2014 Hyundai Equus

How do you define luxury?  Well, Hyundai has been crafting their own version of it in the Equus flagship sedan now for the past 3 years.  And in that time one thing has become quite clear; a top-rung luxury sedan needn’t carry a 6-figure price tag to satisfy its owners.

The data doesn’t lie.  Equus owners love their cars and gush about the innovative ownership experience.  Shortly after its market introduction, it won J.D. Power’s APEAL study as the highest-ranking premium luxury car and is currently the number one shopped car in the class according to industry analysis.  And though sales in this segment have been flat, the Equus continues to build momentum.  So to all of those who said Hyundai couldn’t pull off a $60,000 car, Mr. Krafcik says “I told you so.”

This 2014 model receives comprehensive mid-cycle enhancements, mainly in the features and amenities department, where the Equus now has leading edge electronics.  The LCD displays are larger in both the instrument cluster and center stack, Blue Link’s Standard Assurance Connected Care is now included for 3 years, the smart key system comes with both a key fob and a new wallet card for even greater convenience, the climate control system picks up a 3^rd zone, and there are power door closures.  But it’s perhaps the advanced safety features, a huge factor in purchasing decisions for luxury buyers, which pop the most.  Rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection are now standard while the addition of a heads-up display and a multi-view camera system are available.  The heads-up display has always been a favorite of mine for reducing distractions and this one is the first to include the blind spot warning within the display…a nice touch.

One of my favorite new features of the 2014 model is the addition of LED fog lights which produce the same clean light as the headlamps.  No yellow and white mismatching here.

Other visual distinctions of the new model are these 19” polished silver wheels, a front bumper minus the chrome strips, new side mirrors for less wind noise and a new brown paint choice – a color that’s gaining popularity in the segment.

In this segment rear seat accoutrements are very important and the Equus doesn’t disappoint.  With rear seat navigation controls Hyundai brings new meaning to the term backseat driver.

I’ve seen the navi displays back here before but never the ability to program and set a destination…pretty cool.  All models now come in a 5-passenger configuration with power reclining, heated rear seats and control console.  In addition, this top trim Ultimate model comes standard with cooled seats, power adjustable head restraints and power lumbar for rear passengers.

Still powered by a 5.0-liter V8 making 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque, changes have been made to the air suspension for a crisper handling sport mode and a softer normal mode.  A snow mode has also been added.  An 8-speed automatic sends power to the rear while helping the Equus achieve 15mpg city/23mpg highway with your choice of regular gas or for improved performance, premium.

My 1-day drive conveyed a quiet, luxurious ride backed with forceful power and all of the spaciousness you’d expect mixed with some high-end features that you wouldn’t.  The Equus is a car that isn’t hung up on trying to be a full-fledged sports sedan as well as a luxury car, so occupant coddling is still priority one and as such it does a wonderful job.  Equus signature starts at just under $62,000 while the Ultimate at around $69,000.  For Drive Time, I’m Steve Hammes.