SPIED: FIRST Shots Of The All-New Hyundai Equus Show A VASTLY Different Car — Who's It Targeting?

For quite a bit of time now, spy shots have trickled in and, frankly, none have been far too surprising. The reason for this is simple: either we get an all-out preview at one of the major auto shows as a vehicle in concept form, or a lot of all-new vehicles are simply evolutions.

That's not to say that spy shots aren't exciting, it's just they're not as dramatic as they were months ago.

It seems that Hyundai may be changing that pattern though. That's because its all-new Equus sedan has appeared and, if I am honest, it is a significant change from what currently exists.

Whereas the last-gen car looked like it was styled in the Far East, this vehicle looks like it will boast a much more significant presence and speak to North American and European tastes.

Look at the roofline that terminates with as sharply kinked C-Pillar. How about that Mercedes-Benz S-Class-inspired rear end? Check out that HUGE front grille that I am assuming will mimic the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

It seems like Hyundai is swinging for the fences this time around.


**To see the FULL collection of spy shots, click "Read Article" below!

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cidflekken - 3/28/2015 7:35:10 PM

+1 Boost

I'm all for differentiation in a car line, but based on the roofline, the Equus seems to really be straying from the family. Not sure if that's good or bad.

iamdabest1 - 3/28/2015 11:10:34 PM

+7 Boost

even if they're targeting the S, 7, A8, LS, it doesnt mean much. i cant imagine anyone wanting a true premium car going for an equus.

leej - 3/29/2015 8:50:44 AM

-3 Boost

For some, only BMW and Mercedes can build 'premium' automobiles. With all that engineering, one is left wondering why 'value' and 'reliability' cannot be part of the formula.

I think many of us are nonplussed to walk into a BMW dealership to see an array of identical vehicles in different sizes with ridiculous pricing structures that take one model from $35k to $60k, or $55k to $110k. Then we hear the laughable claim that all maintenance is free over the life of the lease. Free? Bwahahaha! Believe me, you pay for that maintenance.

skytop - 3/29/2015 9:15:33 AM

+5 Boost

It much easier to plagiarize and copy other makers work than design and develop their own.
The Korean cars have NO self identity and look like failed, pale copies of cars.

pepito66 - 3/29/2015 10:05:48 AM

+5 Boost

Such a great comment. Thank you.

MDarringer - 3/29/2015 1:41:48 PM

-5 Boost

Then again making one's own design language is no guarantee of taste. Witness Mercedes' tasteless ghetto bling designs.

jtz7 - 3/31/2015 12:03:43 PM

+1 Boost

Let's bring all the non Korean cars to the kitchen table shall we? Acura MDX and 2009 Mazda 6 hint side profiles. Buick Regal and Volvoo S60 hint backends. 2016 Pilot and Chevy Traverse hint greenhouses. Infinti EX, Mazda CX-5 and 2009 Suburu Impraza hatch, greenhouses.
Dodge Dart, Lancer, 2009 Tundra, Chevy Sonic, Audi, hint frontends.

Fusion and Ashton hint faces. Chevy Orlando and Isuzu Axiom hint greenhouses.

jtz7 - 3/31/2015 12:05:18 PM

+1 Boost

Let's bring more out shall we? 2009 Pilot and Scion XB hint backends.

leej - 3/29/2015 10:23:40 AM

-2 Boost

Copying is something ALL automakers do on some level. Look at today's design trends and you will not find a unique shape among them. If anyone tries to break out of the mold, people freak out. You see it happen on this site just over a unique grille design. So, stop acting like the Germans have cornered the market on some unique design sensibility. It just isn't so.

The prejudices of so many posters here against Asian autos is palpable. Even amongst the German fanboys, you all attack each other. What an odd bunch.

MDarringer - 3/30/2015 12:12:37 PM

-2 Boost

People here who bash Asian premium efforts are in essence intolerant bigots.

jtz7 - 3/31/2015 12:20:09 PM

+1 Boost

Audi could stand to copy someone, I'm tired of the 10 year old look now.

MDarringer - 3/29/2015 10:26:22 AM

-4 Boost

Hyundai/Kia needs to create a premium brand and put its premium-oriented products under it. That said, the current Equus sells almost as many units as the Jaguar XJ. Given that the latter is an utter market failure against the S Class and 7 Series, it shows that Hyundai still has a long way to go.

MBguy - 3/29/2015 9:16:48 PM

+1 Boost

@leej

BMW never said "scheduled maintenance is free."

They say this: "scheduled maintenance at no extra cost."

Big difference. (Seriously).

iamdabest1 - 3/29/2015 10:02:08 PM

+1 Boost

that whole BMWs maintenance free isn't true because its built into the cost is nonsense.
i went into an audi dealership for an rs5 and they quoted me 1075 per month for a 76k car. i tell these morons that i can get a 77k m4 right now for 915 AND THE MAINTENANCE IS INCLUDED, and these RETARDS at audi say " its built into the cost "
im like "your argument doesn't make sense, its still cheaper than the rs5 !!!!!!"

jtz7 - 3/31/2015 12:07:57 PM

+1 Boost

I look at it this way, if you are at a dealership looking at a 77K-100k car, what does it matter about a little maintenace fee?

Bellomo13 - 3/30/2015 11:38:08 AM

+1 Boost

I have Video of the car driving outside NYC in traffic. From what I could see it looked great

ParadoX - 3/30/2015 2:44:59 PM

+1 Boost

I don't mind them stealing design cues. The products are well built and provide everything one would expect at that price. If anything, the consumer is the one who benefits. The Germans are being forced to compete.

jtz7 - 3/31/2015 12:17:33 PM

+1 Boost

Design cues: Lets bring alll the design cues to the kitchen table shall we: Ford 500 and Pontiac Grand Prix hint backends (1 design cue).

2008 Chevy Malibu and 2008 Mercedes C class hint headlights (2 design cues).

2008 Honda Ridgeline and 2009 Mazda Tribute hint headlights (3 desin cues).

Dodge Dart and 2008 Hyundai Elantra hint greenhouses (4 design cues).

2004 Camry, Pontiac G6 hint side profiles (5 design cues).

2015 Ford Escape, Jeep Campass, 2015 Rav-4, Pontaic Vibe, 2006 Mazda 6, hint side profiles (that's 6 design cues).

2007 Kia Kee and 2015 Ford F150 and 2014 Chevy Impala grilles: hint Kia's Signature grille (that's 7 design cues).

2015 Ford Ranger and Dodge Durango hint frontends (that's 8 design cues).

2016 Chvey Volt and Mazda 6 hint greenhouses (that's 9 design cues (can I get 10?)).

Hmmmm, lets see. Oh yeah!!! Mitsubishi Mirage, Mazda 3 and 2016 Scion IA hint greenhouses (that's 10 design cues).