PHOTO GALLERY: Can The 2011 Hyundai Equus STAND Up To Other Large Luxury Sedans?

Yes. Looks less cheesy than the Roller.

it may look cheesy next to the Rolls but you gotta admit its nice. I am not feeling the emblem that much they could of did something different...but for them to do this for the first time I think it looks good...Hyundai is coming up strong and I think the EQUUS will get part of the Lexus LS market or people in the market for one. I would like to see the progress of this and the Genesis in the next 10 years hyundai is bring something different to the table and people are biting beleive it or not

it's hard to believe that's a hyundai. surprisingly clean-lined and rather good looking. performance sounds buick-like based on reviews so far. but not a bad first effort.

Why am I think that Hyundai is going to be much more successful than VW was/will ever be with the Phaeton?

sad but ture

The interior is seriously missing something... doesn't seem warm and welcoming even with all the wood and leather, and the plastic looks very cheap.

And the exterior... nice lines and curves, but they just don't come together very well.

Agreed on the interior. I think the Genesis interior actually looks more expensive that this.

The Equus looks like a nice car. Of course how it drives will dictate it true value.

Regarding the Phaeton, it is still one of the best cars in the world. If by success others mean volume sales then I am afraid that the Phaeton will never have volume. However, if success is determined by quality and design then the Phaeton is truly a success.

As a previous owner of a Phaeton I for one am looking forward to the Phaeton's return to the USA . Not everyone needs others to validate what they drive to feel good or know that they are driving a great car.

So, dbtimes1, I have a question for you. How did the overall electronics perform on your Phaeton, because I have heard that the electronics were very problematic. And this is not a rhetorical question or a "diss" for that matter. I would just like to know thats all.

Hi edeus123,

I had the car on lease for 3 years and there was one incident with the AC not blowing cold but was fixed. That was my only issues with the car. I had outstanding service from my dealer. They would even wax the car if I ask them too (no charge).

The only issue the dealers really had was that since the Phaeton was such a low volume car all the Techs were not trained (high cost) on how to service it therefore, the service appoints had to be set up in advance. If a Phaeton owner had an unscheduled issue then that would back up the other Phaeton's scheduled for service. I imagine that the not having enough techs with experience contributed to the perception of lousy service that some experienced. I can say that Lexus had the same issues when they launched. However, the way Lexus handled the issues (even if the owner had a small complaint) is that they would buy the car back or give the client a new car.

BTW- The premium sound system was awesome and voted the best factory sound system by a number of magazines.

I look forward to being able to buy the another Phaeton once they are re-imported to the USA.

Looks nice overall but the design cues which it lifted from LS460 are very obvious and that takes away some respect/credit from Equus. Anyway good first effort from Hyundai.
But is it going to sell? Here Hyundai Centennial and Centennial Limousine is available for almost a year now and have only seen one on the road so far and this is the region where BMW, Mercedes...etc sell more 7 Series, S class than their smaller cars like 3 series and C class. So far it proving to be another VW Phaeton at least in Middle East.

JUGNU

It looks like a Lexus knockoff...Why God Why would you make a knockoff of a Lexus

You know this is creeping me out, because it is bland, but yet its trying it hardest to have a presence about itself.

And for the record I like Hyundai, but just not this. It just lacks personality unlike the Genesis.

Regarding why a Lexus knock-off? Ask Buick--they're doing great with this strategy. Also tell me if I'm the only one who doubletakes the new BMW 7 Series rear end and if that looks like the LS.

I've sat in this Equus at the Chicago auto show and it's an incredible bargain for the money. The interior and features are stunning. I have a Lexus now and would buy the Equus when it gets the upgraded motor next spring.

So, Movan, in your opinion how do the car look overall? From the exterior presence to the interior do-dads, how do the car really stack up against the competitors? Now be sincere and give a honest answer.

"if I'm the only one who doubletakes the new BMW 7 Series rear end and if that looks like the LS"

You are not the only one, I also think rear end of new 7 looks like LS. But similarity is less than 50% but in case of Equus similarity is more than 90%.

JUGNU

@ Movan: I actually like the LS' rear end better than the 7 Series'

I think the design is very bland and Toyota-like, but at least the car has a name (Equus sounds cool), and not the ubiquitous alpha-numeric designation.

I wasn't wild about the Genesis when it first came out either, but then I became a big fan of it. Maybe the same will be true with this car.

I think this cars exterior is HOTTTT to def! but the interior is about 80% there...is a little cheap looking but better than it could have been.

The interior is simple but elegant without appearing garish. The exterior isn't striking but it doesn't have to be. I think Hyundai got this right for the demographic that will find it appealing.

Also remember that this is a low volume vehicle, somewhere are around 2k to 3k per year at best. Hyundai plans to use this vehicle to promote the halo effect around their other models.

This is an amazing car! We had the pleasure to have the 2011 Equus, the first one in the SouthEast, on our lot! Hyundai is not only against all odds when compared to BMW, Lexus or Mercedes but who has the ability to have 10 years/100,000 mile warranty ... Hyundai! If you're around the Orlando area please visit us! http://www.orlandohyundai.com to see how you can test drive this amazing vehicle today!