Model Strengths:

• Spacious Interior
• Comfortable Ride
• Strong V8 Performance
• Lavish Trims and Details
• Strong Safety Record
• Equus Ultimate Offers Prestige Luxury for Tens of Thousands Less Than Others In Its Class

Model Overview:

The 2013 Hyundai Equus is a large, comfort-oriented rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, offered in two main models: Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate. Both of these models come with a 5.0L V8 engine, as well as a long list of luxury and safety features that closely matches what's offered in other top luxury sedans. The 429-horsepower V8 'Tau' engine in the Equus incorporates high-pressure direct injection, dual continuously variable valve timing and tuned induction to produce a remarkable combination of power and efficiency. A new 8-speed automatic is mated to the V8 and allows manual control and a very wide span of ratios. Although the Equus is clearly geared more toward comfort than performance, its powerful engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, stiff structure and user-selectable suspension allow some latitude for enthusiastic driving. The combination of a 5-link rear suspension geometry and continuous damping control (CDC) help keep the wheels firmly in contact with the road surface, without bringing too much harshness into the cabin and the air suspension system includes a selectable sport setting if you want a stiffer feel for curvy roads. The big 4-wheel disc brakes as well as electro-hydraulic power steering and a reasonably tight turning circle help give the Equus a tidy, manageable feel on the road.

The Equus comes with a total of nine airbags, including roof-mounted side-curtain bags that cover those in front and in back, plus a driver's side knee airbag. It's also loaded with some of the top safety technology, including a lane departure warning system, smart cruise control and parking-assist cameras.

With soft leather, real wood trim, leather-wrapped, French-stitched seats and even a suede-like Alcantara headliner--plus a very quiet, isolated cabin--the Equus is every bit a luxury car. Front seats are heated and cooled and are soft, wide and supportive. A massage function is included for the driver's seat. Base Equus Signature models include nearly all the bells and whistles, including the air suspension, front and rear parking assist, smart cruise control, HID headlamps, adaptive front lighting and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. A Lexicon Logic 7 surround-sound system is also included that features 17 speakers, 13 channels and 608 watts of power. The system includes HD Radio, XM satellite radio and full iPod integration.
Equus Ultimate models bring the Equus into limousine territory by including a rear-seat entertainment system, a refrigerator, cooled and reclining rear seats, power rear headrests, rear-seat massage adjustable leg support, a power trunklid and a forward-view parking and cornering camera system.

Model Changes:

After significant improvements to the powertrain for 2012, Hyundai leaves the Equus relatively unchanged for 2013. A new color combination of Satin White exterior and Saddle interior is available for 2013, but otherwise the car remains unaltered.

Model Value:

The Equus is Hyundai's luxury flagship, aimed directly at top models from other luxury brands--including the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ--but costing thousands less. The V8 in the Equus, at 429 horsepower, is Hyundai's most powerful engine ever--and more powerful than the engines in the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S550. And the new 8-speed automatic transmission enhances the Equus' performance while still managing to return an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway. There are yet other reasons why the Equus stands out from the luxury pack, and they're not all value-related. According to Hyundai, the Equus has more leg, head, and shoulder room, both in front and in back, than the Lexus LS 460. It's also a standout for safety features, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.