I really looked forward to driving the redesigned 2014 Equus Ultimate, Hyundai's premium luxury sedan that's challenging the top-tier brands in North America, including Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Cadillac XTS, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
When the Equus Ultimate arrived at my office in late March, the visual refinements were immediately apparent in the front bumper fascia and grille, sweeping body lines, new side mirrors, tail lamp graphics, sculpted LED fog lamps, and elegant 19-inch, turbine-blade wheels.
Appropriately fitting the Equus conservative, elegant body shape, the test car wore a shade of paint titled, Black Noir Pearl.
A quick glance inside revealed that the entire instrument panel and center stack has been reconfigured and finished in more elegant materials.
At first, the suggested price of $61,000 for the base Equus is an eye-opener, but in defense, that tidy sum does include more than 40 high-ticket features as standard equipment.
Premium leather fills the five passenger cabin, including front and rear seats, dash and the heated steering wheel. An advanced and luxurious new feature is the thermoelectric devices positioned in the seat backs and bottom cushions that provide control for heating, cooling and humidity.
Located on the center rear armrest is the 'relax' button. When that button is pushed, the front passenger seat moves forward while the rear seat reclines all the way back, which Hyundai equates to business-class airline seating.
The standard Lexicon audio system includes a 13-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing 598 watts of power in 7.1 discrete surround sound audio. Equus also offers the clarity of digital HD Radio technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iPod/USB integration.
Hyundai engineers were able to further reduce interior noise levels and improve ride and handling on the '14 Equus, which is partially credited to the cars rigid and lightweight high-tensile body structure.
When you add-in the Ultimate package, the price jumps another $7,000, and with the required $920 for inland freight and handling, the total ticket rang-up to $68,920.
For that outlay, buyers are upgraded to a full 12.3-inch display LCD unit (replaces 9.2-in) in the instrument cluster display, windshield heads-up display, power-actuated soft-close doors, and a series of cameras that provide forward-view cornering, rearview and 360-degree views around the entire car.
Additionally, the sedan is outfitted with power tilt-and-slide sunroof, rear side window sunshades, cooled rear seats, and a rear seat entertainment system with dual 9.2 inch, high-resolution video screens.
For high tech fans, the cockpit boasts new Blue Link technology, Driver Information System (DIS) with navigation, XM satellite radio, HD radio technology, and hands-free Bluetooth phone system.
Standard powertrain on all Equus models is the 5.0-liter Tau V-8 engine that delivers 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque to the rear-wheels.
Each Tau V-8 is mated with a sophisticated, in-house eight-speed automatic transmission that includes Shiftronic manual shift mode and lock-up torque converter for smoother performance and improve fuel economy.
Equus models come loaded with key safety technologies, such as electronic stability control, electronic active front head restraints, lane departure warning system, smart cruise control that monitors and adjusts following distances in traffic, vehicle stability management system that optimally manages the electronic parking brake, and seatbelt tensioning system.
There is an easy open/close trunk lid, with a low, wide liftover into the trunk. A respectable 16.7 cu. ft. of luggage room includes a premium cargo mat and luggage net. A full-size 18-inch alloy wheel and spare tire is standard.
The first few days I drove the Equus, it was over a wide-variety of smooth, rough, slick and snowy conditions, which provided me the opportunity to further appreciation the vehicle's electronic air suspension with continuous damping control. I also made use of the drive mode select system for Normal, Sport or Snow situations.
While the Equus Ultimate is a large car, it doesn't feel over-sized or clumsy due to its near perfect front-to-rear weight distribution, which translates into exceptional handling balance and more refined steering characteristics.
Thanks to its electro-hydraulic steering, the Equus has a 39.6 foot turning circle, and with electronic parking guide assist, it's easy to maneuver and park, even in crowded urban settings.
Acceleration from 0-to-60 mph takes a mere six-seconds, and the car offers seamless pickup for outstanding passing performance.
After living with the Equus for an entire week, I've come to better understand the growing interest in the upscale model. Hyundai claims that in early '14, the Equus was the number-one shopped premium luxury sedan. Sales in April 2014 garnered a 9.2 percent gain over April 2013.
For 2014, the Equus Ultimate edition delivers a first-rate ride; plenty of creature comforts, a performance-bred powertrain and a dazzling array of upscale amenities at a competitive price. All reasons why Hyundai is conquering new territories in today's higher echelon automotive community.
Vehicle: luxury large-size sedan - rear-wheel drive
Type: four-door, five-passenger, front engine
Wheelbase: 119.9 in.
Overall Length: 203.1 in.
Overall Width: 74.4in.
Overall Height: 58.7 in.
Curb Weight: 4,570 lbs.
Weight Distribution: 52/48 percent front/rear
Fuel: Unleaded regular, 87 octane
EPA (city/hwy): 15/23
Price Range: $59,250 to $68,920
Competitors: Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Cadillac XTS, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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