2014 Hyundai Equus

NEW FOR 2014:

- Rear VIP seating with integrated fridge discontinued

When it comes to understated luxury, few vehicles can top the Hyundai Equus. Korea’s rival aims directly at the Lexus LS, and does a good job at mimicking its comfort and performance. Graced with refined but conservative styling, the Equus slips by unnoticed – and for some buyers, that’s a big bonus. Interestingly, there’s nary a Hyundai badge to be found inside or out.

Although the Equus sells in small numbers in Canada, Hyundai chose to import the latest facelifted version which brings its flagship new luxury and technology features. Refreshed styling and turbine-spoke 19-inch wheels give it a stately, traditional look. Much more impressive is the cabin; the centre stack and console have been redesigned and fitted with Hyundai’s latest infotainment technology including an available all-TFT 12.3-inch instrument cluster and head-up display. Despite competing against the world’s finest luxury vehicles, Hyundai has not lost sight of delivering value for money. Impressively, all Equus models come standard with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go assist, blind spot monitoring, tri-zone climate control, and a five-year, 100,000 kilometre comprehensive warranty.

In addition, the Equus includes concierge service, where the dealer will pick up the car when servicing is required and leave a loaner vehicle, and an iPad with Equus application that also has the owner’s manual in the device.

The Equus rides on a stretched-out version of the Hyundai Genesis’ rear-drive platform. All models ride on air suspension, which, for 2015 has been tweaked to offer a firmer Sport mode, a cushier Normal mode, and an all-new Snow mode. Power comes courtesy Hyundai’s “Tau” direct-injected 5.0-litre V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, unlike most of its rivals, the Equus is rear-drive only. Two trims are available: Signature and Ultimate.

Features on the Signature include 19-inch alloy wheels, air suspension with continuous damping control, proximity key with push-button start, tri-zone climate control, leather-wrapped dashboard, wood trim, premium leather upholstery, suede cloth headliner, 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, memory for seat, mirror and steering wheel, heated leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, AM/FM/CD/DVD and satellite radio, 17-speaker Lexicon sound system, 9.2-inch display audio system with navigation, trip computer, iPod and USB port, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, radar cruise control with stop-and-go assist, 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, rain-sensing wipers, wiper de-icer, humidity sensor, laminated glass, sunroof, illuminated scuff plates, electronic parking brake, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED turn signals, LED fog lights, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual exhaust, and premium floor mats.

The Ultimate adds head-up display, 12.3-inch full TFT instrument cluster display multi-view camera system, forward-view cornering camera, haptic steering wheel dial control, rear-seat entertainment system with dual 9.2-inch displays, ventilated rear seats, power rear-seat head restraints, illuminated rear-seat vanity mirrors, power rear side sunshade, power trunk lid, power rear lumbar support, and soft-close rear doors.