Car news from The Automotive Car - In Asian markets, this car is sold as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS - a super-luxury car with a sticker price approaching six figures. Would Americans accept a six-figure Hyundai?
The Genesis succeeds by offering a BMW 5-Series-like experience for the price of a 3-series.
Standard Equus features like a massaging driver seat, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system are usually options on even high-end luxury cars. Hyundai even plans to supply Equus owners with an Apple iPad as a standard feature, which will function as a sort of interactive owner's manual and maintenance minder.
The Equus resembles a larger, bejeweled Genesis; it's probable that passers-by will mistake the two. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Although the Equus shares its cohort's platform, it measures 7.2 inches longer.
Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights can swivel to better illuminate corners. A forward corner-view camera is optional.
By the measurements, the Equus' cabin isn't appreciably larger than the Genesis' — front and rear legroom are up less than half an inch — but both cars meet the EPA's large-car classifications, so few shoppers should be wanting for space.
Nor should they be wanting for features. The dash comes wrapped in French-stitched leather, and it adorns more places — most notably the center console surroundings and steering wheel — than in the Genesis. Both front seats employ heating and cooling, and a massaging driver's seat is optional. The Genesis' uplevel Lexicon stereo is standard.
Backseat options include power-reclining seatbacks, heated and cooled upholstery, side and rear sun visors and a massaging rear seat with a power-extending ottoman. Hyundai also plans to distinguish the Equus shopping and ownership experience with valet service appointments, at-home test drives and Equus-specific sections at select Hyundai dealerships. In lieu of a physical owner's manual, Hyundai will also offer an Apple iPad with an electronic version installed.
