Hammer down, and 385 free-revving horsepower rocket the Equus along in a smirk-eliciting hurry. All models drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic and will vaporize the rear tires if drivers get on the gas aggressively. End of the day, the engine and gearbox feel just as smooth, refined and responsive as any comparable German or Japanese hardware.
Note that snow tires should be considered mandatory for winter driving.
One big gripe
Cars in this price range typically offer up few things to complain about, but your writer did find the tester’s steering poorly matched to its suspension system. Unlike the locked-down feel presented by similar German models, Equus’s steering feels too light and overassisted for its super-soft suspension.
At speed, it can feel nervous and twitchy rather than stable and heavy—even like driving an inflatable Bouncy-Castle in some situations. I also wished for a headlight washer system and a more premium feel and look to a few of the cabin controls.
First class on a budget
Want one? Only a few Canadian dealerships sell Hyundai’s flagship. Special staff take the vehicle to shoppers for test drives, and swap service loaners with owners when repairs or maintenance are required. This concierge-based service further replicates the ownership experience of a six-digit posh-rocket—minus the six digit pricing.
And keeping pricing and context in mind, it doesn’t feel much like a great big Korean knock off. I’ll go out on a limb here—but call the Equus about 85 percent as good as an established flagship running one-hundred-plus.
Those aspiring to own a relatively affordable world-class luxury cruiser can check one out from $63,000.
Note that snow tires should be considered mandatory for winter driving.
One big gripe
Cars in this price range typically offer up few things to complain about, but your writer did find the tester’s steering poorly matched to its suspension system. Unlike the locked-down feel presented by similar German models, Equus’s steering feels too light and overassisted for its super-soft suspension.
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| The Equus offers 85% of the prestige and qualities of a well-established, six-digit, large luxury sedan. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
At speed, it can feel nervous and twitchy rather than stable and heavy—even like driving an inflatable Bouncy-Castle in some situations. I also wished for a headlight washer system and a more premium feel and look to a few of the cabin controls.
First class on a budget
Want one? Only a few Canadian dealerships sell Hyundai’s flagship. Special staff take the vehicle to shoppers for test drives, and swap service loaners with owners when repairs or maintenance are required. This concierge-based service further replicates the ownership experience of a six-digit posh-rocket—minus the six digit pricing.
And keeping pricing and context in mind, it doesn’t feel much like a great big Korean knock off. I’ll go out on a limb here—but call the Equus about 85 percent as good as an established flagship running one-hundred-plus.
Those aspiring to own a relatively affordable world-class luxury cruiser can check one out from $63,000.
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