Hyundai invested two decades into something that would end up as Genesis. This luxury brand makes cars capable of competing with major names in the business, such as Mercedes-Benz or Lexus. It all started with a model called Equus, the company's first full-size luxury car.
From today's perspective, it seems like an exciting alternative to German and Japanese luxury brands on the used cars market. Is it as good as models with premium badges? We will try to find out in the following paragraphs.
The First Generation of Hyundai Equus (1999-2009)
Back in the '90s, Hyundai was known as a company that made cheap but not-so-great cars. The management wanted to get rid of such a reputation, and the logical choice was to design a full-size luxury sedan that would compete with models like Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS.
So, the Korean manufacturer started a joint venture with Mitsubishi to create a car that would be way more affordable but highly competitive in this demanding market.
The all-new model was named Hyundai Equus. It came as a proper full-size sedan, with a longitudinally mounted engine, front-wheel drive, and a level of luxury never seen before in a Hyundai.
The car featured an advanced chassis setup, with independent suspension on both ends, ventilated disc brakes, and more.
The Hyundai Equus was offered in two variants—a full-size sedan and a limousine with a stretched wheelbase and bigger dimensions.
Dimensions
As mentioned, Hyundai offered the first generation in two variants.
- The standard sedan version was 1,870mm wide and 1,465mm high, with 2,840mm wheelbase and 5,065mm total length. After the 2003 refresh, the car grew slightly bigger, with a wheelbase of 10mm more, total length of 5,120mm, and a height of 1,480mm.
- The limousine version was notably bigger, with 3,080mm in wheelbase and 5,335mm in total length. This car was also slightly higher, while the width was pretty much the same. Just like in the sedan, dimensions increased slightly after the 2003 refresh.
Engines
Considering that the new luxury sedan was planned for various markets worldwide, the company offered a variety of engines, some of which were borrowed from Mitsubishi, while others were designed by Hyundai.
For instance, the base 3.0-litre V6 was Mitsubishi's 6G7 engine, while the 3.5-litre V6 was designed by Hyundai.
The Korean manufacturer also designed a new 4.5-litre V8 engine with a dual overhead cam design.
Initially, this engine featured direct fuel injection. However, such a design required premium fuel, so the company eventually introduced a multi-point injection version, slightly less efficient but more resistant to lower-quality fuel.
After 2003, Hyundai introduced a couple of new engines (3.3L and 3.8L) from the new Lambda series, which are present even in some of today’s models in the company’s line-up. With certain modifications, of course.
The Second Generation of Hyundai Equus (2009-2016)
After an entire decade in production, the original model desperately needed a redesign, so the Korean manufacturer did a complete makeover. The new generation brought so many novelties and improvements, including a more attractive design and refined interior.
Still, changes under the skin were even more interesting, starting from an entirely new platform. Unlike the previous generation, the new model featured rear-wheel drive, just like the competition.
The new model brought notably bigger dimensions and a completely new chassis and suspension. Both ends of the vehicle featured independent multi-link suspension with a transverse stabilizer, and all wheels had ventilated disc brakes—345mm at the front and 314mm at the rear end.
The new generation brought a lot of advanced systems and technical solutions, starting from the Electronically-controlled Air Suspension (EAS) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC).
This was the first time to see such technical solutions in a Hyundai, including features like:
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Collision avoidance system that optimally manages ESC
- Electronic parking brake
- Radar smart cruise control
- and a few more advanced driver-assist features
Like the original model, the second generation also came either as a sedan or limousine. The sedan was codenamed VS, while the limousine carried the VL badge.
Dimensions
Compared to the first generation, the second generation brought a notable size increase. The sedan version features 3,045mm in wheelbase and 5,160mm in total length. The car is 1,900mm wide and 1,490mm high.
The limousine features a 300-mm longer wheelbase, while the total length goes up to 5,460mm. On the other hand, the height and width are the same.
Hyundai Equus Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 3,045 mm (Sedan); 3,345 mm (Limousine)
- Length: 5,160 mm (Sedan); 5,460 mm (Limousine)
- Width: 1,900 mm
- Height: 1,490–1,495 mm
- Curb weight: 1,875–2,040 kg (Sedan); 2,040–2,150 kg (Limousine)
Engines
This redesign also brought an entirely new engine line-up. Base models were equipped with a 3.8-litre V6, with 213kW and 358Nm of torque. A few years later, this engine gained direct injection and a power increase to 246kW and 395Nm of torque.
A 4.6-litre V8 was in production for just two years until 2011. The initial version featured a max output of 269kW and 439Nm of torque, while the 2010 model came with increased power to 287kw and 450Nm of torque.
Finally, the Hyundai Equus VL 500 limousine was offered with a 5.0-litre V8 and a max output of 294kW and 500Nm of torque. In 2011, this engine gained direct injection and gained more power. It also became available in the sedan version.
Initial models were equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2011 model year brought powertrain upgrades and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
2014 Facelift
The 2014 Hyundai Equus brought significant updates and upgrades, starting from the new styling. It got a new front fascia, new headlamps, grille design, side mirrors, 19-inch wheels, taillamps and many more.
Changes were made on the inside and the dashboard, particularly. We saw some reshaping, a new centre console and a lot of new tech features, such as a digital instrument cluster, and a bigger infotainment screen.
There were also changes to the front suspension, which ensured a better ride quality.
Does Hyundai still make the Equus?
No, Hyundai no longer builds the Equus, which was in production until 2016. The termination of the Equus marked the introduction of a new luxury brand called Genesis. This brand produces several luxury cars and SUVs, and we could say that the model called G90 is a spiritual successor of the Equus.
Is Hyundai Equus a reliable car?
The Equus is pretty much average in terms of reliability. Keep in mind, however, that this is a full-size luxury car, so repairs and maintenance can be expensive.
The second generation has a few issues with electrics here and there, and a few suspension problems were reported. On the other hand, there are no significant issues with the first generation, but some powertrains require premium fuel.
Do you want to advertise your Hyundai Equus for sale? You can do that at our website and find more interested buyers. If you have trouble finding replacement parts, we can help you—just send us a request!
By Nebojsa Grmusa