The Hyundai Equus was a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by the South Korean automaker Hyundai from 1999 to 2016. It was the flagship model of Hyundai’s lineup, competing with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS. The Equus was known for its spacious and comfortable interior, smooth and powerful performance, advanced technology, and attractive pricing. However, it also faced some challenges in terms of brand recognition, resale value, and reliability. In this article, we will explore the history, features, strengths, and weaknesses of the Hyundai Equus, as well as its successor, the Genesis G90.
The First Generation Equus (1999-2009)
The first generation Equus was launched in 1999 as Hyundai’s first attempt to enter the full-size luxury car segment. It was based on the platform and design of the Mitsubishi Proudia, a Japanese sedan that was also sold as the Mitsubishi Dignity. The Equus was powered by a range of V6 and V8 engines, sourced from Mitsubishi and Hyundai, with outputs ranging from 195 to 368 horsepower. The Equus was equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive layout. It offered features such as leather seats, wood trim, dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, and a premium sound system. The Equus was also available in a long-wheelbase version, called the Limousine, which added more rear legroom, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a refrigerator.
The first generation Equus was mainly sold in the domestic Korean market, where it was popular among government officials and business executives. It was also exported to some countries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America, where it was marketed as the Hyundai Centennial. However, it was not sold in the major luxury car markets of North America and Europe, due to Hyundai’s low brand image and lack of dealer network. The first generation Equus received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its spaciousness, comfort, and value, but criticized its bland styling, outdated technology, and mediocre handling. The first generation Equus was discontinued in 2009, after a decade of production.
The Second Generation Equus (2009-2016)
The second generation Equus was introduced in 2009 as a completely redesigned model. It was based on a new rear-wheel drive platform, developed by Hyundai, that also underpinned the Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe. The Equus was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower, or a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 375 horsepower, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2012, the Equus received a facelift and a new 5.0-liter V8 engine with 429 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Equus offered features such as adaptive air suspension, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Equus also came with a long-wheelbase version, called the Ultimate, which added features such as a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, power rear seats, and a rear-seat massage function.
The second generation Equus was the first Hyundai model to be sold in the United States, starting from 2011. It was also sold in Canada, China, Russia, and other countries, under the Hyundai Equus or Hyundai Centennial nameplates. The Equus was positioned as a value-oriented alternative to the established luxury sedans, with a starting price of around $60,000, which was significantly lower than its competitors. The Equus also came with a unique ownership experience, such as a complimentary maintenance program, a concierge service, and a valet service. The Equus received positive reviews from critics, who praised its refinement, performance, technology, and warranty, but noted its lack of brand prestige, distinctive styling, and driving excitement. The second generation Equus was discontinued in 2016, after seven years of production.
The Genesis G90 (2016-present)
The Genesis G90 is the successor to the Hyundai Equus, and the flagship model of Genesis, the new luxury division of Hyundai. It was launched in 2016 as a new model, with a new name and a new logo. It was based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive platform of the Equus, with improved rigidity, weight, and handling. The G90 was powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 365 horsepower, or a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower, both connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The G90 offered features such as adaptive LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems. The G90 also had a long-wheelbase version, called the G90L, which increased the rear legroom by 11.4 inches.
The Genesis G90 is currently sold in South Korea, the United States, Canada, China, Russia, and other countries, under the Genesis G90 or EQ900 nameplates. The G90 is positioned as a premium luxury sedan, with a starting price of around $70,000, which is still lower than its rivals, but higher than the Equus. The G90 also provides a personalized and convenient ownership experience, such as a five-year/60,000-mile complimentary service, a three-year/36,000-mile complimentary valet service, and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The G90 received favorable reviews from critics, who praised its comfort, quality, features, and value, but pointed out its conservative design, limited brand recognition, and modest sales. The G90 received a major redesign in 2020, with a new exterior, interior, and technology.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Equus was a rare and expensive flagship sedan that represented Hyundai’s ambition to compete in the full-size luxury car segment. It was a spacious, comfortable, and powerful sedan that offered a lot of features and benefits for a reasonable price. However, it also faced some challenges in terms of brand image, customer perception, and market acceptance. The Equus was replaced by the Genesis G90, which is a more refined, sophisticated, and modern sedan that aims to elevate the status and appeal of the Genesis brand. The G90 is a worthy successor to the Equus, and a compelling choice for luxury car buyers who value quality, comfort, and value over prestige, style, and performance.