. I'd make the same complaint about a sporty car, but it seems particularly out of character here. Some peculiar wind noise emanates from the moonroof at 60 mph and higher, though a solid shade can be deployed to block it. The Ultimate trim's front-view camera is quite effective, but unfortunately, in addition to looking awkward when viewed from the outside, it collects the slightest bit of precipitation so effectively you'd think it was designed to do so.