The 2013 Hyundai Equus is a marvelous car, perhaps one of the best full-size luxury values available today. Its looks and drives a lot like the Mercedes Benz S class, yet it costs about half the price.
Equus is Hyundai’s flagship automobile and it can go head to head with any large luxury sedan on the market today. It has all the power and punch necessary to deliver a fun and enjoyable ride. And Hyundai wants Equus buyers to feel special, so owners are treated to special perks; such as requiring the dealer to send a valet to your door when service is needed and giving you a loaner-car while your Equus is gone.
The design of the Equus is striking. Up front there is a subtle horizontal radiator grille and well-proportioned HID headlights with jeweled detailing. LED turn signals are inside the headlights, along with an adaptive front lighting system with white LED position lamps. To assist in parking and navigating blind corners and alleys in urban driving, there is an optional forwardview cornering camera integrated into the grille. To the rear, strong shoulders accentuate the bold taillights and an overall look of precision. The side silhouette is refined, with character lines that accent the rear fenders and a new satin chrome side window.
On the inside, luxury abounds, with leather upholstery, a Microfiber suede headliner, natural wood trim and a leatherwrapped French-stitched instrument panel. The seats are fully adjustable with plenty of width and support. Thermoelectric devices located in the seat backs and bottom cushions provide control for heating, cooling and humidity. There is ample leg and head room for drivers over six-feet tall and a massaging driver seat. The driver’s cockpit boasts an abundance of features and premium services. The Driver Information System (DIS) provides navigation, XM Satellite Radio, HD Radio technology, hands-free Bluetooth phone system and much more.
Equus has Hyundai’s most powerful engine, the direct injection 5.0-liter Tau V- 8. The engine produces 429 hp and is mated to an eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual shift capability for even more power and refinement. This V-8 engine has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction diamond- like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets. Fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
Equus is the third rear-wheel-drive product in Hyundai’s lineup and reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiff, light-weight body structure. Pricing on the 2013 Hyundai Equus Signature starts at $59,250 and $66,250 on the Equs Ultimate.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
