Introduction
The Hyundai Equus is a full-size 4-door luxury sedan, Hyundai's flagship model. The model was first introduced in the Korean market in 1999, but the second generation--introduced in 2009 and brought to the United States a year later--is an entirely new model. It's much larger than the sedans and compacts for which Hyundai is better known, and features a more upscale profile, plus a distinctive front end. The Equus features rear-wheel drive, and is available in two trim levels: Signature and Ultimate. Its competitors include the Lexus LS, Cadillac XTS, Lincoln MKS, and the Jaguar XF. The 2013 model carries over unchanged from the previous year, when Hyundai gave the Equus a new V-8 engine and an upgraded transmission, among other changes.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Hyundai Equus is offered in four colors: black, platinum, white, and grey. Standard exterior equipment on the Signature trim level includes 19-inch staggered chrome alloy wheels, a distinctive front grille treatment, adjustable air suspension, adaptive automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, fog lights, keyless entry and ignition, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, and a dual exhaust system. The Ultimate trim level adds a power trunk lid. According to the manufacturer, the Equus' high-efficiency LED lighting minimizes energy consumption.
Interior Features
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat climate control, cruise control, full power accessories, premium leather upholstery and extensive leather interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated power front seats (12-way adjustable for the driver, 10-way for the passenger), power rear sunshade, and heated rear seats. Upholstery is black or grey. The Ultimate trim level adds a forward-view cornering camera, replaces the rear bench seat with reclining bucket seats, power-operated rear seat sunshades, rear footrests, ventilated rear seat, rear center console with refrigerator, a rear entertainment system, rear vanity mirrors, and power-adjustable headrests. Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, a navigation system with touch-screen interface, HD Radio, and a 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system with satellite radio are also standard. The Hyundai Equus seats five in Signature trim, or four in Ultimate trim. Trunk capacity is 16.7 cubic feet.
Optional Features
Hyundai considers both Equus trim levels comprehensive: no option packages or optional accessories are available from the factory.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Hyundai Equus is powered by a 429-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 376 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode that sends power to the rear wheels.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Hyundai Equus are 15/23/18 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
Standard safety features on the Equus include anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, driver knee air bag, front-seat and rear-seat side-impact air bags, and side curtain air bags, plus a lane-departure warning system and a rearview camera. To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the crashworthiness of the 2013 Hyundai Equus. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Equus received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof strength protection.
Technology
According to Hyundai, the Equus' Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine combines with the 8-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive layout that makes the vehicle perform less like a traditional luxury car and more like a high-performance sports sedan. Several other of the automaker's technological initiatives are available on the 2013 Hyundai Equus. The telematics system features a built-in GPS that is connected to various other electronic devices in the vehicle, so as to provide the driver with comprehensive information and ensure a safer drive.
