2014 Hyundai Equus: Lexus For Less
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It's not easy to force your way into the luxury conversation, but this is exactly what Hyundai has done with the full-size Equus sedan. In fact, it's much easier to lose your way instead, a la Lincoln or Acura, and start to fade completely from the public's perception of what a premium car should be. Hyundai deserves all of the attention that it has been getting from those who might have never previously considered piloting one of the previous brand's cars, but who have been intrigued enough by the Equus to stop by a showroom and at least sit behind the wheel to soak up the view.
And what a view it is. For 2014 the Hyundai Equus has been given a refresh inside and out that makes the vehicle even more appealing than its very affordable $64,799 price tag has already done. It's hard to know what's more shocking: the fact that Hyundai has built a car that can go head-to-head with pricier rivals like Lexus, or the concept that one doesn't have to shell out six figures to own a very good luxury cruiser.
Quiet Confidence
The 2014 Hyundai Equus actually stands out a little bit less than it did last year, from a visual perspective, as the automaker elected to smooth out its bumpers and delete the chrome that used to inhabit their now-sleeker skins. LED fog lights make an appearance, too, but other than a set of new 19-inch rims the Equus has had its tweaks kept casual in an effort to build on, rather than revise its road presence.
It's easier to detect the fruits of the Equus' redesign when examining the interior of the car, which has been reorganized by way of a new dashboard that is complemented by a fresh center stack. An inviting set of controls can be found both directly in front of the driver as well as on the center console, although I found it a bit difficult to properly navigate the car's on-screen menus - a feat that can also be accomplished from the car's back seat, which can be outfitted with a pair of LCD screens in the forward headrests that provide full access to the vehicle's climate and infotainment systems.
Smooth, Insulated Ride
The rear quarters are honestly the best spot from which to sample the 2014 Hyundai Equus' charms. In addition to the confusing, but comprehensive set of controls attached to the car's rear console (a fold-down feature which replaces the permanent unit that was available in last year's car), the right-side passenger can move the front right seat forward and backward as well as tilt it out of the way at the touch of a button, maximizing comfort and minimizing fuss. The amount of room in the rear of the car is top-notch, and combined with the Hyundai's very quiet ride and compliant suspension system it's every bit the equal of rivals like the Lexus LS 460.
Of course, driving the 2014 Hyundai Equus is no consolation prize, either - the sedan's 5.0-liter V8 offers up 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque with reliable precision, and the vehicle's steering is pleasant, if not connected. This isn't a car aimed at those who would rather slalom their way to work than take the most direct route to and from the office, regardless of what the car's Sport button might suggest, but the eight-cylinder engine combined with its eight-speed automatic transmission are respectfully willing to accelerate the heavy sedan to whatever speed your chauffeur feels is prudent.
Value, Value, Value
When you're the new kid in town, you need to stand out to get noticed. In the world of luxury flagships, it's tough to out-excess players like Mercedes-Benz, so the Hyundai Equus has elected to target lower-hanging fruit like the Lexus LS and overwhelm the Japanese staple when it comes to value. Are there really people out there shopping for a high end sedan that care more about the price tag than provenance? Sales figures certainly suggest that the answer to this question is 'yes,' because the Equus has taken a bite out of the shrinking buyer base for the LS at a time when most full-size premium cars aren't enjoying any kind of growth at all. For the money, the 2014 Hyundai Equus presents a strong case for delivering top-tier features and comfort to the masses in a package that is worthy of the respect - if not the concern - of the segment's elder statesmen.
