Hyundai's Equus Brought Luxury In A Mass Market Wrapper - But Can VW's Phaeton Capitalize In The Same Way?

Actually Lexus was once considered a knock off.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 12:57:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I would also like to add that in Asia the Lexus nameplate doesn't mean as much as it does on American soil. For example in Asia the Toyota Prado, is essentially the Lexus GX, but us living in this 'bubble' declines any comparison between the two cause Lexus is king. MMMMMmmmmmm not quite.

The Camry in Asia is as well built as an ES.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 5:10:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

009 meant that Lexus was once considered a knockoff when it first came out with the LS400 in the 90s. Not in recent times.

— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 11:59:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Agent 63, the Camrys in Asia that are built in Thailand have their share of problems or defects. Whether its poor build quality of the parts or sub-standard quality controls, I do not know for sure. But I have first hand knowledge involving a Previa minivan and several Camrys concerning rattling rack and pinion assemblies. In other models, tailgate and hood struts failing within a few months of taking delivery, and unexplained stalling of diesel engines.

Since Asian countries do not have Lemon Laws, these problems are simply kept to themselves and "sometimes" fixed through vehicle's warranty. In some cases, parts and labor are fixed under warranty but the same problem arises after warranty expires and the owner has to fix this same problem/defect at their own expense.

— wins555 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/26/2012 12:12:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

First paragraph.... possibly a return of the Phaeton.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 1:33:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The Equus is way way nicer looking than the ugly Phaeton. Even though Equus' power train something to brag about, but I'm talking design wise.

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 12:26:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Still confused about an idea of something smaller than the Tiguan working in the US and a CUV in between the Tiguan and Touareg and not bigger than the Touareg.

— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 12:53:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

The problem with Phaeton is/was that VW are charging similar money as much better and prestigious Audi A8. Also the phaeton's design does not help either, it looks like a jumbo Passat.

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 2:11:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Phaeton was over $100K wasn't it? Equus is low 60s and they sell about 300 a month. Not sure who should be disappointed and who should feel like they've accomplished something.

Just go by a real luxury car if you're spending 60K or more if you really think its worth it.

— HughJass (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 3:43:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I would buy a PHAETON or a EQUUS in a heart beat if they were priced under $50K. Both cars are extremely nice and probably up to par with my LS. Additionally, not too many of them on the roads, I like that.

BTW badgewhore not sure what prior problems you've had with VW but I invite you to ride on our TOUAREG and see if its a step below KIA. We tried them all from the RX (which everyone in my neighbourhood owns one) to the ML and X5. And yes, we can easily afford any of them but the wife fell for the TOUAREG with the V8 and 350hp. It kicks butt!
You are just so full of envy my friend. Don't be afraid to try other things in life, you will be happier and don't fall in love with a single manufacturer.

— USNA1999 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/25/2012 5:24:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Wikipedia lists some of the changes that the European Phaeton has undergone since it's introduction. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VW_Phaeton

Overall there has been some minor updating but essentially it's the same car. I some respects this can be a good thing as some luxury car makes change their body styles so often you can easily drop 50-100K on a new car only to find yourself driving an "older" model a couple of years later before you've even fully paid off your car loan. (One reason that favors leasing to buying when looking at luxury cars.)

I do hope VW reintroduces the Phaeton to the US market not because I expect it to capture the US luxury car segment, because it won't, but because competition and choices are always good for the consumer. If they do reintroduce it they really need to ramp up their added services to make purchasing this car worthwile. Hyundai offer Equus purchasers an app that not only allows you to schedule services but they will come to your location to pick up and re-deliver your car and provides you with a free loaner in the interval. If VWNA offers Phaeton purchasers a similar arrangement it'll be a vast improvement over what they offered in the past. Offering more engine options in the US would also be nice.

— Eyecarehawaii (View Profile)

Posted on 7/27/2012 3:20:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1